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1. |
Exposition
03:16
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HOOK
(2x) The past is always present in the future
VERSE
Do remember, I am a true descendant
Of people who were stolen and traded all for the riches
But I can’t play the victim, I’m told to just forget it
While they dwell on 9-11 and celebrate independence
But I’m suppose to clear my memory of all the lynching
Shit, I cringe at the thought of giving my daughter whippings
Plus I see the name that owned my family every time I write a check
So how the fuck am I s‘posed to forget
When we ain’t safe in churches or even when we comply
The ones paid to protect us are making sure that we die
They say we kill ourselves we still cheat and we rob
But what’s that have to do with these cops doing their job
And if you really cared ‘bout the welfare of my people
You’d make sure that the schools for all children were equal
Fear competition so they had to rig the game
Scared if we catch up that we’d do their ass the same
Know they deserve it, but they ask what would Jesus do
Bet my bottom dollar he wouldn’t be down with you
He was the wrong shade, you’d probably do’em the same
Shoot’em seven times while tryin to give his name
Right in front of his kids, body with the chrome
Labeled a threat when all he tried to do is get’em home
All I’m saying, a future minus our past can never exist
Y’all make sure your baby listen to this! Wake’em up!
HOOK
(2x)The past is always present in the future
(2x)The past [Born a King] is [Raised a slave] always [Niggers to Gods] present in the future [Cradle to grave]
Born a King. Raised a slave.
Niggers to Gods. Cradle to grave.
Shall be redeemed. We shall be praised.
Never will scars outweigh our grace!
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2. |
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HOOK
(Made in Maryland) Don’t get twisted, dog
I still put the M between the DV
(Made in Maryland) I’ma represent for yall
Regardless where the path I’m on lead me
(Made in Maryland) Pops was from Baltimore
But his only son was born in P.G.
(Made in Maryland)
VERSE 1
The home of Tubman and Douglas
Name a rapper better from MD that does this
Spare time. Murk’em low key with a spare rhyme
Old lines shit I came up with in ‘09
No lyin’! Back in Suitland in the nineties
In someone else’s hood baggin rappers you’d find me
Whippin’ ass taking names ‘fore this rap shit was cool
I was either chasing dreams or chasing ass after school
Ditched class, wings with Mambo Sauce during high times
Cookin’ beats in Ace old crib playing ‘95
Live from the home of Martin and Sugar Ray
I’ma shine for every unknown that took a stray
HOOK
(...in Maryland) Don’t get twisted, dog
I still put the M between the DV
(Made in Maryland) I’ma represent for yall
Regardless where the path I’m on lead me
(Made in Maryland) Pops was from Baltimore
But his only son was born...
(...in Maryland)
VERSE 2
PG specifically
County might be rich but we all struggled mentally
Trying to see thru imagery placed here to limit me
Killin’ me, black and brown youngins on a killing spree
The way I dodged bullets you’d thought had Trinity
And Zion’s best fighters all guarding my divinity
Had a rack of brothers only one that was kin to me
Saved my life when they gave the mic and the pen to me
But I’m from the same damn state as Freddy Gray
Different city but our death could be one ride away
In the home of Frank Miller and dark nights…
Thought it was, nah you thought right, I’m from...
HOOK
Maryland
Don’t get twisted, dog
I still put the M between the DV
Made in Maryland
I’ma represent for yall
Regardless where the path I’m on lead me
Made in Maryland
Pops was from Baltimore
But his only son was born in P.G.
Made in Maryland
VERSE 3
Only Prince we claim sang Purple Rain
Prince George was lame, F him and name
I’m a PG King, It’s a PG thing!
This for Gods'Illa, OG’s, See King
Joe D, Steph, Jav and my Baltimore team
That's my man Jsoul and the young homie Green
Damn my friends are dope, yeah we really rap
Fans been losing hope I’ma bring it back
Stan has been dope since pitty pat,
Kickball, jump rope and hide and go get it, black
Think I haggled Odd for weeks just to get track
To hand the God some weak shit picture that
Phelps with a felt tip, Olympian flow
Providing more dope lines than Bolivian coke
Durant on the bassline, Carmelo in the key of strife
Ripken and Ruth walking on the field of dreams but I’m
Woke in the land of Thurgood
His momma taught my poppa how I’m out here in your hood
Somewhere in Maryland!
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3. |
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Go... go... go... gone!
VERSE 1
In my rearview, fast living & fast women
That I went thru like underwear & dirty linens
I adhered to the ways of a playa, wanna pimping
Breaking curfews and hearts, spilt’em like partitions
I know… so cold…
Taught to never love’em, yet we act like hoes
See I chose... to grow...
But if I stayed the same would more records be sold (hmmm)
They love it when you don’t love’em & abuse’em
Like when you fuck’em and dump’em its just amusement
Sick to me you get more publicity when you’re coonin’
Yet question your authenticity when your judgement is prudent
That’s that bullshit... I’m past that
Just watch’em how they bend and run quicker than half backs
Y’all would make your ass clap for a check from ASCAP
‘Til your ass capped, never me dog can have that! There is...
