Jimmy Iovine (feat. Ab-Soul)

I put my life on the line

I roll them dice and I'm fine

Cause all I ever dreamt about was makin' it

They ain't giving it, I'm taking it

I’m taking it, taking it, I ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, I ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, I ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, I need all that shit

If I just went in this slowly the police wouldn't notice

Gotta be strategic, creepin, go in, leave with that motive

Hold up, my plan is forming, alright, case in this building

Watch these rappers that rappin' walk in and leave out with millions

Cut in and sway there, open that front door

And it’s gold printed out right by the entrance door closes

Then a metaphor, then I start towards

That front, that’s right, where you check in

Dressed in an uniform, acting like a janitor

All blue, jumpsuit, why shoot?

Bloodthirsty for the money like a bull

Looking in the eyes of the matador (fuck you!)

Carrying 2 cans of paint, Security looks at me awkward

I say third floor I’m late, Paintin' Jimmy Iovine's office

Holding my breath ‘bout to faint

I’m scared to death of that he stops me

Heart beating so loud you can hear the echo in that lobby

And see I'm breaking down if I don’t make it out

Then I’m leaving town with that contract

And I’m spazzing out, cover the in or out

Loose chair and I’m taking him hostage

I don’t give a fuck, step into the elevator press stream

Now I’m headed up (Heist!)

What they don't know is there is a gun and a paint can

And I’m ready and willing to bust ‘em, I'm fucking desperate

Stuck in this recession not what you think

But if I could get signed my life is destined

My future depends on ink

And secretary at the front of the entrance staring right at me

I walk up she whispers go ahead and then gives me a wink

I put my life on the line

I roll them dice and I'm fine

Cause all I ever dreamt about was makin' it

They ain't giving it, I'm taking it

I’m taking it, taking it, I ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, I ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, I ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, I need all that shit

If I get past security, the secretary, the cubicals

But it’s weird, it’s like this room I’ve walked into is unusual

Thought it would be shiny and beautiful

Thought it would be alive and like musical

But it feels like someone died, it’s got the vibe of a funeral

There’s numbers on a chalkboard

CDs boxed in cardboard

Artists that flopped, that got dropped and never got to be sophomores

Graphic designers are sitting around

Waiting for albums that never come out

Complainin’ that they have nobody in house

Wonderin’ what they make art for

I start thinking, am I in the right place?

Just walk forward, see plaques on the wall

Oh yea, in a second those will be all yours

Finally see an office with a mounted sign, heaven sent

Big block silver letters, read it out loud: President (nice!)

This was my chance to grab that contract and turn and jet

Right then felt a cold hand grab on the back of my neck

He said: we’ve been watching you, so glad you could make it

Your music gets so impressive in this whole brand you created

You're one hell of a band, we here think you’re destined for greatness

And with that right song we all know that you’re next to be famous

Now I’m sorry, I’ve had a long day remind me, now what your name is?

That’s right, Macklemore, of course, today has been crazy

Anyway, you ready? We’ll give you a hundred thousand dollars

After your album comes out we’ll need back that money that you borrowed

So it’s really like a loan, a loan? Come on, no

We're a team, 360 degrees, we will reach your goals!

You’ll get a third of the merch that you sell out on the road

Along with a third of the money you make when you’re out doing your shows

Manager gets 20, booking agent gets 10

So shit, after taxes you and Ryan have 7% to split

That’s not bad, I’ve seen a lot worse, No one will give you a better offer than us (mm-hm)

I replied I appreciate the offer, thought that this is what I wanted

Rather be a starving artist than succeed at getting fucked