Jimmy Iovine (feat. Ab-Soul)

I put my life on the line

I roll the dice and I'm fine

Cuz all I ever dreamt about was making it

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

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

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

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

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

Steal myself a record deal

Steal myself a record deal

Steal myself a record deal

Steal myself a record deal

If i just went in this slowly

The police would've noticed

Gotta be strategic, I'm creepin'

Go and leave with that motive

Hold up, my plan is forming

All right, casin' this building

Watch these rappers step back

And walk in and leave that with millions (millions)

Heading in sweating, open that front door

"Interscope" printed out by the entrance door closes

Not a metaphor, then I start towards

That front desk, that's right, where you check in

Dressed in an uniform, looking like a janitor

All blue, jumpsuit, why shoot?

Bloodthirsty and I'm eatin' 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 that he stops me

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

And see I break it down if I don't make it out

Then I'm leaving town with that contract

And I'm spazzing out, grabbing the A&R out

This chair and I'm taking him hostage

I don't give a fuck, step into the elevator, press "3"

Now I'm headed up (Heist)

What they don't know: there's a gun in the paint can

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

Stuck in this recession not what you think

If I could get signed my life is destined

Might be good, depends on ink

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

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

I put my life on the line

I roll the dice and I'm fine

Cuz all I ever dreamt about was making it

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

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

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

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

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

If I pass 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

These numbers on the 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' the day have nobody in the house

Wonderin' within if they make art for

I start thinkin', 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

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

Right then felt a cold hand grabbin' the back of my neck

He said, "We've been watching you, so glad you could make it

Your music, get's so impressive and 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."

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

Rather be a starving artist than succeed at getting fucked."