HOOK
No turning back today
Never backwards, forward we go
3x
Go... go... go... gone!
VERSE 2
Onward, Upwards
Why look back, my bags packed
Thought I was nuts but when I try to dip... they on the sack
I hush the fuss, watch my six, know the time
My hats off to haters while staying on they mind
My crime is trying to grow while stay true
While they rather love those selling them short. Disgraceful
They telling tall tales, them stories ain’t you
Keep building like I own it, plenty walls to break through
And I can’t stop they can’t hold me
But people talk like they know me
But they so weak they don’t know themselves
Trying to confine me to their hell
But um… I ain’t dumbing down to make you feel comfortable
And I ain’t slowing down so you can catch up my dude
You live for the lie you don’t really want the truth
I don’t change for fear my dear, nor a buck two…
HOOK
VERSE 3
My friend… is sadly long gone
I wish… we could make some songs
Or hit... the town and break bread
For kicks… I’m here missing you instead
Watching these clowns bite your style and use your image
Meanwhile they barely gave you your props when you were living
I doubt your family’s getting a check it got me livid
Mispronounce your name then act like they knew what you intended
This isn’t for the authentic it’s meant for the hypocritical
Who diss the dude who spit for you in since the very beginning
Though our bond fractured, was still sought after
They want more classics, I want more laughter
And I could hit them with unreleased material
Since your so-called fans think my solo work is trivial
Unless it’s me & you but where’s the honor in that
When most of it was subpar or we thought it was wack
Probably be overjoyed if I bought a few tracks
You didn’t finished then distribute them all over the map
That’s what they’re hoping but I’ll never fuck you over like that
I’ll forever honor your memory but there’s no turning back
HOOK
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4. |
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HOOK
Back stateside on MLK riding
Low in the whip look like no one’s driving (Repeat 3x)
Whether 395 or 704
Dream big baby stay steady on course
VERSE 1 (See King)
I grace these peasants with my presence King Martin Luther,
The streets with his namesakes the perfect place to find a shooter
A civil rights mover turning left up in a Cougar,
Watching the revolution on TVs took by a looter
On fire like H Street, tongue twerks on a break beat,
History maker tell spectator to take seat
Enjoy the experience of this social experiment,
Send shots at Cyclops; close the eye on the pyramid
I’m too dope it’s no legalizing this lyricist,
Father MC and your baby mother’s the surrogate
Hip Hop’s in my heritage, save it from the culture vultures and
The poet poachers, still not a player though I’m dressing like the coaches
Most of us fell victim, to well-placed pitfalls got my dawgs in the system
The chocolate city now suffers from vitiligo,
The dream died on that balcony pray it wakes up tomorrow
VERSE 2 (Substantial)
Mike King like the minister’s initial name
Fighting imprisonment and those with wicked aims
Who administer pain, but we navigate the baddest fate
Like our ancestors did use our head to carry weight
Many chose to move it so now they facing the music
Misguided warriors can’t find their place amongst the movement
So you know the guns stay shooting ‘cause the streets blind niggas
don’t see their a budding Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Tryna’ eat my dinner like what’s mine is yours…
Really what’s mine is ours, need to combine our power
Why shine for hours we can reflect eternally
For y’all to take me seriously, they’d have to murder me
No respect like the mascot in gold & burgundy
But certainly spitters this ill belong in infirmaries
Still dreaming temporary setbacks be deferring me
But my Corretta know betta she ride for eternity
VERSE 3
(See King)
Lost my sight at the podium, blinded by diabetes
A diet with too much sodium still writing this opium
Claim country in crisis gain control of petroleum
Dreamt big as a kid, grew to be a custodian
Mass media frenzy, beamers Benzes and Bentleys
Before we party'd with panthers but now the venue is empty
Still penny pinching while the devil’s Willie lynching,
Guess my brother was too poor to pay attention…Overstand!
