R.O.O.T.S.

[Chorus] I’m talking 'bout roots I can't hate where I'm from 'Cause where I'm from made me I came from the bottom of the slums But now I got me... me That’s because of my roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots [Verse 1] Hey, I can’t be mad at what got me ahead I don't regret my ghetto struggle due to my success It ain't that beautiful to write on overcoming stress Top Ramen noodle soup, thank pappy for the fact I was fed Look at me now but all before, "Hey Mr. Skid Row" The dirty south ain’t just a name the way I’ve been poor The projects brown and white, I call it gizmo Went from a gremlin' to them cars in Jigga's video Can’t find a meal to a mil, only God know it No record deal to a deal, I work hard for it Can I live too? I’m living like my Momma told it Before you reap it, gotta sew it [Chorus] I’m talking 'bout roots I can't hate where I'm from 'Cause where I'm from made me I came from the bottom of the slums But now I got me... me That’s because of my roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots [Verse 2] Hey, still on my Kunta Kinte Somebody had to bleed just for me to get away My sister had to leave, I respect her staying safe Oh yeah, I had to grieve, but I’m stronger to this day Pain, I can't ignore it, you might say I'm ignorant I’m mistaking for courage, victory so gorgeous Make it through two Bush, I can make it through any forest Hunger gave me the wish, but the bottom is so important 37 ave and 187 street Miami, Carol City, now I’m part of a legacy I’m thankful for the hood, what is love without jealousy There’s only five letters really help me [Chorus] I’m talking 'bout roots I can't hate where I'm from 'Cause where I'm from made me I came from the bottom of the slums But now I got me... me That’s because of my roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots [Verse 3] Hey, I know the seeds been planted It’s damaging my soul, but my dreams been granted That triple life towards, much deeper than Earth's planet What could I want more than redoing? I never panic Gets no lower than the ground beneath your feet A man will stand for nothing if he falls for defeat A boulder in the hand better than all in the street If you look beneath the sand, then we all need a crease Roots before the branches, roots before the mansions Roots before your paper crazier than Marilyn Manson Roots with your grandparents, roots under your canvas Roots whether you black, white, or Spanish [Chorus] I’m talking 'bout roots I can't hate where I'm from 'Cause where I'm from made me I came from the bottom of the slums But now I got me... me That’s because of my roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I’m talking 'bout roots