The Ghetto
"9th Wonder" Lyrics

Yeah man
The singer starts the song off with this casual exclamation

So I start looking out the window
The singer is shifting attention to something outside

I see gun store, gun store, liquor store, gun store
The singer is pointing out the prevalence of gun and liquor stores in the area

Where the fuck are you taking me?
The artist is expressing surprise and questioning the destination

We bout to twist it up
The artist is anticipating a good time and rolling something up

We bout to lift it up
The singer is excited to improve the situation

We never givin' up
The singer is determined to persevere through difficult circumstances

The startin' salary, it's hard reality
The artist is acknowledging the challenges of earning a living

Find solidarity
The artist is urging people to come together in support of each other

We got our leaders too but where they lead us to?
The artist is questioning the effectiveness of the community's leadership

Do they leave us or they see it through?
The singer is questioning whether the leaders have the community's best interests in mind

Yeah we packin' precious metals
The artist is referring to carrying guns for protection

Our shit is next level
The singer is confident about their abilities

We raise the threat level (?)
The singer is suggesting that their presence is unsettling to others

Every ghetto, every city, like (?)
The singer is suggesting that the issues in the ghetto are universal

They way too used to the mis (?)
The artist is pointing out that people have become desensitized to their difficult circumstances

How to concentrate, how to sit still
The artist is suggesting that these skills are valuable when facing difficult situations

Murder rate permanent place in the top 10
The singer is acknowledging the high levels of violence in the community

We live here, these hipsters drop in
The singer is calling out outsiders who do not understand the community's struggles

You hear them barrels cockin'
The artist is highlighting the danger that is ever-present in the community

They say consciousness mean we ain't rugged
The artist is pointing out an unfair stereotype of people in underprivileged areas

Until you get beat within an inch of it
The artist is pointing out the physical toll of living in a high-stress environment

Self made dudes don't get discovered
The singer is suggesting that people from the ghetto must create their own opportunities

They actin' like you owe 'em somethin'
The artist is calling out those who believe the community owes them something

Homie I don't owe you nothin'
The singer is making it clear that they do not accept this mentality

Fuck your beef
The singer is expressing disdain for unproductive conflict

It's way too early in the mornin' for the hate
The singer is suggesting that there is no time for negativity

You ain't brush your teeth yet Nigga
The artist is calling out someone for their lack of hygiene

And your toast ain't buttered
The artist is suggesting that someone is unprepared or unorganized

A perfect storm and the coast is flooded
The singer is suggesting that a serious problem is brewing

First discovered and my flow got
The singer is reflecting on their early success

A (?) stuttered
The artist is suggesting that their rapping has evolved and improved

I'm good walkin' in every ghetto around the world
The artist is suggesting that they are comfortable in any difficult situation

The hood often embrace ya when you profound with words
The artist is acknowledging the respect earned through eloquence and insight

I say the shit they relate to, I keep it down to Earth
The singer is suggesting that they provide a voice for the community

Other rappers sound like they hate you, them niggas sound absurd
The artist is calling out others who sound inauthentic and out of touch

So when they walk through the ghetto, they get their chain snatched
The singer is suggesting that outsiders do not understand the real dangers of the community

They gotta talk to the ghetto to get their chain back
The singer is suggesting that earning respect in the community is important

It's like an open air prison and it remain packed
The singer is suggesting that the community is trapped in difficult conditions

Nothin' but straight facts
The artist is expressing that what they are saying is true and honest

Any vibe for the people by the people
The artist is suggesting that they represent the community

Ya-ya, giddy up
The singer is expressing excitement and energy

Who got the juice now?
The singer is questioning power dynamics

Snatch it out your kitty's (?)
The artist is using slang to suggest that they are taking what is rightfully theirs

Gave us watered down
The artist is suggesting that outsiders do not understand the true struggles of the community

This one for Basquiat
The artist is honoring an influential artist

They be brushin' with death, uh
The singer is suggesting that many experience danger daily

Is this the art of war for cops?
The artist is questioning the tactics of law enforcement in underprivileged areas

We double-dutchin' duckin' shots
The singer is suggesting that the community is constantly under fire

Every home ain't got a Pops
The singer is acknowledging the absence of male role models in many homes

Every man ain't sellin' rocks
The singer is pointing out that not everyone in the community is involved in criminal activity

A different will to win here
The artist is pointing out the resilience and determination of the community

Different from switchin' cars
The artist is comparing the values of the community to those of others

They pray that we switch our bars
The singer is suggesting that outsiders want the community to conform to their values

To a fiend from a metaphor
The singer is using imagery to suggest that outsiders want the community to adopt negative behavior

Worldstar, Worldstar
The artist is referencing a website known for posting videos of violent or inappropriate behavior

Lotta love and this life hard
The artist is acknowledging the difficulties and challenges of life in underprivileged areas

Got us prayin' like "oh God"
The artist is pointing out the importance of faith in difficult times

Illegally thievery think (?) easily
The singer is highlighting the prevalence and acceptance of criminal activity in the community

Frustrated we hate it
The artist is expressing anger at the difficult circumstances

That's why we scream out nigga we made it
The singer is celebrating the community's accomplishments despite the odds

It's an odd future they ain't know we was all some creators
The singer is suggesting that outsiders overlooked the potential and talent of the community

Somethin' from nothin'
The singer is pointing out the accomplishments and resilience of the community despite the odds

Was told Kings walk and man you frontin'
The artist is suggesting that one must live up to their potential and not pretend to be something they are not

For the people and by the people but them over money
The artist is suggesting that the community's struggles are often due to outside interests prioritizing money over people

I'm on my Viola Davis here, workin' for justice
The singer is referencing a prominent actress as a symbol of working towards a just cause

How you get away with murder?
The singer is referencing a TV show and using it as a metaphor for injustice

Be a cop and just kill us
The artist is pointing out police brutality and the lack of justice for victims

How we supposed to not catch feelin's?
The artist is pointing out the emotional toll of living in an unjust world

Innocent lives, boy we got kids in these buildin's
The artist is pointing out the impact of violence on innocent people, including children

I'm on my Viola Davis, it's what you call a defense
The singer is using the actress again as a symbol of fighting for justice

For all the drama they gave us
The artist is acknowledging the difficulties and struggles faced by people in the community

I'm spittin' Shonda Rhimes with
The singer is referencing a prominent TV producer as a symbol of speaking truth to power

Too high for you like ganja
The singer is suggesting that they are above petty criticisms and distractions

And (?) with
The singer is suggesting that their abilities are unmatched

You still blacker than Hamptons
The artist is pointing out that one's identity and culture cannot be erased

Still black and be rich
The artist is acknowledging the accomplishments of successful black individuals

Spread lovin' just the Brooklyn way, it's universal
The singer is urging spreading love and positivity, regardless of location

360 and the nine lives, woah
The singer is referencing a 360 deal (a comprehensive arrangement between an artist and their label) and the "nine lives" of a cat (a reference to resilience and adaptability)