[Part 1]
[Chorus]
Growin’ up, I was a slumdog
We was runnin’ from the police
Went from skippin’ time in classrooms
To hittin’ corners with the homies
Poured out a bottle for my lost ones
I done some things we must keep low-key
Ain’t scared to die ‘cause I’m a real nigga
Reputation ain’t gon’ fold me
It’s all I really got, uh
[Verse 1]
Me and Miz go back to Hampton days
Campin’ stays when duckin’ off of hoes was therapeutic as we dance through pain
My mans was slain so college at this point felt like a grand exchange
Trade away the streets and then return and feed me bands for brains
I can’t explain my reasoning
But tryna do shit right for once, it damn near felt like treason
My allegiance to them neighborhood niggas
Who posted on Glenwood outside, boy, I was waitin’ for them niggas
Hittin’ licks feel like a paycheck to nigga, mm
Zach was insistin’ on grades but I ain’t have that choice ‘cause Mom’s ain’t have much money
I’m obvious no dummy
So my means to live intensified, I’m used to struggle
Hustlin’ ain’t shit when you desensitized
And job plus extra shit was how the rent supplied
I’m ridin’ ‘round the city with Mizzy as niggas talked
That boy a demon on the aux
He runnin’ through that playlist while I’m scannin’ across the street in case I peep another opp
I keep that pole tucked in case I feel the need to send some shots
That’s when Miz call my attention ‘bout some Jersey nigga rappin’
It just so happened he was called in for assistance
He took it as a sign from God, he knew not to resist it
So I’m starin’ at him proud knowin’ his life gon’ end up different
For me, my fate was sealed, I make my peace, ain’t feel no pain
But Miz assure me, “Bro, I swear to God, I’ll make sure our shit change
You my brother ’til we die, if I’m up, then you the same”
But it’s hard seein’ a world were I don’t bang
[Chorus]
‘Cause growin’ up, I was a slumdog
We was runnin’ from the police
Went from skippin’ time in classrooms
To hittin’ corners with the homies
Poured out a bottle for my lost ones
I done some things we must keep low-key
Ain’t scared to die ‘cause I’m a real nigga
Reputation ain’t gon’ fold me
It’s all I really got, mm
[Verse 2]
A couple years flash
My God above gon’ guide me down a clear path
This Drac’ gon’ hold me down as I revere cash
These kids splash, but hustlin’ through it how I let fear pass
If Death’d press his ears to doors outside my crib, he’d hear laughs
I’m in and out the way
I get a call from Miz again, he askin’ where I stay
He with that rap nigga from Jersey in the A
Two first names, sound like a fuckin’ nerd
But if Miz say he the one, then I’m gon’ trust his words, I’m slidin’ for the link
I pulled up to the crib, little nervous, little shaky
Boy, I’m a gangster, so I came out cool
Miz get the door and dap me up, we like old-timers actin’ up
Until I notice that rap nigga had done peeped my tool
Bro jumped a bit but he ain’t lose composure
He showin’ love like we grew up as soldiers
First time meetin’ Chris, I realized why he chosen
Ridin’ through them streets with them niggas, scopin’ the scene
That’s when bro decided to ask me about my dreams
Like, “Outside of this street shit, what you really see for yourself?
Is it a wife and kids or the business is to keep to yourself?”
Truth is, I never gave much thought to really bein’ myself
‘Cause in this life, the time is short before a demon get shelfed
That question moved me, have I gave my all to bein’ more?
