Po nigga blue tribute
2Pac Lyrics

Hey!
Introducing the song with a simple greeting.

Why'd you slang crack? I had to
Explaining the reason for selling drugs as a means of survival.

A nigga gotta pay the fuckin' rent
Emphasizing the financial struggle faced in a society that doesn't value black lives.

Crazy, I gotta work with what'chu gave me
Acknowledging the systemic oppression and lack of opportunities for black people.

You claimin' I'm a criminal and you the one that made me
Calling out the hypocrisy of the society that criminalizes black people and blames them for their own oppression.

They got me trapped in this slavery
Comparing the current state of black people to slavery, as they are still oppressed and discriminated against.

Now I'm lost in this holocaust headin' for my grave G
Describing the devastating impact of systemic racism and oppression on black people's lives.

I told Sam he could fuck the war
Refusing to be a blind follower and questioning the legitimacy of wars.

And got a busted jaw for sayin' fuck the law
Highlighting the violent consequences of speaking up against authority and questioning the status quo.

And if you wonder why I'm mad check the record
Challenging those who question his anger to examine the history of oppression and violence against black people.

What's a nigga gotta do to get respected?
Asking for basic human respect and dignity that black people are often denied.

Sometimes I think I'm gettin' tested
Feeling like life is a test and questioning why he has to face such struggles.

And if I don't say yes a nigga's quick to get arrested
Pointing out the racial bias and unfair treatment of black people in the criminal justice system.

That's the reason I stay testin'
Refusing to conform to unjust societal expectations and constantly pushing back against oppression.

I keep a vest on my chest in case the cops are gettin' restless
Taking precautions to protect himself from the violence and brutality of the police.

Walkin' around, ready to light shit up
Feeling angry and frustrated with the oppressive system and ready to take action.

But since my life is fucked, some say I'm slightly nuts
Being viewed as crazy or unstable due to the struggles and trauma faced as a result of systemic oppression.

Other niggas pay attention when a fool bust, huh
Pointing out how violence and aggression often get attention and respect in the black community.

They make a nigga be a killer; I used to be a dealer
Explaining how poverty and lack of opportunities can lead people to engage in illegal activities like drug dealing.

But they wanted to see who's realer
Describing the pressure to be tough and violent in order to gain respect and status in the black community.

Now them same motherfuckers wanna murder me
Feeling like even those in the community who once respected him are now turning on him.

And I wonder if the Lord ever heard of me, huh
Feeling lost and forgotten by society and even questioning the existence of a higher power.

I need loot, so I'm doin what I do
Justifying his actions of selling drugs as a means of survival and financial stability.

And don't say shit until you walked in my shoes
Challenging those who judge him for selling drugs to understand the difficult circumstances that led to that decision.

There was no other destiny to choose
Feeling like selling drugs was the only option he had to survive in a society that doesn't value black lives.

I had nothin' left to lose, so I'm singin' nigga blues
Describing the feeling of hopelessness and despair faced by many black people in a society that oppresses them.

Poppa need brand new shoes, but what the fuck can a nigga do?
Describing the financial struggles and lack of opportunities faced by black families.

My little boy gotta eat too
Emphasizing the responsibility and pressure of providing for one's family, even in difficult circumstances.

So why must I sock a fella
Explaining how violence and aggression may seem like the only way to survive in a violent and oppressive society.

Just to live large like Rockefeller?
Questioning the societal values that prioritize material wealth and status over basic human needs and dignity.

And did you ever stop to think
Challenging the listener to think about the systemic issues and oppression faced by black people.

I'm old enough to go to war, but I ain't old enough to drink
Highlighting the hypocrisy of the government that allows young black men to fight for their country but doesn't trust them to drink alcohol.

Cops wanna hit me with the book, huh
Describing the unfair treatment and harassment faced by black people at the hands of the police.

And you're hooked on my "I Don't Give a Fuck" look
Pointing out the societal fascination with black people's perceived toughness and lack of emotions.

Make your rules, I'ma break 'em
Challenging the oppressive rules and expectations set by society and refusing to conform to them.

No matter how much you make 'em, you show me bacon I'm take 'em
Describing the financial struggle and need to resort to illegal activities to survive and provide for one's family.

So don't you ever tempt me
Warning others not to provoke him or tempt him to resort to violence.

I'm a fool for mine nigga and my pockets stay empty
Acknowledging the foolishness and danger of the illegal activities he engages in to survive, but also pointing out the lack of opportunities and economic mobility for black people.

To my brothers in the barrio
Addressing and showing solidarity with the Latinx community, who also face oppression and systemic racism.

You're livin' worse than the niggas in the ghetto so
Describing how oppressed communities often struggle to make ends meet and survive in a society that doesn't value their lives.

I give a fuck about your language or complexion
Rejecting the societal divisions based on race and language and expressing solidarity regardless of those differences.

You got love from the niggas in my section
Expressing unity and brotherhood with those in similar situations in his community.

You got problems with the punk police?
Questioning the legitimacy and fairness of the police, who often target and harass black and brown communities.

Don't run from the chumps, get the pump from me
Encouraging his community to fight back against police brutality and oppression.

We ain't free, I'll be damned if I play the trick
Rejecting the notion of being a passive victim in a system that doesn't value black lives and fighting back against oppression.

For a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, caucausian bitch
Calling out and rejecting societal beauty standards that prioritize whiteness and Eurocentric features.

Down with my homeboy Rich, huh
Showing solidarity with a friend and fellow black man who also faces similar struggles and oppression.

Fuck a snitch and a groupie-ass bitch
Rejecting those who betray the community and the struggle, and those who only seek to benefit themselves.

And the nigga with a cellular phone, leave his baby at home
Pointing out the privilege and disregard for familial responsibilities of those who can afford technology like cell phones, while emphasizing the importance of taking care of children.

So he can go out and bone, huh
Describing the misogynistic and selfish attitudes that some men have towards sexual relationships.

And you wonder why we blazin' niggas
Explaining the anger and frustration felt by black people in response to systemic oppression and violence against them.

Cause you punks havin' babies can't raise the niggas
Highlighting the impact of poverty and lack of opportunities on black families and communities, and rejecting the blaming of individuals rather than addressing the systemic issues.

And they down to be fuck-ups too
Describing how young black men may resort to violence and illegal activities due to a lack of opportunities and the influence of their environment.

Drinkin' forties of brew, huh, singin' nigga blues
Describing the coping mechanisms and struggles faced by those in the black community in response to systemic oppression and trauma.

Now I'm headin' for the motherfuckin' pen
Describing the inevitable consequences and punishment faced by someone who engages in illegal activities to survive in a society that doesn't value black lives.