Cut My Teeth

[Hook 1: Rakaa Iriscience (Evidence)]

The strong prey upon the weak

This is where I learned to stand on my own feet

So much I see

(On the streets of Venice Beach is where I cut my teeth)

So much I see

(On the streets of Venice Beach is where I cut my teeth)

So much I see

Cut my teeth

[Verse 1: Evidence]

I remember how it all began

I used to switch graffiti tips on cans with both hands

No chance, I knew they couldn't stop this rush

Our bus bench was a stop, and they ain't stopping the bus

I caught the fever, at sixteen I copped a beater

Now it's me against the world, sit in my own two-seater

I drove slow on roads that lead freedom

What I believe in, known that I'd be leaving

Let me in jump up the timeline to currents events

I went around the world twice on award tours, it never ends

Mike Will did, but others didn't make it

Others still hungry, so the others gonna take it

Shit is basic when you put it in the pot and let it simmer

Like the sun been setting later in the summer than the winter shit

Where I'm from I keep the oven sizzling

I cut my teeth at Venice Beach then hit my peoples with some of the wisdom

[Hook 2: Rakaa Iriscience]

The strong prey upon the weak

This is where I learned to stand on my own feet

So much I see

On these mid city streets is where I cut my teeth

So much I see

On these mid city streets is where I cut my teeth

So much I see

Cut my teeth

[Verse 2: Rakaa Iriscience]

I learned a nickel cost more than a dime before I learned to rhyme

Crenshaw and Venice, St. Charles is more specific

Then Pico and Fairfax, the Ethiopian district

Everything changes, noticing both of them look different

I can think back though life goes on so keep living

Didn't step to OG's on the block to seek wisdom

Or I'd be cripping, but they teach the street systems

Street soldiers and street politicians, I'd keep listening

Smoking in the homey's rental, blazing instrumentals

Something like a steel elephant trunk came through the window

Eyes traced the barrel to a friendly face (caught you slipping)

Broke the blunt, gave us back the lit half and kept dipping

Had that beach cruiser whipping, then stopped, he turned around

Came back and told me, "It's a war zone, go home

Draw something, matter of fact, write something raw for me

Call you tomorrow," that was the last time that I saw him

But I took it as a sign, standing at the crossroads

I saw a different world was mine, it was with me all the time

Appreciative, never satisfied, inspired to climb

Eyes wide, mid city lit that fire inside

[Hook 3: Rakaa Iriscience (Evidence)]

The strong prey upon the weak

This is where I learned to stand on my own feet

So much I see

(On the streets of Venice Beach is where I cut my teeth)

So much I see

On these mid city streets is where I cut my teeth

So much I see

Cut my teeth