(Intro)
Cut off...ignored...overlooked
I mean...they act like I’m not already used to this...ya know
Whole time, I’ve been workin’ at this too long
I know if I build it, they gon’ come...ya know
All I need is one
All I need is one

(Verse 1)
At a lounge on a known strip, Uptown
Frantic planning gives way for calm, hushed sounds
Congregations at the bar, drinks splashed with lime
People whipping out their phones just to pass the time
Busboys sweep the same spots more than once
When newer faces don't appear, never fear, that's when boredom comes
Turntables need caresses in this red light district
Mics turned on by the right kisses
But the hardwood has the only grooves present on the scene
Hear a few mumbles questioning the methods of his team
But sitting at a table is the main act
Undistracted by tonight's events, dude is laid back
Only with a wire tap can you hear his practice runs
Doesn't need his earbuds, memorized the tracks to come
Sippin' on some Earl Grey, breathing in and out slow
Careful with his vocal cords like he's singing alto
There's a warmth in his aura, a fire in his spirit
Knowing there's a chance nobody could hear it
The masterpiece that took several years and overcoming dreaded fears Friends thinking, "Man, his words should be good enough to get 'em here..."

(Chorus)
Hello world, are you listening
If you got time, I'd appreciate you visiting
I might drop a couple jewels, get 'em glistening
Widen your mind a little more is what my mission is, ummm
Hello world, can you hear me now
Don't divide your attention or just hear me out
I got a special little story that I wrote just for you
Sit back and let me do what I do
So don't be offended or fear, the messenger is here
Please don't shoot me down before you lend me your ear

(Verse 2)
How does he smile when he's usually a snippy dude?
Often it seems he's the last one they listen to
Put out his mind about his momma spending endless minutes
Talking soaps while he's like, "When will she ever finish?"
Hard to ignore math and english class, tryna get his point across
But somebody's more concise, so the teacher points across
He allowed folks to bend his ear darn near to the cock's crow
When he needs the same: "Oops, gotta go!"
He's so passionate about so many things that he sees
That he'd rather write rhymes instead of beg and plead
Stressed he's not, though he hears another rapper upstaged him
At a bigger club, didn't use the front pages
Hundred forty characters
Multiplied by another hundred forty characters
DJ says, "You ain't the least bit embarrassed, bruh?"
Artist just replies, "I will not let it disparage us
Whole time, I feel for him, spending all his nights writing in his suite Akinyele treatment: 'Oh, I only like the beat!'
He got the quantity of folks, but not the quality of folks
I ain't worried, just be ready, they'll be walking in in droves...”

(Chorus)
Hello world, are you listening
If you got time, I'd appreciate you visiting
I might drop a couple jewels, get 'em glistening
Widen your mind a little more is what my mission is, ummm
Hello world, can you hear me now
Don't divide your attention or just hear me out
I got a special little story that I wrote just for you
Sit back and let me do what I do
So don't be offended or fear, the messenger is here
Please don't shoot me down before you lend me your ear

(Verse 3)
Right when the light switch might flip
Milliseconds 'fore the guy's getting tight lipped
Striding in is somebody who reminds him
Circa '96, ceased time, then rewinded him, but the whole line is him Nobody behind or on the side of him
Sent a couple of texts to remind his friends
The bouncer pats him down, a woman stamps his right hand
Climbs a flight of stairs, boosted for tonight's plans
Gets to the top, sees a wide open space with few patrons
Folks looking like they're losing patience
Seeing this, the artist sends a signal to the DJ
"Homie, you can take your random mix off of replay..."
Looking so confused like, "Bruh, it's only one dude!"
Artist says, "Never mind, mic check me, 1, 2"
Tells his best friend, "Bring that brother to the front row
Might just be a dumb goal, but at least one showed
One person who was interested and didn't know me from a can of Glidden
Didn't stop the man from listening
He could've gone up the street where it's a whole lot of fanfare
My audience is here, so don't just stand there..."
He grabbed the mic, got attention so his fam was aware
Made a call and response for the hands in the air
Had a lofty goal, failed to fill the stands, didn't care
Still brought it like a hundred thousand fans sit in chairs
Performed the whole set as he planned this affair
Though the turnout was a tad different than prepared
After the show, the new supporter said, "Fam, this was a blessing
Most of what I listen to's depressing
No, I'm not a rapper, but the lesson that I learned from your exposure To move ahead, I gotta have closure
Even if I'm late to the party, I can still dance
But I gotta make it to the party for a real chance
‘Cause I'd hate to live with largely unfulfilled plans
Ain't my fate to live a sloppy, unappealing span
You were bold enough to feel it, even braver when you said it
It was this or a cup of coffee, didn't regret it...”
They shook hands, couple thanks were exchanged
Parted ways while the rest were looking strange
His attitude was simple: "I ain't just earn a fan, I made a friend
Yeah, I know I said droves, but I never stated when..."

(Chorus)
Hello world, are you listening
If you got time, I'd appreciate you visiting
I might drop a couple jewels, get 'em glistening
Widen your mind a little more is what my mission is, ummm
Hello world, can you hear me now
Don't divide your attention or just hear me out
I got a special little story that I wrote just for you
Sit back and let me do what I do
So don't be offended or fear, the messenger is here
Please don't shoot me down before you lend me your ear