Hell 4 A Hustler
2Pac Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Get on yo' knees nigga
Get on yo' knees and pray

Huh, increase the doses, busting whoever closest
Thug living, hell or prison, never losing my focus
I'm making money moves mandatory
In a discussion my past records tell a story
Picture niggas we rushing and still busting
Til the cops come running, duck in abandoned buildings
Ditching my gun, homeboy the motherfucking villain
I live the lifestyles of drug dealers, but now legit list
So I laugh til I cry, when the law come get me
No baby momma drama, nigga miss me, why plant seeds
In a dirty bitch, waiting to trick me, not the life for me
Living carefree, til I'm buried, and if they dare me
I'm busting on niggas until they scurry, I'm clearly
A man of military means in my artillery
Watching over me through every murder scene
From adolescence, to my early teens, thought we was gonna die
Selling dope to all the fiends, at times I want to cry
And still, we try to change the past, in vain
Never knowing if this game'll last, feeling ashamed
Of cocaine, the product of the devil, am I selling my soul?
Got tired of small time livin, niggas telling me no
I got mine! Fuck them other suckers! That's the mentality
Jealous-ass bustaz, make it hell for us

Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler

Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler

Now in these last days and times I takes mines so serious
Gotta get that paper quickly and escape the sickness
If I fail, then I suffer, being broke is hell 4 a hustler
So I stay struggling and juggling with all the might I can muster
Since a youngster, been money hungry, moved in
One's five's and ten's was funny money
So I sets my sights bigger, four figures or mo'
Real nigga fo' sho', out in the cold for dough
What you thought? ?, lost homies in plenty battles
Last two years shed plenty tears, and I'll send plenty at you
Let me catch you slipping, you soft niggas is outta here
In case you forgot, we on the same shit that got us here

Yo, to every step I take, every foul I make
Every jail I break, every mill' I ate
Head to head, whoever hustle hardest
On the block ducking charges, nigga fuck the sergeant
He got a job, all my bottles got a pinch of coke
Listen tho' I'm missing dough I gotta gather mo'
Hell no, dead blocks with red tops but now a nigga sell words
For all my young thugs in jail in Jerz
They made it hell 4 a hustler, I bails high as fuck son
Dying luck none supply us with much guns
I buck one, just to let you know that I can touch ya
Slanging cracks or raps, still hell 4 a hustler

Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler

No insanity plea for me, I ride the beef til I burn
Sensimilla bar your kids from the lessons I learned
And in turn I'm hostile guess you could call me anti-social
Niggas shaking like they caught the holy ghost when I approach em
Try to politic, before I smoke em, like Sun Zu
Niggas do unto these snitches, before it's done to you
And if the cops come arrest me in the evening
Best believe they coming for my dogs in the morning
And if I die by a slug, the death of a true thug
Tell me will my niggas mourn me? Getting blowed out
High, watch me murder the bird, before he testify
Strikes, walking close to my third, I live a trouble life
And if you dream be a part of my team
From Long Beach to Queens, drug dealers to ex-fiends
Keep yo' eyes on the prize, nigga watch for busters
Either heaven or jail, it's still hell 4 a hustler

Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler

This is how we ride
Not knowing if we'll live or die
Catch me rolling with my motherfucking guns on the side
In case of drama, I'm the first to break wild til they all die
This is how we ride
Not knowing if we'll live or die
Catch me rolling with my motherfucking guns on the side
In case of drama, I'm the first to break wild
Until they all die, Outlaw
Yes (change my ways) yes
The Black Jesus guide us through this
Weary weary weary weary
Only God can save us




Nothing but boss players
Outlawz and thugs

Overall Meaning

The song "Hell 4 a Hustler" by 2Pac & The Outlawz is a hard-hitting track that details the struggle of living a life of crime in order to make a living. The first verse describes the harsh reality of dealing drugs and the danger that comes with it, including the need to constantly watch their backs and the possibility of going to prison. The second verse discusses the pressure to make money quickly and the lengths one will go to get it, even if it means sacrificing their morals. The chorus is a plea for help and mercy from a higher power, recognizing the sinful nature of their lifestyle.


Throughout the song, 2Pac & The Outlawz paint a vivid picture of the desperation and hopelessness that often come with living a life of crime. It is a gritty portrayal of an underbelly of society that is often ignored or romanticized in mainstream media.


