Lyrics
Yeah, I was on that corner, tryna get my coins up
Describes being on the corner, striving for financial improvement.
Coppers run up on us and we turn to Jackie Joyner
Refers to evading law enforcement with agility, comparing to Jackie Joyner.
White man kill a black man, they never report us
Addresses unequal media attention to black-on-black violence.
Black man kill a white man, they gon' start a war up
Highlights the potential consequences and reactions to interracial violence.
Mama she was sour, sippin' on the Absolut
Mentions a difficult past, possibly involving alcohol.
Young niggas brainwashed, they just wanna rap and hoop
Observes young individuals influenced by societal expectations.
Could've been a lawyer until they came and shackled you
Notes lost opportunities for education due to incarceration.
Felons on your records so them jobs ain't gettin' back at you
Points out the challenges faced by ex-convicts in job searches.
Them kids ain't eat yet, so you can't even sleep yet
Describes the struggle of providing for children with limited resources.
That's the only thing we ever saw, we repeat that
Reflects on the cycle of repeating negative experiences.
They was playing ball, fouled him hard, said I'd be back
Recalls a moment of violence in a basketball game with a promise to return.
Broad day, threw his life away, soon as he clapped
Details a life-altering decision made in broad daylight.
Gave that boy a life sentence, made his mama relapse
Conveys the severe consequence of a life sentence and its impact on family.
Damn, they don't understand
Expresses frustration at a lack of understanding.
Comin' from the bottom, it's so hard to make a plan
Highlights the challenges of planning a future from a disadvantaged position.
Know them kids beefin', they let it get out of hand
Comments on escalating conflicts among young individuals.
OGs never told us nothin' in advance
Criticizes the absence of guidance from older generations.
Young niggas killing young niggas, shit is like the Klan, I said
Compares internal violence among young black individuals to the actions of the Klan.
Told my young nigga, "You the man," I said
Encourages a young individual, recognizing their potential.
You don't wanna end up like my man Ahmed
Warns against negative outcomes, referencing a specific individual.
Praying five times a day, prostration on his head
Depicts a person devoted to their faith in a challenging environment.
Screamin' "Insha'Allah" that he don't make it to the feds
Expresses hope for protection from legal troubles through religious faith.
Caught up in the system, visit from his sister
Describes the impact of the legal system on familial relationships.
Talkin' 'bout all these niggas, how they ain't even with him
Addresses betrayal by supposed friends during legal troubles.
Said that they would ride or die, but it ain't even in 'em
Points out the discrepancy between words and actions of supposed allies.
Always postin' on the 'Gram, but hey ain't sendin' pictures
Highlights the superficial nature of social media connections.
Never answer when you call, but answer for them bitches
Comments on the prioritization of relationships over familial responsibilities.
Got you thinking twice, damn I should've been a witness
Reflects on missed opportunities to prevent negative outcomes.
Dismantle my business, just telling my story
Shares a personal narrative and emphasizes authenticity.
All guts, no glory, been going on before me
Expresses the challenging nature of the environment preceding the narrator.
We slaves in the Forties, still slaves in the present
References historical and present-day struggles faced by the black community.
No toys for Christmas, ain't get us no presents
Recalls hardships during childhood, particularly around holidays.
Only made us evil, made us hungry, made us desperate
Critiques the societal impact on character development.
Youngin' in the ninth grade, he got a Smith and Wesson
Describes a young individual resorting to violence with a firearm.
Grew up with the goons, now he need protection
Portrays the need for protection due to association with a dangerous environment.
He dropped outta school, then he got arrested
Details the negative consequences of leaving education for criminal activities.
Lord with a blessing, I just hope he learned his lesson
Expresses a wish for positive growth and learning from mistakes.
They told us, if we go to jail, we would be respected
Criticizes misleading advice about gaining respect through incarceration.
They told us, if we make a sale, we would run a check in
Critiques the misconception that criminal activities lead to financial success.
Threw a rock out in that field, he got intercepted
Describes an unsuccessful attempt at criminal activity.
He stumbled, he fumbled, y'all niggas just rumble
Metaphorically refers to a failed attempt with a rock in a field.
They told you to hustle, them niggas don't love you
Questions the sincerity of advice given, emphasizing a lack of genuine care.
Young black American (na na)
Repeats the phrase "Young black America" as a refrain, possibly reflecting on the struggles of black youth.
Wanna live like the fairer skin (na na)
-Fall to the paradigm (na na)
-Occupied on that Marilyn (na na)
-The prophecies of the wild nigga, no church
-My uncles said stop bitching nigga, no skirts
-It's kinda crazy there's another world on the other side of town
-Pastor rollin' up in that Rolls
-Pullin' up in that Holy Ghost
-Preaching, while niggas dying by the Bible code
-The destruction, the hate
-The obstruction of my faith
-My prayers, my faith
-Will never be the same
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
-Young black America
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