(Substantial)
Baby soldiers taken over never be an older man
Ain't playing with a full deck, no one there to hold their hand
So they hold the steel like they wielding the wrath of God
Or hoping for a deal for their skill as a rapping God
….Hoping to give them chills with their catalog
Or hoop dreaming cuz they got skills with a basketball
Once you’re at the mall speaking to and for the people
Will you follow like sheep do or take a stance against evil while we’re…
HOOK
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5. |
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HOOK
Follow the Master (4x)
If you don’t move the crowd and ain’t a master of the ceremony
Or a microphone controller you are not an emcee
So don’t ever disrespect the homie,
World class title holder born and raised in MD
Known to get the party poppin quicker
Then stripper with vodka in her so they gonna clap for me
But I ain’t talkin’ booty cheeks
slick with the dudy speak, shit talk mastery
...I’m Mugen with a blue pen
Samurai Champloo be damned if I can lose
If I did, I put 2 L’s together and make a W
Dumb of you, comparing Substantial to a substitute
All I do is win but it’s clearly ain’t your thing
Then again you’re more T-Pain then painting
I’m art personified, all heart magnified
By ‘bout a 105, no doubt… come alive
HOOK
Fuck off the stage bum
You ain’t doin shit no need to tell’em to save some
Crowd look well rested, had time to get adjusted
Copped food and drinks and had time to digest it
I’ma make’em feel like they were part of my live show
No voice, clothes moist it’s hotter than Cairo
Watch me blow the spot when I drop my payload
I got’em going wild, it ain’t raining no pesos
They do what I say so ‘cause my presence demands it
A veteran standard, man what’s better than Stan shit
I will sever they hand if they extend it to grab this
Shit on everything like I’ve never been pampered
Son’em like Frederick Sandford, been a G,
But I don’t sale trash just so I can make a living, B
I’m art personified, all heart magnified
By ‘bout a 105, no doubt… come alive
HOOK
I be ripping up the stage like I’m tearing up floor boards
You don’t keep’em engage they just lay on the floor bored
I have’em in a craze they gon’ leave with their core sore
Body crowds for days like a terrorist warlord
Light up the scoreboard, go hard as mug…
I’m a titan I throw swords, throat armed with a scud
If you mic’em he’s so raw but doper when unplugged
A sight sicker than cold sores, go for a dub
If you pay at the door, unless you pay in advance
This ain’t your regular show that’s right you even can dance
No need to hold up the wall, it got plenty of beams
You can throw up your arms and if you’re feeling it scream
2 turntables and a mic that’s what I call riot gear
Turn all the way up! It’s about to get live in here
I’m art personified, all heart magnified
By ‘bout a 105, no doubt… come alive
HOOK
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6. |
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VERSE 1
Started in Cheverly, the line was orange
On January 7th, a star was born
Stayed in Seat Pleasant ‘til mom and I moved on
To the next stop, come ride along
Left pops, moms tired of the fighting and tears
So in Landover’s where I spent my formative years
While living here I met my oldest of peers
Underprivileged yet I’m overcoming my fears
Like robberies and shootins, now we out in Suitland
Right behind my high school to focus on my schoolin’
No longer boostin, now I’m beat looping
Pre-To This Union, writing with my blue pen
Penning blue lines from Pentagon & Addison
Battle raps dumb funny like Billy Madison
Battlin, til my name spread like a pathogen
This is just the start I can feel it in my abdomen!
HOOK
All I see is lines, letters, colors
Zippin’ right by, with plenty numbers
Runnin’ thru my mind, what to make of it
It’ll make sense one day
All I see is lines, letters, colors
Zippin’ right by, with plenty numbers
limit’s the sky, ready, comin’
Take the Sub way
VERSE 2
Left Maryland, but still spittin these bars
Next stop Brooklyn, off of Clinton & Wash
New York, New York was the City of Gods
In Hip Hop, big stage. Hope they give me a part
Took the 4 Union Square, rap ciphers galore
Or the A to West 4th hoping I’m in the store
Fats Beats showed love, thought I made it for sure
Years later, All City on an NY tour… now...
HOOK
VERSE 3
Take the J to Koscuiszko to see old the crib
Or the 2 to Flatbush another place that I lived
Shot to JFK, first Tokyo trip
Bullet train’s like magic, blew my whole brain to bits
everything’s changin’ chances being taken
More time at Grand Central and Penn Station
OT. Brazen… confidence. Amazing…
Where my train of thought took me with a little training
HOOK
VERSE 4
Headed back to MD had a family to start
Now in Baltimore City couple minutes from the MARC
Spending time in DC teaching youth and rippin mics
Kill a show on U St. at Benning Road I save a life
Did the same off Southern Ave. teaching kids to rhyme & more
If I wasn’t with the youth, highly like I’m on tour
Then our brother Junior passed rocked our family to the core
Relocated to VA to hold the fam down for sure
Out in the burbs not too far Dunn Loren
Still nice with the verbs and far from done touring
Now we in Huntington and I’m maturing
Still in PG everyday ‘cause I'ma support’em
Where it all started, I’ll head home someday
Journey’s never easy but I’m making it... someway
Some tracks are curved and some straight
And not everybody will take the Sub way
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7. |
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VERSE 1
Ya ready?!
Ya ya ya ya... ya ready?!
Ya ya... ya ready?!
Ready. Aim. Fire… like Blow!
World tuned in to what I write now.
Past. Future. Right now
Marcus check the levels how my mic sound? (All good)
Movin’ right on
Fist in the air like right on
Keep letting bygones be bygones
Chuck a deuce to your ass like bye! GONE! (FOH)
Use to party like I gave a #uck
Lips on a bottle with my eyes on her butt
Foot on the throttle tried to keep it turnt up
Like my hand on the volume don’t care where we turn up
(No chill)
Now I party like I got a plan
Shit I use to do for free now I get about a grand
Some are still asleep and they really not a fan
They was looking for sheep but instead they got a man
(So real)
HOOK
VERSE 2
We’d party and bullshit
Living our lives to the fullest
Back when Gangstarr had a full clip
After everybody was on the Bulls dick
Plenty Bullets. No Wizards
Youngin’ pull ish. Go bizerk!