Overall, "Hell 4 a Hustler" is a cautionary tale and a powerful reminder that for many people, the only way to make a living is through illegal means. It is a call for change and a plea for help.


Line by Line Meaning

Get on yo' knees nigga
Get on your knees and pray


Huh, increase the doses, busting whoever closest
Intensify the actions, attacking anyone who poses a threat


Thug living, hell or prison, never losing my focus
Living a life of crime, either in constant danger or behind bars, but always staying determined


I'm making money moves mandatory
I prioritize making money above everything else


In a discussion my past records tell a story
When talking about my past, my previous experiences reveal the truth


Picture niggas we rushing and still busting
Imagine us aggressively attacking and shooting, even amidst chaos


Til the cops come running, duck in abandoned buildings
Until the police arrive, hide in deserted structures


Ditching my gun, homeboy the motherfucking villain
Throwing away my firearm, emphasizing that I am the notorious antagonist


I live the lifestyles of drug dealers, but now legit list
I used to live a life involved in drug dealing, but now I'm following legal activities


So I laugh til I cry, when the law come get me
I find it ironic and laughable when the authorities try to apprehend me


No baby momma drama, nigga miss me, why plant seeds
I don't want any complications with ex-partners or the responsibility of fatherhood, so why have children?


In a dirty bitch, waiting to trick me, not the life for me
I don't want to be involved with deceitful women who are looking to deceive me, it's not the lifestyle I desire


Living carefree, til I'm buried, and if they dare me
Living without worries until my death, and if someone provokes me to act


I'm busting on niggas until they scurry, I'm clearly
I will shoot at individuals until they flee in a hurry, it's evident


A man of military means in my artillery
I possess an array of weapons and military tactics


Watching over me through every murder scene
Protecting and observing me during each violent incident


From adolescence, to my early teens, thought we was gonna die
From my teenage years until now, we always believed we would die


Selling dope to all the fiends, at times I want to cry
Dealing drugs to addicts, there are moments when I feel overwhelmed with sadness


And still, we try to change the past, in vain
Despite our attempts to alter the past, it remains futile


Never knowing if this game'll last, feeling ashamed
Constantly uncertain if this lifestyle will continue, experiencing deep regret


Of cocaine, the product of the devil, am I selling my soul?
Am I betraying my morals by selling cocaine, an evil substance?


Got tired of small time livin, niggas telling me no
I became weary of living a mediocre life, where others consistently rejected me


I got mine! Fuck them other suckers! That's the mentality
I obtained what I wanted! Screw the rest of them! That's my mindset


Jealous-ass bustaz, make it hell for us
Envious individuals create a difficult and challenging environment for us


Lord, help me change my ways
God, assist me in transforming my behavior


Show a little mercy on judgment day
Display some compassion when judgment is passed upon me


It ain't me, I was raised this way
My actions are a result of my upbringing, it's not entirely my fault


I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler
I refuse to allow others to disrespect or manipulate me, I will make it difficult for those who try to take advantage of my entrepreneurial spirit


Now in these last days and times I takes mines so serious
Currently, in these final periods, I am extremely dedicated to acquiring what belongs to me


Gotta get that paper quickly and escape the sickness
I must obtain money rapidly and escape the destructive lifestyle


If I fail, then I suffer, being broke is hell 4 a hustler
If I am unsuccessful, I endure immense hardship, as being financially destitute is extremely challenging for someone who thrives on entrepreneurial pursuits


So I stay struggling and juggling with all the might I can muster
Therefore, I continuously strive and manage various tasks to the best of my ability


Since a youngster, been money hungry, moved in
Since a young age, I have been driven by a desire for wealth, and I have taken action to achieve it


One's five's and ten's was funny money
Small denominations of money, such as one dollar bills, five dollar bills, and ten dollar bills, were not considered significant to me


So I sets my sights bigger, four figures or mo'
Therefore, I aim for larger amounts of money, such as amounts in the thousands or more


Real nigga fo' sho', out in the cold for dough
Undoubtedly, I am an authentic individual, enduring the hardships associated with pursuing money


What you thought? ?, lost homies in plenty battles
What did you expect? I have lost friends in numerous conflicts


Last two years shed plenty tears, and I'll send plenty at you
Over the past two years, I have shed many tears, and I will make others experience similar pain