Miz broke the silence when he asked if I could be on tour
Security position, if you wit it, then it’s yours
Couldn’t believe he wanted me to be on board
[Chorus]
‘Cause growin’ up, I was a slumdog
We was runnin’ from the police
Went from skippin’ time in classrooms
To hittin’ corners with the homies
Poured out a bottle for my lost ones
I done some things we must keep low-key
Ain’t scared to die ‘cause I’m a real nigga
Reputation ain’t gon’ fold me
It’s all I really got, uh
[Verse 3]
The year is 2023 and I’m at peace now
I’m en route to get a legalized piece now
Chris text me up ‘cause they was finna hit the A for ‘Ville sessions
Gotta work early as fuck, but I’ma be ‘round
Them streets been callin’, but I DND’ed the line, can’t sell my soul
Since tourin’ with them boys, I recognized that I had goals
I got a job, I got a girl, got a spot to call my own
I want Mom to see my progress and feel proud to see me grown
It’s damn near 8:30, just got off work, I’m at the crib
I’m dumb bored, searchin’ for a wave, I chat with Miz
There’s a Spotify event, he tryna find out where it is
But then they right back to the stu’, so I might take this time to live
I start reflectin’ heavy, all my life thought I was damned
I’m finally at a point where I feel righteous as a man
I went from runnin’ streets for work to workin’ night shifts when I can
To bein’ brave enough to dream with excitement ‘bout where I land
That’s when that knock came, fuck
That’s when that knock came and everything I was came to fruition
Cops stormed in, warrants in they palm, not tryna listen
Guns raised on me, hands behind me, locked into position
Gettin’ dragged out, I promise I ain’t cry hittin’ that squad car
I felt like Bruce Willis up in Die Hard
I guess I got my hopes up
God done let my karma hit its stride
Only thing I heard get played back in my mind was—
[Chorus]
Growin’ up, I was a slumdog
We was runnin’ from the police
Went from skippin’ time in classrooms
To hittin’ corners with the homies
Poured out a bottle for my lost ones
I done some things we must keep low-key
Ain’t scared to die ‘cause I’m a real nigga
Ain’t scared to die ‘cause I’m a real nigga
Growin’ up, I was a slumdog
We was runnin’ from the police
Went from skippin’ time in classrooms
To hittin’ corners with the homies
Poured out a bottle for my lost ones
I done some things we must keep low-key
Ain’t scared to die ‘cause I’m a real nigga
Reputation ain’t gon’ fold me
It’s all I really got
[Part 2]
[Verse]
Uh, just got the call that the cops hit your crib in the A with the goal to arrest you
They sayin’ its robbery on top of kidnapping, plus a lil murder attempt, too, shit
Ain’t no way it was Huncho, but Miz just confirmed it again for the second time
Hearin’ that news actually wrecked my mind
Hearin’ that news made me realize that everyone here got a destination
The tape just got opened, investigation
Chest feel like bombs during detonation
That sentence they finna write up for my dog is a sentence that ain’t got no expiration
Prayin’ my nigga could beat it
God been declinin’ my calls as of late, so I’m left here betrayed and defeated
You should be here tourin’ with me, dog
Should be recordin’ with me, dog
Should be outside in the world explorin’ with gang ‘cause it’s so much to see, dog
Guilt turned my heart feelin’ heavy ‘cause I was the nigga that came through to promise you
The minute I blow up, that trappin’ shit dead, fuck the streets, none of that gang shit gon’ follow you
Three years have passed from the promise, and here I am back in the base of my mama crib
Contemplatin’ where I’ma live, concentratin’ on the grind for biz
Conversations with SWAVAY ‘bout Def Jam with the hope that Tunji might sign the kid
Prayin’ the talks with the label ain’t fell through
Last time they bagged you, ain’t had bread to bail you
Posted a letter this time ‘bout your struggle, I cried when I saw ‘cause I felt like I failed you
Ain’t had a number to call when they jailed you
Tried bein’ better but life had derailed you
Day you got locked was the day that the nigga met Cole, I was hyped as a bitch just to tell you
Hopin’ that trial let a nigga sail through
Knowin’ our wildest dreams is on the way
Look, just did a SOB show in the city and people are seein’ the worth now
Went from venues with nobody in it to sellin’ out tours and the mo’fuckin’ merch now
Niggas quit jobs ‘cause the money we made was enough to do music as work now
And I finally met someone who love me for me and I feel like it’s actually gon’ out, what the fuck?
It’s the thought that you might not even be there on the day folks get married that’s fuckin’ me up
It’s the thought that when niggas have kids, that you might not even be there to carry ‘em up
It’s the thought that when niggas win Grammys, you prolly be watchin’ that shit from the can
It’s the thought that if niggas die early, you can’t even slide through to bury your mans
If only your shit had went better
I’m prayin’ to God every day with the hope that He get shit together
I’m sorry I couldn’t do more on them days you got stopped in the weather
Only thing I got left are these songs that I’m writin’ to you as these letters
Love, Chris
[Outro]
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