Folk run the street doing dizirt
It was nothing sweet, no desserts
Hit the chizurch, trying to wash away their sins
Til Friday come then some do it again
And the people run for fun and get it in
'Cause we creep from slums where none of us spose to win
And I'm up in here with'em
Share the same problems we don't only share rhythm
Working to resolve'em while we up in here sipping
Til we empty out a bottle we ain't up in here tripping
And we ain't bullshitting just shitting on the bull
That got us off track, cup still half full
Gon pushback til we really have pull
‘Fore you lift that skirt better lift that wool
So you know who you effin’ with
The truth will probably make a hooker turn celibate
They can sell a bit of lies but we sidestepping it
Miss me, quickly that ain’t what we represent
VERSE 3
Ain’t no party like a party with purpose
If you party with a purpose don’t stop
For lyin’ ass journalists, punk politicians
Or racists ass murdering cops
Ain’t no party like a party with purpose
If you party with a purpose don’t quit
For fake ass thugs, culture vultures
Won’t cha get off our dick
Yeah we did it before, just did it again
Been this way from the door, getting it til the end
Givin’ yall the raw for sure give it a spin
From the core we swore to war until we win
One accord. Of course the source is from within
And the force is strong as Thor or Benjamin
Grimm hardbody decor but sport a grin
Slim’s leavin’ balance restored workin’ a pen
BRIDGE
We can do our thing
Just be careful who you bring
Everyone can't move with our team
Snakes turn ciphers into rings
REPEAT
HOOK
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8. |
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VERSE 1
I can paint a picture with words or just brushes
Make something out of nothing ain't nothing to make something
Cutting up samples while keeping the bass pumping
Nothing we can't handle I will have this place jumping
Your tramp on lean, I'd rather have a queen
Of course I am a king so I can have a dream
Or be your worst nightmare at war never fight fair
If our freedom is right there take it by any means
Learn PEACE from the Gods but I still study violence
I fight for my serenity if anything challenge
Write dope on a tightrope trying to find balance
Build my skill with will plus talent
Slanger of the rhymes, training young minds
Painter of the times, Maker of designs
Sailor of the skies, pilot of the seas
Baker of the pies, refiner of the dreams
HOOK
...I do it (do it)
Black of all trades, I do it (do it)
Put art on a page I do it (do it)
I do it (do it), I do it (do it)
Make something out of nothing ain't nothing to make something
If you want to do it... do it
Make something out of nothing ain't nothing to make something
If you want to do it... do it
VERSE 2
Do it until it’s done and there ain’t nothin’ left to do
Do it under the sun can tell you did it from your hue
Doin’ it in the park after dark me & you
Different type of vibe but I’mma work it ‘til we’re thru
I’m a mover and shaker,
Up at dawn, stumble strong
So my jaw stay about as smooth as sandpaper
This is for the chance takers, villains gave us lemon
Now we Lemonade makers don't let any man break ya
...We're def the most resilient yall seen bey
He don't play but highly sought after as teammate
Nothing I can't do, you should broaden your dreamscape
Food for thought you should be consuming what we bake
Teach, cook, write, love, speak good, fight, f**k
Seek, look, eyes shut, we must rise up
Often write rhymes, dark skin, bright mind
Lost winds, fly blind, fortunes I find...
HOOK
...I do it (do it)
Black of all trades, I do it (do it)
Shackle my brain can’t do it (do it)
Won’t do it (do it), can’t do it (do it),
Made something out of nothing ain't nothing to make something
If you want to do it... do it
Made something out of nothing ain't nothing to make something
If you want to do it... do it
VERSE 3
How you gonna tell me what I can’t do..
Sh*t… I probably did it first..
Ain’t nothin I can’t handle…
...Sure as hell can’t do it worse
So I’mma make it cooler. Add a little flavor
Take us to the future. Be a little greater
I ain’t scared to barter, skill more valuable than paper
Work a little harder put it down and make’em pay up
...I lay it down they tell me stay up
Then every time I turn around they talking ‘bout a pay cut
Trying to stop a baker who out here gettin his cake up
Skills surpassing his peers, wondering why I bring race up
Cuz average got us living under poverty lines
And good’s only good enough part of the time
...And great will make’em hate you from afar
In the comment section like “Who these niggers think they are?”
HOOK
Black of all trades, I do it (do it)
Carry the world’s weight I do it (do it)
I’ll be damned if I can’t I do it (do it)
I do it (do it), I do it (do it),
Make something out of nothing ain't nothing to make something
If you want to do it... do it
Make something out of nothing ain't nothing to make something
If you want to do it... do it
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9. |
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HOOK
You waiting on me?
You waiting on him?
You waiting on her?