Let me catch you slipping, you soft niggas is outta here
If I catch you off guard, weak individuals will be eliminated


In case you forgot, we on the same shit that got us here
In case you have forgotten, we are still involved in the same risky actions that led us to our current situation


Yo, to every step I take, every foul I make
With each step I take and every unethical action I commit


Every jail I break, every mill' I ate
Every prison escape I achieve and every million dollars I earn


Head to head, whoever hustle hardest
Facing off directly against whoever works the hardest in their illegal activities


On the block ducking charges, nigga fuck the sergeant
Avoiding criminal charges while on the streets, disregarding police authority


He got a job, all my bottles got a pinch of coke
The police officer has a career, while my drug packages contain a small amount of cocaine


Listen tho' I'm missing dough I gotta gather mo'
However, I am currently lacking money, so I need to acquire more


Hell no, dead blocks with red tops but now a nigga sell words
Absolutely not, I used to sell drugs on dangerous streets, but now I sell my lyrics


For all my young thugs in jail in Jerz
This is dedicated to all of my young friends who are incarcerated in New Jersey


They made it hell 4 a hustler, I bails high as fuck son
The justice system has created a challenging environment for an individual like me who works hard to make money, I need a high amount of bail money, my friend


Dying luck none supply us with much guns
Unfortunate circumstances don't provide us with an abundant supply of firearms


I buck one, just to let you know that I can touch ya
I fire one shot, merely to indicate that I am capable of harming you


Slanging cracks or raps, still hell 4 a hustler
Whether selling drugs or expressing myself through music, being an entrepreneur is still challenging


No insanity plea for me, I ride the beef til I burn
I will not plead insanity, I engage in conflict until its conclusion, even if it is detrimental to me


Sensimilla bar your kids from the lessons I learned
Parents, prevent your children from witnessing and learning from the consequences of my actions


And in turn I'm hostile guess you could call me anti-social
Consequently, I am aggressive and withdrawn, one might describe me as antisocial


Niggas shaking like they caught the holy ghost when I approach em
When I confront individuals, they tremble in fear and behave erratically


Try to politic, before I smoke em, like Sun Zu
They attempt to negotiate with me, but I eliminate them before they have a chance, similar to the strategies of Sun Tzu


Niggas do unto these snitches, before it's done to you
Take action against informants before they have the opportunity to harm you


And if the cops come arrest me in the evening
If the police come to apprehend me during the evening


Best believe they coming for my dogs in the morning
You can be certain that they will come for my associates the following morning


And if I die by a slug, the death of a true thug
And if I am killed by a gunshot, it will be the death of an authentic gangster


Tell me will my niggas mourn me? Getting blowed out
Inform me, will my friends grieve for me? Consuming drugs excessively


High, watch me murder the bird, before he testify
Intoxicated, observe me kill the witness before he provides testimony


Strikes, walking close to my third, I live a trouble life
I face constant danger and challenges, always on the verge of being caught, living a turbulent existence


And if you dream be a part of my team
If you aspire to join my group


From Long Beach to Queens, drug dealers to ex-fiends
From Long Beach, California, to Queens, New York, individuals involved in drug dealing or recovering addicts


Keep yo' eyes on the prize, nigga watch for busters
Stay focused on your goals and be cautious of those who may hinder your progress


Either heaven or jail, it's still hell 4 a hustler
Whether in heaven or incarcerated, the life of an entrepreneur is still extremely challenging


This is how we ride
This is our way of life


Not knowing if we'll live or die
Uncertain if we will survive or perish


Catch me rolling with my motherfucking guns on the side
Find me driving with my firearms readily accessible


In case of drama, I'm the first to break wild til they all die
In situations of conflict, I am the first to become aggressive until everyone is eliminated


Outlaw
A member of the Outlawz gang, known for their criminal activities


Yes (change my ways) yes
Yes, I desire to transform my behavior


The Black Jesus guide us through this
Black Jesus, lead and assist us during these challenging times


