To the Beat of a Different Drum

The battle was set, two vets in the game became the finals at large
Both drenching in sweat, out for respect without a worry for scars
Bars awaiting the beat, both MCs on stage enraged with a flow
At the top of their games, awaitin their names that came with tha blows
Both opposed one another, but they were warring themselves
The first contestant was hot, he brought flames from the Hell
The other was hooked, he booked crack in amounts that surpassed the crowd
Dropping bombs from the clouds, he was the favorite and proud
His voice loud with the storm, he tore opponents in half
Left opposition in tears, while crowds erupted with laughs
So the hours elapsed, he passed the judge and smirked..certain he won
And then screams begun, not because of his style... the judge was holdin a gun

*fades*

Now moments pass, every second is vital as the kids gasping for air
No one bothers with prayer, hes a crack junkie and they're very aware

*Memory travels to a week before the competition*

"Yo gimme a hit, Ill get u back in a week, you know Im taking the crown"
-"Ya I've heard ya sound, but its strictly business, and the money is loud"-
-"I can't loan you the money, I'm sorry and all but its too much a risk"-
"How bout this, Ill get ur money tommorrow, Im really feigning a hit"
-"Get my money tommorrow, the deadline is that, exactly dead"-
-"And if you fail to show quipped, keep going instead"-

*Now in ICU*

Shots penetrating his tissue, issuing life where before theres none
His looks around for some love, but just notices one
A reflection of self, held with tubes in nose and a light blue gown
He remembers the beat, once with bass, now a life support sound
Surrounded by death, he checks his pulse for himself and hears the sound of the gun
His heart beginning to pump, the slightest of thumps,jumping to the beat of a different drum

His life has just begun.