You waiting on them
You waiting for a miracle to fall from the sky with your blessing
But ain't no better time than the present
VERSE 1 (Cise Starr)
Seconds’ minutes to hours
Turning into days coward these
Months becoming years
And these fears becoming towers
Looming over your hopes then plans becoming sour
Then dreams beget regret regress and then devour
Time waiting for none
The gift is in the present
you presently doing nothing then nothing in your presence
Gotta put in that work cause
work is in the essence
Cause faith without some action is death and missed blessings
Just wishing and praying
Never changed a situation
So If you going to God you better pray for motivation
Gotta get up and get it
Being alive and vivid
Don’t be like Moses waiting for Aaron
You go and finish
And in the end
He mastered self and got the win
Or be like Jacob ready to wrestle with Seraphim
Find your voice true
Find your step do
Just get it together, stop sitting waiting to lose
HOOK
BRIDGE
So what waiting on? (4x)
VERSE 2 (Substantial)
Your way to great was a save a date
That never arrived. Potential you done made’em wait forever...
My God. Why you scared of success?
Your worst is better than nothing if you dare to progress
The future’s within your grasp but you’re sitting on your hands
Refusing to save your ass by executing your plans.
Rather talk me to death then walk in the life
You always wanted, it’s haunting you in your dreams at night
But you could’ve had, should’ve did, would’ve got on
But the fat lady’s center stage singing that song
“‘Cause you don’t what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”
Can’t miss what you ain’t had all along
What better time than the present?
What’s present’s better than time? Even if you only shine for a second
15 minutes of fame, eternally forgotten
Or try to live forever are your options
BRIDGE
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10. |
PTXD
03:02
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VERSE 1
I don't even know'em
Don’t be saying it's a wrap, when I ain't flowing
...Though I am at the moment
Opposites attract and also can be opponents
I am what I am, didn't plan to be chosen
Plus I can't break what was already broken
But Mister Fix-it put a plan in motion
Yep, you was with it, Goddamn it’s potent
But still runnin your mouth ‘bout your your last
Compared and contrasted with his bumb ass
Must’ve come pass for the hit & cum pass
Got the booty, got lost and tossed the compass
Dumb fast now your hearts protected
Let the wrong playa play now I’m ejected
(Ghetto) Not what I expected
Dikem-Bae, why am I rejected
HOOK
Girl I'm not your ex man
Though I might be the best man
But the question is...
Are you gonna let your past fuck up your present
And future (so what you really want bae?)
Loser (or start something with a real man?)
Sooner (or later, maybe even today)
You gon’ (have to make the right move bae)
VERSE 2
Switch up the tune
From dysfunctional to give us the true you ooh
Never let the past rule you
Bout to miss out good dude
Don’t get too comfortable
‘Cause, when I come for you
Ain’t nothing like what you use to do
Purple skies and blue moons
Scale it back if it’s too soon
Switch up the pace
Don’t need another man try’na put you in your place
If we ridin’, why be behind me, stand beside me
Journey to the top we can take turns driving
Never be a prop this pure alliance
Never gotta crop any picture I’m in (no)
No shade, so vibrant
Rock to my breathin’ stop but know that
HOOK
BRIDGE
I want you to be with me but you got PTXD
Don’t let your past hold your future hostage that’s LL not me
Escape that hell and be free
Don’t have to forget just please leave
All that deep shit aside… he ain’t got a damn thing to do with me
What I’m saying is…
HOOK
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11. |
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VERSE 1
“It’s a man’s world” all about (him)
‘Cause, she cool but she not (him)
Ladies first only when she put there by (him)
Want her to take orders, never see her as a soldier
Hold up! Let me stop acting like I’m not him
Like I never womanized or undermined (her)
Want her how I wanted, where I wanted when I wanted her
In a home she made being treated like a foreigner
Taught she only valuable if she got (him)
And if she can have a baby boy by (him)
Future male chauvinist just like (him)
Would you want him for your daughter, how we plan on moving forward
In order for us to grow gotta stop (him)/me
From thinking that we’re better than or we own (her)
Of course our destinies coincide
So I gotta do better in my daughter’s eyes
So you know you gotta...
HOOK (JSOUL & Substantial)
Keep growing, baby
Keep growing, baby
‘Cause this world is yours baby
It’s your baby
Keep growing, baby
Keep growing, baby
‘Cause you’re so much more baby
Much more baby
VERSE 2
Had to raise a couple kids all without (him)
But employers never give her what they got (him)
Who get custody in most cases it’s not (him)
Forced to do it with less, always doing her best
But a good man, she lucky if she find (him)
Like the same don’t apply the day he find (her)
Would you drop everything so you could lift her up
Like she did for you every time you had given up
But you talking like she lucky that she not (him)
Traumatized her for life, they just shot (him)
Forced to find the strength to carry on without (him)
Knowing your son could face the same and unbearable pain
‘Cause she know what this cruel world thinks of (him)
What’s sadder is the world thinks less of (her)
We all should be mortified…
I pray we do better in our daughters’ eyes
HOOK
VERSE 3
Taught you couldn’t do that ‘cause it’s for (him)
TV showing less real you more (him)
Got raped, your fault, shouldn’t lure (him)
Like we ain’t got self control, all playing a roll
In violence against her done by (him)
Sad ‘cause I ain’t really care ‘til I had (her)
A lot dudes complacent, ‘cause most are raising their sons
What winner care about the losers when they’ve already won
Whether we talking race or battle of the sexes
Walking in their shoes, most valuable of lessons
Seeing what my daughter gotta carry and it’s heavy
Being black and woman, know we gotta get her ready
Glad I got a Queen by my side to help lead her
Love her more than life but some things I can’t teach her
Her foundation must be fortified
We plan to do right in our daughter’s eyes
HOOK
|
||||
12. |
It Could Happen
03:09
|
|||
|
HOOK
Will it happen? Could it happen? I don't know.
