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Between The World And Me Lyrics - Artist : MC Lars
[MC Lars:]
You're listening to the Bookworm Podcast. This week, we have Ta-Nehisi Coates whose book "Between the World and Me" is a look at institutionalized racism in America today Thanks for being here, I hope it's not that awkward To talk about these topics - but you're like my favorite author I heard that you're a father? This book is for your son? Is it okay if I like it? And I tell everyone? [Mega Ran:] Tell everyone that you meet but be sure to understand That I wrote this for my son, 'cause he's a bout to be a man And I needed him to know That the world that he's coming up in is a ruse And everyone's a threat, even you... [MC Lars:] Hold up, I'm not racist, you can ask my mama I saw the 2Pac movie and I voted for Obama Twice, plus I think the alt-right is disgusting Let's melt those status down, it's not even worth discussing [Mega Ran:] No one is racist, if you let them tell it It's like denying you see color's the new epidemic White supremacy's embedded, and there ain't no getting rid of it But You don't have the privilege to remain ignorant [MC Lars:] Police violence, how do we prevent it? Harassing young black men and siphoning their essence like Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott Freddie Gray, Prince Jones? Honestly it's got to stop [Mega Ran:] "Coincidentally" those were Eric Garners words Right before the moment he was choked out on the curb I ain't got all the answers, but a very small part Is replacing the fear with knowledge, that's a start [MC Lars:] You talk about your father in "the Beautiful Struggle" Vietnam and privilege and piercing the bubble Is that connected to the Richard Wright poem that you quote? In the title of your book? People want to know! [Mega Ran:] Didn't fit in in the schools, wouldn't fit in in the streets Black folks still ain't free, yet a Black life is cheap and Some Police officers in fact have found joy In Instilling fear in the heart of black and brown boys [MC Lars:] Let's talk appropriation? Where's the line? It's been like 40 years, shouldn't rap be color blind? How about Woah Vicky? A modern Al Jolson? Remember Slim Jesus? He's finished, I'm hoping [Mega Ran:] Well, hip-hop will be and forever has been The news network of the streets, the ghetto CNN It's just that I prefer a rapper that speaking with clarity And not blurring the line between artistic and parody [MC Lars:] One final thing that I need to confess The 9/11 part confused me, and I have to address How you felt so disconnected from the firemen who died In the buildings on that Tuesday - they sacrificed their lives! [Mega Ran:] Man, I gamble with my life when I walk down the block Every day wondering if it's the day I get shot From the Mecca to the homeland its impossible to understand Living every day feeling like a wanted man [MC Lars:] You write about plunder, you write about knives Subjugation and fear, that you've seen your whole life National landmarks, still casting a shadow Black Lives do matter, just ask Rachel Maddow [Mega Ran:] Well it's easy for you to say when we never owned y'all For every Rachel Maddow there's a Rachel Dolezal I know it's sounds bleak, but we all play a part In protecting black bodies and furthering the art [MC Lars:] I've got friends in Atlanta, Oakland and Inglewood I'm just trying to stay conscious, use my platform for good Look I'm sorry if I sound misinformed rhymes Your book it really moved me and it opened up my eyes [Mega Ran:] That's really good to hear, so here's what you need to do Buy a couple copies and gift them to your crew And don't forget the names, don't forget the faces Infiltrate spaces of fascists and racists And tell them the truth... tell them the truth. Go on |
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