I got a passion to be the best and it stays on the rise
I don't know why I'm so obsessed but it stays on my mind
All my friends showing interest, telling me to record
And I don't even object because when I spit they want more.
Cut a demo then cut a mixtape and paid for my prom
Plus I went from a laughing stock to the popular guy
I've been bitten by something
An itch effecting my sleep
I had a dream that me, DOOM, and Madlib was stuck in a jeep
I tried to go to Art Institute but then dropped out for music
Because my gut wouldn't leave me alone until I would do it
Went to school for recording but couldn't find no employment
Had a friend call me a "Machine" and that's how that shit started
So I came with a disc with a moniker that's legit
I sent it out to some labels but didn't catch any fish
Crying on my knees every night 'cuz I needed to make it
Otherwise, what's the point of this voice creating these statements
You nah mean?

[Chorus]
Ugh
Say what's the true world, huh?
When everybody seem to have they own opinions on your best interests
Talking about your life when they haven't lived it
Fuck'em, we listen to ourselves
That's just how we living in the blue world
Say what's the blue world?
When everybody seem to have they own opinions on your best interests
Talking about your life when they haven't lived it
Fuck'em, we listen to ourselves
That's just how...

[Verse 2]
Dear cousin,

I hope that you're doing well. Say hi to everybody I couldn't reach myself.
Hope I can some soon. I know it's been a minute
Since I was in LA and was able to pay a visit.
How's your Mom doing? How's Juan doing? and How's Turner?
The summer here in Vegas is like we live on a burner, but hey...
I mean, somehow we make it through.
I know you must be happy to have a break from school
Anyway- I've been thinking about you a lot.
When you said you wanted to do what I was doing, I was shocked.
A part of me is ecstatic, I mean elated!
And then another part of me doesn't know how to take it.
Want you to know that I'll support any endeavor that you take on
But understand, I had to write you this letter.
Cause the reality of this life, they never show you
And I been through some things that I never want you to go through.

There's a lot that you don't know...
Like when they don't want to pay you for a 90 minute show.
Like the minute you decide to be behind the pen and your
relationship with the thing that you love will never be the same again.
See, now you dreaming bout a tour.
Put your life into a song everybody will ignore
Waking up, go through your day, think about one thing
And then being haunted by it in your dreams.
People make you promises they don't intend to keep
Magic eye motherfuckers smile when you close but then big surprise
Put a little distance in between,
The smile disappears and they wanna slit your throat.
If I was was smart, I would've got a bachelor's degree
But I been living like success is something guaranteed
Potentially, this shit could break your spirit more than once
People talk to creative people like a fuckin dunce

"We know you starting out, but why should we support?
It's not like anybody pay for music anymore.
Why don't you get a manager? You don't need a manager.
They'll find you. Hey! Why aren't you pro-active?
You sold 100 albums! You don't need any money!
You need to loosen up on stage. Be funny.
You need more swag.
You need more hooks.
Why do you make your voice sound black? For the looks?
You sound like Brother Ali meets Slug, meets Eminem,
meets Macklemore, meets Sage Francis...Aesop Rock...
I'm not posting your music, so just get up off the cock!
You're not a real rapper. You don't cup the mic.
This shit is spoken word because he was never dressing right.
I never would have thought that voice came from you!
You're not bad. It'll take another year or two."

Remember when I moved to New York and you were proud?
You said it looked like I was doing real good.
You need to know something that I never said...

I was on the streets, on and off, for 2 weeks.
Overall homeless for like three months.
In the train station getting woken up by the police.
But that's another story for another month.
People told me if I just stayed positive, and I used "The Secret,"
I could have anything I want.
But it's easy to be told that bullshit when rich, white men
is who it's coming from.
If left unchecked, this dream of profession could turn into full blown
obsession.
And I just want to say that you can do it, but if I haven't done it yet
either, what's the reference?
Believe me
I know what it's like to have a dream!
I know how dope shit looks on tv!
I used to have so many heroes in the game
Now I know that they just as fucked up as me.
I used to look up to'em, now I look down
I tried to stay in New York so you would be inspired
Am I in too shallow or too deep?
'cause I don't know if I still want it sometimes.
I'm tired.

And I ain't tryna tell you now to go for it
This is your life. Only you know what's right.
But ain't nobody else gonna tell you a pat on the back
Ain't always worth its weight in strife

I promise: I'm gonna do all I can to help
I just
Can't tell you if dreams come true...

And that's my hard truth
So I'm leaving this Blue World the minute I leave the booth.

Love,

James