Criminal
07. The Roots Lyrics

Monday they predict the storm
The media predicts danger to come on Monday.

Tuesday they predict the bad
The media predicts more danger to come on Tuesday.

Wednesday they cover the grass
The media reports on something trivial on Wednesday.

And I can see it's all about cash
The media only cares about making money.

And they got the nerve to hunt down my ass
Despite their focus on profit, the media still unjustly targets individuals.

And treat me like a criminal
The media portrays individuals as guilty before receiving a fair trial.

Look, it is what it is
The situation and actions cannot be changed.

Because of what it was
The past has directly contributed to the current situation.

I did what I did
I made the choices I made.

Cause it does what it does
The consequences are what they are.

I don't put nothin' above
My priorities are clear.

What I am, what I love
My identity and relationships are important to me.

My family, my blood
My family is my support system.

My city and my hood
My environment and community are valuable to me.

Hater for the greater good
I am willing to endure criticism for the betterment of society.

I'm back from Hollywood
I have returned to my roots after experiencing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

And I ain't changed a lick
I am still the same person, with the same values.

Though, I know I probably should
I am aware that I may need to change or adapt.

But, what I'm doin' is not a good look
My actions may not necessarily be seen in a positive light.

I never did it by the good book, as a lifetime crook
I have made a career of breaking the law.

All the petty crime took a toll on me
The small, everyday criminal activities have affected me greatly.

I look around at my homies that's gettin' old on me
My friends who have also engaged in criminal activity are aging with me.

But still somethin' gotta hold on me
Despite my desire to change, something is keeping me stuck in my current lifestyle.

Maybe it's faith
It could be a higher power leading me on this path.

If it's comin', yo I'm willing to wait
If change is going to happen, I am willing to be patient.

I'm not runnin', I done ran through the mud
I am not trying to escape my past, as I have already been through difficult times.

I done scrambled and such
I have made quick, difficult decisions in the past.

I done robbed an odd job and gambled enough
I have taken on various jobs and gambled frequently in order to make money.

Till I'm put up in handcuffs
Until I am finally caught by the law.

And pissin' in a cup
Having to take a drug test while in custody.

If there's a God, I don't know if he listenin' or what
I am unsure if there is a higher power listening to my thoughts and prayers.

Yeah, it is what it is
The current situation cannot be changed.

And that's how it go
This is just how life works.

Get treated like a criminal
Being judged and mistreated due to past criminal activity.

If crime is all you know
If criminal activity has been the only way to survive.

Get greeted like a nigga
Being treated with disrespect and discrimination due to one's race.

If a nigga saw your show
If the wrong person witnessed you performing a criminal act.

A public enemy, to send a eye in the scope
Being viewed as a threat to society, and possibly targeted by law enforcement.

My city like a island where you can't find a boat
Being trapped in a city with little opportunity for escape.

Have you wishin' for a raft
Desiring a way out of the current situation.

And prayin' that hope flows
Having faith that things will get better.

Some real f'ing things going down low so
There are serious issues happening behind the scenes that aren't being addressed.

Who lookin' for a chair and some real strong rope
Feeling so hopeless that suicide seems like the only option.

Just to end it all here
Ending one's life due to the lack of hope or opportunity.

Screamin' "fuck the mayor"
Feeling angry and powerless towards those in positions of power.

He see the faces at the bottom of the welfare
The government ignoring those in need of assistance.

They act like I'm somethin' to fear
Others being wary or frightened of individuals who have engaged in criminal activity.

Trapped in urban warfare
Living in a city with constant conflict and violence.

And pullin' triggers at a college career
Engaging in criminal activity, such as selling drugs, instead of pursuing a legitimate career or education.

Can't ignore the call of the wild
Feeling a pull towards a criminal lifestyle.

That's drawin' 'em near
Being pulled towards the familiarity and excitement of the streets.

Try to make fast money last long some years
Attempting to make quick money last for a significant period of time.

Try to laugh it off
Making light of difficult situations.

Still couldn't lose the tears
Feeling upset and emotional despite trying to hide it.

To the rules, I will not adhere
Not following societal norms or laws.

Break the law, yeah
Continuing to engage in criminal activity despite the potential consequences.

Who wanna challenge mine?
Asking who wants to confront me.

I'm sick of St. Valentine
Tired of being in love; possibly referring to it as a weakness.

I did the violent crimes
Admitting to committing violent crimes.

That's why I got this style of rhyme
Using the experiences from criminal activity to influence his music.

Seek repentance to spittin' them sentences
Trying to find redemption by expressing himself through music.

To senseless experience is the difference
Valuing first-hand experience over anything else.

You can't convince this
Unwilling to be persuaded.

In a crime sense, niggas is infants
In the criminal world, individuals lack maturity or experience.

I'm like a senior citizen
Feeling older than he truly is, due to past experiences.

Still livin' but gettin' benefits
Still alive, but facing the consequences of past actions.

Put emphasis on hittin' my nemesis in high percentages
Focusing on getting revenge on those who have wronged him in the past.

Crooked ass cops is the reason for my belligerence
Police corruption has led to his hostility and aggression towards law enforcement.

And it gets deeper than that
The issues go beyond just corrupt police.

Remember nights I used to sleep wit a gat
Frequently slept with a gun due to feeling unsafe.

With a package of crack under my sneaker strap
Hid illegal drugs on his person at all times.

D's sneak attack and raid me
The police using stealth methods to catch him.

It took a week for that
Being incarcerated for a week after being caught by police.

Beat the rat, but you're sayin' "look, he think he the mack"
After avoiding getting caught by police, they still view him as a criminal.

Fuck yall!
Showing contempt towards those who judge him or think he won't succeed.

Niggas who thinkin' they might try us
Individuals who believe they can challenge or threaten him.

Watch us inside riots
Being prepared and aware during times of chaos or uprising.

Blue cars and light fires
Potentially causing destruction during times of unrest.

We already been knocked, scrutinized
Having already been judged and mistreated by society.

Plus, cops rush to brutalize us
Law enforcement using excessive force towards individuals who have engaged in criminal activity.

America's polluted by lust
The country is focused too much on material possessions and desire.

Who could I trust?
Not being able to trust anyone due to past experiences.

If I can't trust you, then I might touch you
If someone is not trustworthy, he may consider taking action against them.

If I ain't got love for you
If he does not have a positive relationship with an individual.

Then fuck you!
Not caring about the feelings or wellbeing of those he does not care for.