"The Rebel" (with lyrics + download)

Artwork by Tre Smith

 The Rebel by Chris Black

This will be on my upcoming mixtape. I produced it, using a sample from "Soul Rebel" by Bob Marley. I feel like these are some of the best lyrics I've ever written. Any rapper can 'go hard' on a song, but sometimes as an artist you need to take a little more time and make sure a song says everything you want it to say. I did my best to make sure this song did that. The third verse is one of my favorites of any I've written.

Download "The Rebel"


LYRICS
I'm a rebel. Soul rebel.
I'm a capturer; soul adventurer.
I'm a rebel.

I break down my life 'till my future is mathematics.
The science of the nature of my work is but a fraction. Or is it more?
What's your reaction if I told you that this shit is right here but I can't have it,
I'm a rebel. They label me but they could never tell me
There is no beast 'cause I could take you to the belly,
I'm a rebel. Late night, fill my stomach with Denny's.
I ponder the game and what it takes to be an MC.
I free my soul, open my mind.
I still see 'em even when I'm closing my eyes.
So close that I can almost taste it,
But if this shit's what I think it is then how could I be the greatest?
I could never. They talk to me through my lyrics.
A thousand people listen but I'm the only one who hears it.
I try to describe it but only I can see 'em clearly,
So hear me. I'm temporarily leaving. Sincerely, The Rebel.

I'm a rebel. Soul rebel.
I'm a capturer; soul adventurer.
I'm a rebel.

Willoughby South, Ole Miss.
Above everyone but I've never felt below this.
And I was praying for this moment,
Ironic that I own it 'cause at first I thought I loaned it
And I'm thinking fast. I got similes like it's English class.
Top five emcees, now bring it back.
Imagine that, top five and they won't hear you.
Sometimes the only honest person is found in the mirror.
Cloudy skies, rainy days, tell me when it clears up.
I try to cry, with cold vains, and I can't even tear up.
I write a line for the Cobains 'cause they don't ever hear us.
Now ride or die on this slow train, it's bittersweet like syrup.
I'm a rebel, the devil is near us. Wake up idealists!
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, I'm just a realist.
And by being a realist, they can call me the realest.
I conclude this letter with these lyrics: Sincerely, The Rebel.

I'm a rebel. Soul rebel.
I'm a capturer; soul adventurer.
I'm a rebel.


You feel lost after going through a catastrophe.
But dog you have to be whatever you are naturally.
They'll tell you: "act with the 'I don't give a fuck' mentality"
But actually, that would make it worse like disaster relief.
I know you're feeling pain, but God is by your side.
You gotta think "would I go to heaven if it was time to die?"
It's time to ride on this life-long rollercoaster.
It's a war. Keep your composure 'till you know it's over.
And we're all soldiers, maybe we need some closure,
But if that door ever closes you know we're as red as roses.
Whether close or far you know we're trying to walk the moon like rovers.
Against All Odds, and you act like I never told you.
If I'm talking to myself so be it.
There's a reason why the only team I believe in is Legion.
I scramble. I need this; drop bombs 'til I'm peace'ing.
In shambles. In pieces. 'Till I return I'm leaving as The Rebel.