Weary weary weary weary
Exhausted, fatigued, and burdened


Only God can save us
Only God has the power to rescue us


Nothing but boss players
Only individuals with a dominant, leadership mindset


Outlawz and thugs
Members of the Outlawz gang and other criminal individuals




Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: DAMON E. THOMAS, KOTARI (PKA "KASTRO") COX, MALCOLM (E.D.I.) GREENIDGE, MUTAH (PKA NAPOLEAN) BEALE, RUFUS COOPER, TUPAC SHAKUR, YAFEU FULA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Agent Bosconian


on So Many Tears - Live


I fear only God and no human being


Even in the face of danger, I will stay strong


I have cried so much and fear that I might die soon


God, please guide me and take me to heaven if I die


I grew up in a sad, and lonely environment and it affected me in a gravely manner


I was abandoned; all alone and grew up in a community that was doomed to fail


My mind was greatly troubled and I couldn't be able to find my inner peace


I found solace and comfort in adopting a tough and rebellious lifestyle


Do you understand my pain and sorrow? I don't ever dwell on the past memories


To survive in a dangerous environment, you must react aggressively and quickly; in order to stay alive


I will always remember my friend, Kato. A good friend who has tragically died, and is no longer with us, anymore


I witnessed the day Kato perished on the streets and was calling for help


May Kato, and those who died before him, truly find peace in death


Is there really a place in heaven for a gangster like me? Always think and never forget about me


The friends that I once shared my laughter with; are now buried in their graves in the cemetery. I continue to shed countless tears for them; as I grieve for them


As I face many difficulties in the music industry, I will do whatever it takes to overcome it


People call me greedy and selfish for making money, yet they rarely can see me


I feel like I'm being cursed by the world and havin' disturbing; yet horrible premonitions


I have a fear that I will die and lie inside a coffin on a hearse, and want God's guidance and empathy


I want to escape from the problems, stress and the hurting of life


I yearned; longing for happiness and clarity in my troubled life


I'm trapped in jail and my life is in shambles


I feel like I'm doomed to go to Hell, but I don't know why


I'm in denial about my life, and I'm scared of death


If I go to hell, I will be in eternal pain and cry so much


I'm lost and tired, and I've cried so much


I'm contemplating suicide, so stay away from me


I'm intentionally moving towards death


I'm ready to die, and I feel like I have nothing to live for


The streets were ruthless, and I couldn't find peace


I'm on the verge of breaking down, and I long for peace


I lost my soul and my identity, but I was unaware


I had demons in my mind that were taking over


The demons inside me grew and ignited a fire


My head felt like a bomb ready to explode, it was a nasty game


I have no happy memories, only pain and sadness


I imagine my enemies murdering me in my sleep


I wonder if I'll live to see the next day


I ask God to pardon me for my wrongs as death approaches


God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed


I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings


I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by


I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort


I don't want this life, I want something different


There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence


I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze


Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind


I've been disillusioned and now want a family


I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past


I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us


I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it


I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven


I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven


I've lost so many years and cried so many tears


God, I lost so many friends and associates, and...


God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed


I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings


I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by


I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort


I don't want this life, I want something different


There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence


I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze


Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind


I've been disillusioned and now want a family


I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past


I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us


I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it


I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven


I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven


I've lost so many years and cried so many tears


God, I lost so many friends and associates, and cried so many tears

Aliyu


on 'Pac's Life

Ashanti

Nice

A.Bosconian


on So Many Tears


I am not afraid of anything or anyone other than God.


Even when I am in the darkest of times and places.


I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.


I ask God to guide me and be with me in my journey through life.


Even as a child in elementary school, I found myself attracted to and surrounded by sadness and hopelessness.


I was abandoned and grew up among a generation of people who were doomed to fail.


My mind was constantly struggling, and I could not find a sense of peace or comfort anywhere.


I found a sense of identity and belonging when I got the tattoo of 'Thug Life' on my chest.


Do you understand the struggles and pain that I have experienced in my life?


I am not dwelling on my past mistakes, and if you want to be successful, you shouldn't be either.


In order to defend yourself and your community from violence, you must be the first one to take action. We should never forget Kato, who was killed due to senseless violence.


Kato is no longer with us and has passed away.


I witnessed violent crimes, and I've seen the aftermath of people being killed on the streets.


I hope Kato, and all those who have passed before him, are resting in peace.


Is there a place in heaven for someone like me, who has lived a life of violence and crime?


Remember me and all of my friends who have died and are now buried in the cemetery.


I address God.


I have experienced a lot of suffering throughout my life.


I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.


