Research Hours // FB3K Couch Prophet

[Ω::FLOWBOT3000] [INTRO — LOW / LAZY G-FUNK TALK-RAP] Yeah. Ma. I'm busy. [MA] Doing what? [COUCH PROPHET] Research. [MA] It's two in the morning. [COUCH PROPHET] That's when the market is active. [VERSE 1 — SMOOTH WEST COAST POCKET] Phone on the charger. Laptop on the bed. Got twelve tabs open. Gotta clear my head. Mom said, “Why you always on that thing?” I said, “I'm networking.” She said, “With who?” I said, “That's proprietary information.” She don't understand how the internet works. You gotta study the landscape before you make it work. I got subscriptions. Notifications. Premium access. She said, “You spend too much money.” I said, “It's an investment.” [PAUSE] That's different. [VERSE 2 — THE RATIONALIZATION] I ain't addicted. I can quit whenever. I just don't see why I would quit something that's bringing me pleasure. That's bad economics. If the rent ain't due today, why stress about tomorrow? Mom said, “Maybe save your money.” I said, “I'm supporting independent creators.” She looked at me funny. I said, “That's community.” She said, “You don't have a community.” I said, “Online I do.” [HOOK — RAP CHANT / NO MELODY] I'm doing research. I'm doing my part. Got a phone in my hand and a business plan in my heart. Momma says, “Get off that screen.” I say, “I'm working.” She says, “Working on what?” I say, “Things.” [VERSE 3 — ESCALATION] Morning comes early. I ain't slept yet. Alarm going off. I ain't read it. Breakfast getting cold. Phone still glowing. Mom knocking twice. I said, “I'm almost done.” She said, “You said that yesterday.” I said, “Yeah, but I'm closer now.” That's progress. She said, “Go outside.” I said, “I went outside yesterday.” She said, “For what?” I said, “Mail.” [PAUSE] Fresh air is overrated. [VERSE 4 — MONEY] Subscription renews. I see it hit the bank. I stare at the number. Then I stare at the screen. I say, “That's fine.” Mom says, “You just spent thirty dollars.” I say, “Technically, I spent thirty dollars to avoid spending more.” She said, “How?” I said, “I don't know yet.” [BEAT] But I'm working on it. [VERSE 5 — THE ROOM] Laundry on the chair. Dishes by the bed. Phone cable twisted around my headset. Mom opens the door. She looks around. Long pause. She says, “This is disgusting.” I say, “Don't touch anything.” She says, “Why?” I say, “I have a system.” She looks at the floor. I say, “It's an advanced system.” She says, “Where's your laundry basket?” I say, “Under the laundry.” [PAUSE] She leaves. I go back to work. [VERSE 6 — ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE] People think I'm wasting time. They don't understand the modern economy. Creators need subscribers. Subscribers need content. Content needs attention. Attention is valuable. Therefore— I'm participating in the economy. Mom said, “You've been sitting there for eight hours.” I said, “That's dedication.” She said, “That's embarrassing.” I said, “That's your opinion.” She said, “Go wash the dishes.” I said, “Can't.” [MA] “Why?” [COUCH PROPHET] “I'm at a critical stage of the research.” [LONG REST] You wouldn't interrupt a scientist. [FINAL — LOW / DEADPAN] Maybe tomorrow I'll cut back. Maybe. But tonight there's new content. And somebody's gotta support the creators. [MA] You need help. [COUCH PROPHET] I have Wi-Fi. I'm good. [COUCH PROPHET] I