Signs are around me, everywhere I go.
From P.G. County to Tokyo.
Everywhere I go, the people wanna know...
How will it go down?!
VERSE 1
I had a nightmare that I hope don’t come true (Talk about it, bruh!)
Black blood on the streets ‘cause they’ve blacklisted our hue (So ironic, huh?)
Thought it was a dream until I turned on the tube (What you seein’ mang?)
Murder, hate and sadness all I see on the news (Can’t believe it, mang!)
S‘pose to be the future but it look like the past (Seen it all before)
Master’s boot still on our throat when it ain’t up our ass (Time to go to war)
Bracelets come with collars, kept on a very short leash (Get it off of me)
homes are now are cages, called animals by the beast (The hypocrisy)
HOOK
VERSE 2
I had a daydream while I was wide awake (Oh word?)
Opponents try to put a rack of shit upon our shoulders, they ain’t know it
But we just could not break (No sir!)
Had our community and businesses in order, we supported
Ourselves our own way (Indeed)
Greater schools within our zoning, our creations never stolen.
Taught and owned what we made (No greed)
S’pose to be future but it could to be today (Talk about it)
Soon as you see your destiny is linked to ours
And acknowledge that these scars will not fade (Ain’t forgot about it)
And stop the whitewashing of our Gods far too long you been
Controlling our faith and fate
I pray, one day, we work together
Or lay to waste this world forever!
HOOK
|
||||
13. |
||||
|
HOOK
You were good for then
But are you good for now?
Did you save some for later
Did somebody show you how
To make it last forever forever ever forever ever
Forever forever ever forever ever
HOOK
V1 (Substantial)
That dollar (dollar)... disappears before we ever reach
Tomorrow (‘morrow)... Now we here tryna’ not make a effin…
Mess (Mess) while we do our best (best) 2 stay afloat
Until our death (death) drowning in this debt (debt) we rocked the boat
But never too broke to get that fix, Arm and a leg to grab dem kicks
Budget balling watch the swish, Nothing but net and snapping flix
But my net worth ain’t worth shit, stuntin’ like I’m filthy rich
Tryna look clean coming out the gutta til a brother’s in that ditch
(Greenspan)
I put my pride aside, plan and prioritize/
be quick to normalize/ no need to lie/ Im living a normal life/ my family got the right to get 1st flight/ 1st things 1st I sew the seed expect my harvest big and bright/ kinda sounds nice/ kinda what I expect tho shit don't go as / plans / to hold it down and have a son and for him to be the man/
Insurance plan when I transition something like 300 grand/ creating wealth on the low in stealth mode don't ever show your hand/ my people U was good...
HOOK
V2 (Greenspan)
Open accounts I'm interested in interest/ more interesting investments/ my OG say I'm too risky/ still profit still scoring/ studying the profit margins/ if I'm that close to the goal line Ima still get 3 regardless/ them number keep adding partner/ then partner with fellow martyrs/
This legacy followed by kids that say pops done went the hardest/ I'm down to starve for a second to benefit on the opposite/ side Of the situation let's break bread & split the profit/ already
(Substantial)
Actual, factual did what I have to feed my kid
So she don’t go without or ever know about what hunger is
Unless we talkin drive, how the hell we gonna thrive spending all we got
On Jordan IV & V, I’m woke as open eyes, get organized
So my kids’ kids’ kids’ kids’ are straight, if it’s kismet limits will fade
Cuz this shit’s endin’ today, can’t be dismissed or wish it away
Gotta plot and plan, I’m talking stocks and grants, plots of land
More than parks and plannin’, got me saying, you were, you were
HOOK
Some live in the past
Some live in the present
Some live in the future
We gon’ live forever!
That’s always and forever, forever ever forever ever
Always and forever, forever ever forever ever
(Repeat 2x)
|
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14. |
||||
|
HOOK
(Sample)
If all these rappers are bossman
All these rappers are bossman
All these rappers are bossman
All these rappers are bossman
Tell me (Sample) Who doing the work?
Tell me (Sample) Who doing the work?
Tell me (Sample) Who doing the work?
Tell me (Sample) Who doing the work?
VERSE 1 (Substantial)
Yall some underachievers,
You’ll never be a boss or leader
Competitor you’re hardly that either
You’ll never be as hard as us creatures
You’re messin with Gods of the speakers
They sayin Oh My God he’s a genius
How you gonna ball from the bleachers...
Where I’m from they call that shit leachin’
Nobody working harder we beastin,
This shit’ll put a pause on your breathing
Somebody stick a folk in’em please and...
