Really Real Out Here

[Chorus] Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside I'll be on the corner where my father died I just hope my honor isn't compromised It's the only thing I own Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown I can't face the troubles of this world alone A world up where they only wanna make you known Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there [Verse 1: Black Thought] Yo, yo I could still hear my mother's voice Telling me what to do if I don't have another choice To never give thе devil a reason he should rеjoice You better than the ignorant heathen, so kill the noise I've been down on my luck 'til I was rail-thin I slid way out of touch into a tailspin, but I could tell you this much Your reflexes come through in the clutch As long as you don't ever fail them Ayo, my moms used to make beds and vacuum And pick up dirty towels in hotel bathrooms I used to hear my stomach rumbling in the classroom I used to wish I could run up and pull a fast move Remember listening to Marley sing the belly full When you shivering where you stand, they can tell you're cold Sometimes you might have to crease, but just never fold And if you sing for your supper, never sell your soul, it's really real out there [Chorus] Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside I'll be on the corner where my father died I just hope my honor isn't compromised It's the only thing I own Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown I can't face the troubles of this world alone A world up where they only wanna make you known Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there [Verse 2: Common] Mama, you wasn't privy to the shit we did The drama of a gritty inner-city kid The karma of the half-moons and pyramids Gang life at the crib is inherited 'Cause when the shots'll lick off, you knew I could get picked off For you to lose your only son would truly be a big loss You kept me into sports and my thoughts on higher learning On Reverend Wright sermons, a Black Christ returning Desires burning, I was yearning for them thick girls You dropped gems and quick pearls, said "Rash, there's a big world For you to dance in, sing in, dream in it Any room you enter, just be a king in it" Back then it seemed vintage, I kept a team image It's rules to this game, me and my team scrimmage Now I see Bennet and the hood in a different way My life's a gift I won't give away [Chorus] Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside I'll be on the corner where my father died I just hope my honor isn't compromised It's the only thing I own Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown I can't face the troubles of this world alone A world up where they only wanna make you known Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there