Meaning of "Cigarettes" by Fort Minor

"Cigarettes" delves deep into the theme of deception and manipulation within the music industry, particularly in the rap genre. Fort Minor criticizes the tendency for artists to fabricate stories and exaggerate their backgrounds to appear more "street" or appealing to listeners. The comparison to cigarettes is used metaphorically to highlight how both music and smoking can be addictive and harmful. The lyrics point out that consumers are often aware of the lies and exaggerations present in the industry but are willing to overlook them for the sake of feeling cool or fitting in. By likening hip-hop radio to cigarettes, the song sheds light on the toxic relationship people can have with music, where they continue to support and consume content that they know may not be entirely truthful. In a broader sense, the song serves as a critique of mainstream media and its impact on shaping perceptions and influencing behaviors, urging listeners to critically evaluate the content they consume.