Tell’em bring the coffin he’s leavin
Can’t tell if he was coughing or queefin
Ain’t built for this boy you’re a fetus
Rippin’ shit apart at our event
Like a bawse and applause isn’t need
‘Cause we working day and night, on the low
So it’s hard to stay in sight but you know that
Behind the scenes, that I guide my team to realize our dreams and ignite
The f-f-fire, desire climbing higher and higher
I was rich even prior to turning sires to buyers
You’s a customer not owner,
Just a rustler not loaner
Hold up, better own up, for you roll up
And you get exposed as just a poser
You’s a fraud, baby you ready or nah,
We can see through the facade
We goin hard, from our backyard to abroad
On our job wherever we are!
HOOK
VERSE 2 (Tonedeff)
Godammit, y’all out to lunch
How in the fuck I expect that the job be done?
Hired a bunch of impressionist, sloppy chumps
Trying to stunt for the benefits, stocks and such
Slip/fall for a settlement, a thousand bucks
Ripped off, now they sweatin in a taco truck
Brickwalled by their pettiness - and all for what?
Shit nah - there ain’t anyone the boss of us
What a conundrum, who’s left to be moppin up?
Who in the f’s gonna fetch me a coffee cup?
It’s obvious none of us wanna be stuck in the office
but when I’m running biz independently - I’m the one
in front of a monitor - the devil in me got me just
Hunting for dollars, every penny is the god you trust
I’m an autonomous executive - I call for cuts
Of any incompetent secretaries - so y’all are fucked
Pink slip… but they talking tough? And wanna don boxing gloves
Bitch, you a mailroom clerk - so when the scale don’t work, you don’t box, you just box shit up
Zip it! Ship it! Whip it, good! Devo! Nobody making a cent off Vevo - We don’t
Give our money to Mr. Iovine, No, we keeping our c-notes, and build it up till the profits come
Obnoxious to some, cause everybody hate they boss
Yelling bout how to make they calls
Telling em how their vacay’s off
Venting ‘bout how their pay grade’s small
Evidence of the game they lost,
And the main is stage is ours, y’all are just bitter
HR wanted a confidence builder,
Fine, I’ma get Algo, then Kill drums with Sub - put em on a bill
bottom line is we always deliver. Get up!
HOOK
|
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15. |
||||
|
HOOK
Maryland, yall got me cuz (Yeah!)
Sub & The Stuy come rock with us (Yeah!)
DC, yall got me cuz (Yeah!)
HiPNOTT in the spot come rock w/ us (Yeah!)
Eh, VA yall got me cuz (Yeah!)
You know this joint ji crank come rock with us (Yeah!)
Worldwide get live with us (Yeah!)
Turn the volume way up come rock with us (Yeah!)
VERSE 1
Can't end before it begins
No one does it alone and we too old to play pretend
This is for my supporters fans family and friends
Wifey for sticking by me like we was Siamese twins
Last line was generic, my status ain’t that’s apparent
Came up on the low like I be shopping in clearance
And I do, ‘cause my biz more important than my appearance
Shouldn’t judge by the cover but you can tell this shit serious!
The past is always present in the future!!!
I ain’t going nowhere but up
Was naming your favorite rapper ‘fore you was lookin’em up
Advising some legends ‘fore you acknowledge my presence
Marathoning these sprinters while minimizing my effort
Maximizing my gains a rapper thats gots some brains
Flew my family out the country for $200 and some change
I be stacking them miles I’m frequently on them fliers
When you stay above the clouds it’s easy to take it higher
Lets go... go... go... go... go... eh!
Battle tested and approved
Yall were bodied in your party, asphyxiated your crew
Kinda shit we use do when dudes battled over rhythms
Beatbox, lunch table or a trash radio system
Handclaps, DJ... but eventually I moved on
‘Cause unlike bammas nowadays I make pretty good songs
I never shuck and jive for muthaphucas live
I make the type of music that help people reconstruct their lives
I know yall love right, so keep it on repeat...
Still climbing like I don’t know a peak
Flowing like you disabled, you sounding like you don’t know a beat
Rockin the ark when paired with loops dirtier than Noah’s feet
Couldn’t pay’em to notice me, now they pay ‘cause they know it’s me
Heads turning like rotaries, knowin’ he's awesome totally
Exes who still ain’t over me realigning their ovaries
Respected globally, now they lovin me locally
Urban legend, surely reppin MD you better know it, we here!
BRIDGE (Wayna)
How lucky to be
Apart of legacy
Now you can come with me
And we could be...
Legendary!
VERSE 2
These songs are one part of my legacy
But time will tell what will come from these youngins that met me
Tan, yellow, white, red, ebony, armed with verbal weaponry
Topple obstacles that stand between them and destiny
Haters, fakers and shottas, light takers and coppers
Who wanna eff up your chakras but don’t let none of that stop ya
Gotcha...
Live our dreams while we’re awake now that’s the mantra
When you carried the weight remember who was there to spot ya!
