Wale

Lyrics

[Intro: Jerry Seinfeld & George Costanza]
Oh so there's still hope?
I don't want hope, hope is killing me
My dream is to become hopeless
When you're hopeless, you don't care
And when you don't care, that indifference
It makes you attractive

[Verse 1: Wale]
Uh, a nigga feelin' hopeless
Uh, who am I to change perception?
If a nigga kill a nigga he's another statistic
If his skin's a little different, they gon' say it was self-defense
Nigga feelin' hopeless
Uh, starin' at the idiot box, riddle me this
If a killer was a nigga would niggas still really care
Cause niggas worser than Zimmerman livin' life everywhere
Niggas hopeless
Small niggas with big tools
Couldn't get to Harvard, hard work, he hard whipped
Cause them hardy har's and hard nights are hard to live through
When you hopeless
What we gotta do to be winnin'? Cause all the schools gettin' closed
Dribble a little, coach shootin' at a foe
Cause they chargin' them to hoop at community center
My nigga hopeless
25 bands he was shootin', not a damn givin'
Cousin threw a couple grand at some dancers
Throwin' back their fat ass, is my glasses confused?
We're the hopeless
America's dream and nightmare in the same being
Even when being polite here
Niggas try to bring me down, the life of a pioneer
Lightyears worth of hopeless
Celebrity celebrating disgusts me
The cerebellum invaded with all these fresh things on
Watchin' "Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta" as we speak
Nigga we hopeless
Okay, the Steebie show is on
And so my broad rollin' weed now she's mad at me
Cause she seen a scene with Rasheeda baby father
Said, "You niggas all hopeless"
[Chorus: J. Cole]
Got a pocket full of lint again but it make no difference to me
Fallin' out with my friends again but it make no difference to me
Goddamn I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless
Aw man, I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless
Got no gas in my tank again but it make no difference to me
Overdraft at the bank again but it make no difference to me
Goddamn I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless
Lord knows I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, still I pray

[Verse 2: Wale]
Nigga feelin' hopeless
Like a penny with a hole in it
We as empty as a corazón of a widow
From a soul that she don't know when he's comin' home
He don't got no limit, hopeless
What's a purple heart to a hurt head?
He done done 12 years, he was told 6
Prolly go back in a minute, ain't shit here
Nigga so hopeless
Thoughts are ravaging in the whole crib
Now he post-traumatic and always on the edge
On the pills, some bills, two kids, one leg
Nigga so hopeless
A lot of black cops always clap back
And some foul white cops always on deck
Playin' race card, guarantee you'll make a blackjack
Nigga so hopeless
Cause we ain't 'posed to never have shit
And we ain't vocalise rap
Niggas cause we don't promote unless we drop hits
Nigga hopeless
Look, look at what I go through to show you
Niggas respect money, money respect power
And power, we never given unless a nigga catch, shoot or dribble
We are hopeless
Nah, you ain't out here for the culture
You finna riot, without a purpose
You ain't a mothafuckin' rider, you a fuckin' token, posin'
Nigga hopeless, of course not literal
But why complain about The Man when a nigga want my skin?
The same problems with them I had is out there killin' niggas too
Eat your food, nigga...
A nigga feeling hopeless
[Chorus: J. Cole]
Got a pocket full of lint again but it make no difference to me
Fallin' out with my friends again but it make no difference to me
Goddamn I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless
Aw man, I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless
Got no gas in my tank again but it make no difference to me
Overdraft at the bank again but it make no difference to me
Goddamn I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless
Lord knows I'm hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, hopeless, still I pray

Wale's song "The Pessimist" featuring J. Cole delves deep into the pessimistic views of the black community. With his thought-provoking lyrics, he sheds light on various issues such as the portrayal of black people in reality shows, the impact of social disruptions on families, and the alarming rates of incarceration. Through this collaboration, Wale and J. Cole deliver a powerful message that challenges societal norms and encourages critical reflection.

About The Pessimist

"The Pessimist" stands as a testament to the artists' commitment to addressing pressing social issues through their music. Wale, known for his poignant lyricism and J. Cole, renowned for his introspective storytelling, come together to create an anthem that demands attention and urges listeners to confront the harsh realities affecting the black community.

In this track, Wale addresses the portrayal of black people in reality shows, a topic that has garnered increasing scrutiny over the years. He criticizes the way these shows often exploit stereotypes and perpetuate negative narratives, giving rise to a limited and skewed understanding of the black experience. By highlighting this issue, Wale brings attention to the importance of challenging and changing these harmful portrayals.

Furthermore, Wale explores the impact of social disruptions on family unity. He delves into the challenges faced by black families, emphasizing the negative consequences that arise from these disruptions. The theme of family unity is particularly important as it showcases the detrimental effects of external factors such as systemic inequalities and social injustices on the family structure.

One of the most compelling aspects of "The Pessimist" is its examination of the high rates of incarceration within the black community. Wale emphasizes the disproportionate numbers and the devastating impact this has on individuals and families. Through his vivid storytelling, he paints a vivid picture of the cycle of criminalization and the difficulties faced by those affected.

Wale's lyrics in "The Pessimist" are marked by their introspective nature and thought-provoking content. He skillfully combines personal accounts and societal observations to create a narrative that is both relatable and eye-opening. With lines such as "Too Dark for a Grammy, too black for the damn deal," Wale confronts the music industry's ingrained biases, shedding light on the challenges faced by black artists striving for recognition.

Joining forces with Wale on "The Pessimist" is the immensely talented J. Cole. Known for his insightful and socially conscious lyrics, J. Cole brings his unique perspective to the track. His verse adds depth and further amplifies the poignant message of the song. Together, Wale and J. Cole create a powerful synergy that reverberates throughout the entire track.

"The Pessimist" serves as a wake-up call, urging listeners to reflect on the state of the black community and the systemic issues that persist. It encourages critical thinking and prompts a reevaluation of societal norms and biases. Wale and J. Cole's collaboration showcases their commitment to using music as a platform for social commentary and inspires listeners to question, challenge, and strive for change.

This track, with its thought-provoking lyrics and powerful delivery, invites listeners to take an introspective journey. It prompts uncomfortable yet necessary conversations about racial disparities, systemic injustices, and the need for societal change. "The Pessimist" is a testament to the power of music in amplifying marginalized voices and driving important conversations.

As listeners immerse themselves in "The Pessimist," they are confronted with a tapestry of stories, emotions, and experiences that resonate deeply. Wale and J. Cole's collaboration is a call to action, a reminder that no issue is too daunting to address and that the power of music can spark transformative change. Through their captivating storytelling and introspective lyricism, Wale and J. Cole once again prove their mastery as musicians and social commentators.

With "The Pessimist," Wale and J. Cole have created an anthem for the disenfranchised, the marginalized, and those striving for a more just society. This track holds immense power and serves as a reminder that music has the ability to both inspire and drive necessary conversations. As listeners engage with the song's powerful message, they are called to action, to challenge pessimism and work towards a brighter, more equitable future.

• Release Date: March 31, 2015
• Artist: Wale