The song "Cornflakes" by Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked tells the story of their upbringing and the challenges they faced growing up in a rough environment. The lyrics reflect on their experiences with poverty, violence, and the systemic issues that affect marginalized communities. The song begins by acknowledging the harsh realities of the streets and the need to stay vigilant. The artists rap about their skills as lyricists and their desire for recognition and love for their art. They then delve into their personal stories, with Joell Ortiz reflecting on his early life. He describes his struggles with poverty, his mother smoking marijuana, and his father's frustrations with financial issues. Ortiz talks about feeling unnoticed and undervalued in school and his brother turning to selling drugs as a means of survival. KXNG Crooked shares his own experiences, including his cousin being killed over a petty disagreement and feeling pressured to join a life of crime. He confesses to stealing from a pawn shop and the fear of ending up like his brother's father, who was imprisoned. The artists also touch on the systemic issues that contribute to their circumstances. They mention racism, poverty, and red-lining, which is the discriminatory practice of denying certain services or opportunities to people based on their race or ethnicity. They discuss the confusion and frustration that comes from being victimized while also being blamed for their own victimhood. Despite their challenges, the artists express their desire for change and empowerment. They emphasize the importance of education, knowledge, and unity within their community. The song ends with a dedication to their fallen friends and a determination to see them on the other side, implying their hope for a better future. Overall, "Cornflakes" is a reflection on the struggles and resilience of Ortiz and KXNG Crooked, as well as a critique of the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and injustice in their lives and the lives of many others.