(Keep pushing… from the top!)
HOOK
Wayna, you got me cuz (Yeah!)
I appreciate you, Queen for rocking with us (Yeah!)
Kokayi, you got me cuz (Yeah!)
My brother from another mother be rockin’ w/ us (Yeah!)
QN5, yall got me cuz (Yeah!)
Still holding me down, they rockin’ with us (Yeah!)
Worldwide get live with us (Yeah!)
Let The Stuy take us home come ride with us! (Yeah!)
|
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16. |
||||
|
HOOK
I wish U were here
I wish U were, I wish U were…
I wish U were here
I wish U were, I wish U were…
I wish U were here
I wish U were, I wish U were…
I wish U were here
VERSE 1 (Substantial)
Peace Pops… still missing you
Want you here but I’m in no rush to visit you
I’ve been doing my best with this hand that life dealt
Momma held it down and that money you left helped
I’d give it all back just so I could chill with you
Get some guidance in these troubled times, would’ve loved to build with you
Fam and friends passed on, I hope they there with you
Some good ones came along I would’ve love to share with you
Been married for a while and I wish you could’ve met her
‘Least I finally figured out why the wife half is better
Gave your only boy a child, a girl like your first was
Must’ve turnout alright if she think I’m worthy of her love
I knew that writing this would take a while
But I’ve been trying to live the type of life I’d hope would make you proud
I can’t recall your laugh but maybe this would’ve made you smile
Bmore survivor who would’ve known that cancer take you down
But, I’ll always bring you up. Ren is always fascinated
I’ll ensure she know the cloth we were cut from wasn’t fabricated
‘Trice and I keep in touch and my nephew graduated
Now I’m a youth worker when your boy ain’t rap creatin’
I don’t do it for a plaque for a record I made
I do it to get a plaque they can place on your grave
Wasn’t perfect but your honor and respect are due
Regardless if the message doesn’t get to you… I need the world to know…
HOOK
I wish U were here
I wish U were (still alive), I wish U were (by my side)…
I wish U were here
I wish U were (available), I wish U were (unbreakable)…
I wish U were here
I wish U were (still around), I wish U were (not in ground)…
I wish U were here
VERSE 2 (Steph The Sapphic Songstress)
BRIDGE
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
(I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much)
I love you, I love you, I love you so much
(I love you, I love you, I love you so much)
HOOK
|
||||
17. |
Always ft. Fjer
04:10
|
|||
|
VERSE 1
I came into this world
Same way I'm gonna leave it... alone. For what its worth
Since birth... been bringing folks together for a common cause
Not quite a bleeding heart no need to find a gauze
Just tried to do what’s right ain’t gotta supply applause
Just trying shed light on what they hide from us all
Our origin story, many moments of glory
Move forward, ain’t gotta be rewarded, the Lord has implored me
Give’em what they need when they don’t even want it
Keep on feedin’ souls but they don’t see they hungry
Live a life worth remembering, the reaper’s coming
But you’ll live forever though you might not reach your twenties
Or your thirties, f*** a great depression
You are worthy... of every single blessing
Honestly, our own light is hard to see
But every single star’s born to shine. Prophecy!
HOOK (Fjer & Substantial)
Always… always...
Always… always… (I am here)
Always… always...
Always… always… (I am here)
Always… always...
Always… always… (I am here)
Always… always…
Always… (I ain’t going nowhere… ever)
VERSE 2
When she came into this world
I knew I’d never leave her alone because this girl’s
The greatest thing I created... lyrics, design or painting
That ain’t up for debating. Look what sun maid and he raising her
Right… so God forbid her brother man wrong her
She roll with the struggle ‘til she come around stronger
But her father taught her to never squander her honor
If they don’t treat you as good or better than poppa don’t bother
She see how I treat her mama. And before we shared that wedding cake
I swear on my own mama you’re the best decision I ever made
Look at what we made. On everything, I’m proud of us
Best producer duo since The muthaphucin’ Stuyvesants
Listen… This is parentin’ with a vision
I swear a bit cuz that’s how Ms. Hill got us to listen
So pardon me, busy raisin’ my colony
This home that love built never falls, stands solidly\
HOOK
BRIDGE
Rain, sleet, hail, snow
Will I retreat, hell no
Can’t stop, must grow
Won’t drop, never let go
Rain, sleet, hail, snow
Will I retreat, hell no
Can’t stop, you must know…
I ain’t going nowhere… ever
VERSE 3
We came into this world
With everything we need so we manage what it hurls
Always and forever you’ll never get us to behave
Scared to death of kings they’d rather my people be slaves
So til hell freezes… I will resist…
The call to hang it up as long as I am needed
Silence your siren you woke up this giant from sleeping
Fightin’ like we’re Tyson and titan mixed with a phoenix
HOOK
|
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Substantial Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia based International Hip Hop Recording Artist from Maryland.
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Happy Anniversary! Love this entire album, and only chose this as my favourite track as it has such a triumphant, hopeful feel and wraps everything up so nicely.
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I honestly enjoy every track.
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