I’m a Hustler

[Verse 1] Rule number one: Don't go against the grain Rule number two: Give respect where respect due Rule number three: If you get knocked, play games and say names The .45 will tear you out the frame It's like the rich get richer and the poor don't get a fucking thing For me ain't nothin' changed, but the things my money bring My style will leave you aggy like them cats in jail Who peoples got plenty money, actin' like they ain't got bail I feel for you niggas, gettin' shot while I'm sayin' this rhyme Or niggas in the mess hall, gettin' chopped on chow lines An old timer schooled me, said: "Don't burn bridges, my friend Imagine the G-Dub close and yo' ass gotta swim" I watch the fifth melt a nigga on the sidewalk in New York Me and shorty stood from afar and had a talk He said "I told him if he came around I'd clap him, I gave him my word Look at his hand, it's still shakin' - he had a lot of nerve" [Hook] If it wasn't for the flow I'd probably have to double back, bubble crack I'm a hustler If it wasn't for the flow I'd probably have to double back, bubble crack I'm a hustler [Verse 2] Yo, when the Feds come in the game, loyalty is limited Hardcore niggas start actin' feminine With the Feds you do eighty five percent of your time Duke, you get ten, you'll damn near do nine I hate a liar more than I hate a thief A thief is only after my salary, a liar is after my reality The streets I know'em like my ABC's Stay away from the D's and stack ya' cheese Try to see three hundred G's 'fore you see 300 Z's Tree top to feel the breeze, coke connects for key's Your bitch is sexin' me, take me to ecstasy, once I nut I don't want 'em next to me If it's on, motherfucker, believe I'mma ride I'm the type to swallow my blood 'fore I swallow my pride Letters on my sweater read DKNY Got grimy niggas runnin' with me from BKNY [Hook] If it wasn't for the flow I'd probably have to double back, bubble crack I'm a hustler If it wasn't for the flow I'd probably have to double back, bubble crack I'm a hustler [Verse 3] They say I don't sound like a killer, well, how a killer sound? I bet I grab a 4-pound and back that ass down See many men live, baby, and many men die Many men get drunk, puff lye and stay high Here's a jewel: love your enemies and hate your friends Your enemies remain the same, friends always change I learned quick that there's more than one way to skin a cat You can get 'em in his face, dog, or down his back All bullshit aside now, its time to be honest I fear no man, for death is all that's promised I got niggas standin' in line, waitin' to hear me spit From '86 to '96 the game went from sugar to shit This for you niggas in the background dyin' to shine I hate you like fiends that ask me for a dime for nine Ain't nothin' changed in the game, but faces and names The state, the weight, the date and the jake [Hook] If it wasn't for the flow I'd probably have to double back, bubble crack I'm a hustler If it wasn't for the flow I'd probably have to double back, bubble crack I'm a hustler