They said I’m washed, I’m rust, I’m faded to dust,
But now I’m shining, crust to gold, trust the bust.
Said I’m cooked, burnt toast, crumbs on the rug,
But now the toast pop, buttered up, ain’t no shrug.
Tombstone talkers, y’all carved my name,
But I’m the ghost in the pen, haunting your fame.
Roaches scatter when I stomp, ain’t no debate,
They said I’m done—now they can’t clean the plate.
Dust on my name, y’all swore it was dirt
Grave-diggin' early, tryna bury my worth
Snake tongues hissin', venom in the church
But I’m back, spittin' fire, make the preacher curse
Said I was done, now I’m cookin' the stew
Pot thick with the bars, yeah, I’m brewin' it new
Y’all chatter like parrots, feathers caught in the glue
Wings clipped, watch me soar, now the sky’s my view
How you like me now?
Standing tall, head high, not a bow
Talked that talk, but look who’s the prowl
How you like me now? How you like me now?
From the gutter, the sewer, where the rats play chess
Y’all was throwin' bricks, I was buildin' success
Now my pockets gettin' fat, make the denim confess
Spittin’ venom on the beat, got you suckers distressed
They said poet was washed, now I’m floodin' the streets
Hurricane flows, y’all beneath my feet
Broke bread with the wolves, no scraps for the sheep
Now I’m feastin' on crowns, leaven' doubter's words six feet deep under ground
You doubted my pen, now it’s cuttin' through stone
You laughed at my fall, now I’m takin' the throne
A phoenix reborn, ashes fuel the tone
Keep barkin', lil dogs, I’m a mastiff full-grown
How you like me now? Bet you taste the crow,
How you like me now? Watch the venom flow.
How you like me now? On my throne, I vow,
How you like me now? How you like me now?
Y’all said I’m dead, chalk lines, crime scene,
But I resurrect with bars so mean, so clean.
Y’all’s the court jesters, I’m the king unseen,
Y’all’s the plastic forks, I’m the guillotine.
Said I’m washed, but I’m tidal waves crashing,
Y’all puddles on the floor, my wrath everlasting.
Call me a has-been, but I’m a phoenix blasting,
Ashes to glory, I’m forever outlasting.
You doubted my climb, now watch the summit,
You whispered my fall, now I’m above it.
Your words like bricks, I built the palace,
Now sip on the bitter wine of your malice.