Un·nec·es·sar·y - Equal

I felt compelled to write after M. Brown,

I had my name spelled out,

My label planned out,

Thought I had it all, but I still had doubt,

"Ain't no way I'ma make it,"

"Ain't no way people gon' take it,"

I had no idea what to do, so I faked it,

Released my first mixtape at school, thought I made it,

Later on, forgot about rap, too busy getting faded,

After that, in 7th grade, it was my turn, for the drug trade,

I didn't think much of it, came home, slower than a slug,

Trapped in bed, didn't know why I felt so snug,

Started thinking, and decided I ain't gon' be labled a thug,

When my homies heard my choice, man, they was struck,

They dropped the news, the whole school passed me with a shrug,

Just that new kid who isn't into dope,

I'm not that religious, but at the time, felt like the Pope,

I got pressured into it, and told myself, "nope,"

I made it through school, maybe there is hope,

3 years later, clean as can be,

You don't need that green to be as keen as you think,

Turn the tables, look at the scene,

I hope I made clear the theme,

You don't need coke to gleam.