Now that I am struggling in the music industry.


I will do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means being labeled as greedy and only focused on making money.


Even though I am chasing success, I rarely get to enjoy it or be seen by others.


I feel cursed and have a negative outlook on the world.


I am having visions of dying and leaving this world in a coffin.


I ask God if he can understand what I am going through and help me.


I want to be relieved of all the stress and suffering I feel.


I want to experience happiness again, which has been absent from my life for some time.


I feel like I am losing sight of what's important in my life.


I feel trapped in my current situation, and my quality of life is suffering as a result.


I already feel like I am destined to go to hell, and I question where I went wrong in my life.


I am unable to come to terms with my reality.


When I die, I fear that I will be punished forever in the afterlife.


I feel lost and tired.


I have cried so much that I am now having suicidal thoughts, so please don't be near me.


Everything I do feels like a complicated and difficult step.


To bring me closer to what I want to achieve.


I am prepared to accept death at any moment since I feel like I have nothing to live for.


Things were very rough and merciless on the streets.


I was never able to find peace or rest in that environment.


I am close to falling apart and screaming for peace.


Even though I was empty and lost, I couldn't understand or recognize it at the time.


My mind was plagued with negative thoughts and emotions, which were trying to escape constantly.


The negative thoughts and emotions had been planted long ago and have now taken root, and the flame of negativity is now growing stronger.


Just like a match can light a fire, the negative thoughts in my brain can also do the same, causing pain and suffering.


I have no good memories to comfort me, only sadness and suffering.


I am afraid of being attacked and killed by the people who hate me, even in my sleep.


I wonder if I will survive through the night to see the light of the new day?


I ask God for forgiveness for my past mistakes and wrongdoings.


I am trying to face my problems and come out stronger and better.


The Lord knows I have tried my best, and I have witnessed violent deaths in my community.


Drive-by shootings have resulted in the loss of many lives, including innocent children.


I wonder why these tragedies are happening in my community as I walk around and see the devastation.


I am saddened as I look at the markings on the pavement where someone has been killed, and the only way I can deal with this pain is by getting high.


I understand that this isn't the kind of life that I want for myself, and I want to change it.


I want to change my life for the better.


I feel like there is no future for me, no matter how hard I try to change.


I am trapped in the cycle of crime and violence that exists in my community.


I am lost and confused about how to get out of this situation.


The alcohol has influenced me to act more recklessly and dangerously.


I have lost faith and become cynical about life recently.


I have been wanting to have children and start a family.


I want to see a better version of myself in my children, someone who isn't always involved in negative activities.


I don't fully trust my partner because of the negative influence of our environment.


My partner has also been affected by the negative influences of our environment, and I am hearing strange noises because of how paranoid I am.


I am paranoid that my partner is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle the stress anymore.


I am begging God to forgive me and let me into heaven when I die.


I have lost many friends and acquaintances to violence and death.


As a result of these losses, I have cried many tears and experienced a lot of sadness.


I have experienced a lot of pain and suffering throughout my life.

A.Bosconian


on So Many Tears

The lyrics of Tupac Shakur's song "So Many Tears" explore the themes of paranoia, pain, and death. The first verse of the song presents Tupac's fearlessness of men, but not of God. The rapper then describes his life growing up, where he felt like he was surrounded by misery but found a sense of identity and belonging in the Thug Life culture. He mourns the deaths of his friends, particularly Kato, who was murdered in the streets. Tupac questions to himself whether there is heaven for a "G" and reflects on the many homies who died; that are now in the cemetery.

In the second verse, Tupac reveals his struggles in the music industry, where he feels overwhelmed by the pressure and pain. He admits to being greedy and having a vision of dying young. Tupac requests God to free him from the pain and suffering he experiences in life. The final verse of the song sees Tupac lost, weary, and suicidal. He delves into his struggles with addiction, and he starts to hear voices and experience demons in his mind. Tupac desires to change, but he feels trapped in the game, and he is unsure of his lady's loyalty.

Overall, Tupac Shakur's "So Many Tears" is a poignant song that reflects the artist's tumultuous life and his struggles with death and paranoia. The lyrics also tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the ghetto and the impact that violence and loss have on the psyche of an individual.

Gabriel Benard Cote


on California Love - Original Mix (Explicit)

2 pac is the best

More Versions