Starin' Through My Rear View
2Pac Ft. Yaki Kadafi Lyrics

Starin' at the world through my rearview
Looking back at the world from a different perspective

Just lookin' back at the world
Observing the events that have occurred

From another level, ya know what I mean?
With a deeper understanding and insight

Starin'
Continuing to observe and reflect

Multiple gunshots fill the block, the fun stops
Gun violence erupts and abruptly ends the enjoyment

Niggas is callin' cops, people shot, nobody stops
Victims are calling for help, but no one intervenes

I wonder when the world stopped carin', last night
Questioning the lack of compassion and empathy

Two kids shot while the whole block starin'
Witnessing the tragic incident where two young children were shot

I will never understand this society
Unable to comprehend the state of society

First they try to murder me then they lie to me
Experiencing betrayal and deceit after surviving an attempt on my life

Product of a dyin' breed
A result of a dying generation

All my homies tryin' weed
My friends seeking solace in drugs

Now the little baby's crazed raised off Hennessy
The innocent child growing up in a chaotic environment influenced by alcohol

Tell me, will my enemies flee when they see me?
Wondering if my adversaries will retreat upon seeing me

Believe me, even thugs gotta learn to take it easy
Even individuals involved in criminal activities need to find peace and relaxation

Listen, through the intermissions search your heart for a plan
During moments of reflection, search within yourself for a strategy

And we turnin' bad boys to grown men, it's on again
Transforming young troublemakers into responsible adults

I give a holla to my niggas in the darkest corners
Sending a shout-out to my friends who are living in difficult circumstances

Roll a perfect blunt, and let me spark it for ya
Prepare a flawless marijuana joint, and allow me to light it for you

One love from a thug nigga
Expressing love and unity from a person involved in criminal activities

Rollin' with a posse full of paranoid drug dealers
Being accompanied by a group of anxious drug sellers

To the end, my friend
Remaining loyal until the very end

I'm seein' nothin' but my dreams comin' true
Witnessing the realization of my aspirations

While I'm starin' at the world through my rearview
Continuing to observe the world from my unique perspective

Go on, baby, scream to God, he can't hear you
Expressing the futility of seeking help from a higher power during difficult moments

I can feel your heart beatin' fast 'cause it's time to die
Sensing the fear and anticipation of death

Gettin' high, watchin' time fly
Using drugs to escape reality and witnessing the passage of time

Now you see him, now you don't
One moment he is present, the next he disappears

Some niggas be here for the moment, and then they gone
Certain individuals exist temporarily and then vanish

What happened to 'em?
Questioning the fate and whereabouts of these individuals

Well, let's see, it seems to be a mystery
Attempting to understand their disappearance, which seems inexplicable

But all I know I never let the money get to me
Maintaining a mindset where wealth does not corrupt me

Stay down like the truest
Remaining loyal and authentic

Thug Life until I check out this bitch, I thought you knew this
Living a life associated with criminal activities until death

Who is gonna catch me when I fall or even care to?
Wondering if there will be anyone to provide support or show concern during times of trouble

While you thinkin' I see you lost up in my rearview
While you believe I am unaware, I can see your confusion and uncertainty

Hear you is down with them Outlawz
Acknowledging your affiliation with the Outlawz group

Outcast, left far, I'm through like southpaws
Feeling rejected and abandoned, like a left-handed boxer

But still we keep mashin' till our dreams come through
Persisting in our pursuit of success until our aspirations are realized

Starin' at the world through my rearview
Continuing to observe the world from my unique perspective

Now I was raised as a young black male
Growing up as a young African-American man

In order to get paid, forced to make crack sales
Compelled to engage in the illegal drug trade for financial gain

Caught a nigga so they send me to these overpacked jails
Getting arrested and imprisoned in overcrowded correctional facilities

In the cell, countin' days in this livin' black hell
Spending each day in a prison cell, experiencing the agony of confinement

Do you feel me?
Do you understand and empathize with my situation?

Keys to ignition, use at your discretion
Having access to weapons, but using them cautiously

Roll with a 12 gauge pump for protection
Carrying a powerful shotgun for self-defense

Niggas hate me in the section from years of chin-checkin'
Facing animosity and resentment due to a history of confrontations

Turn to Smith and Wesson war weapons
Relying on firearms manufactured by Smith & Wesson for warfare

Heavenly Father, I'm a soldier
Acknowledging a close relationship with God and presenting oneself as a warrior

I'm gettin' hotter 'cause the world's gettin' colder
Becoming increasingly determined and resilient as the world becomes harsher

Baby, let me hold ya
Seeking comfort and support from a loved one

Talk to my guns like they fly bitches
Treating my firearms as if they were living entities

All you bustas best to run, look at my bitches!
Warning those who oppose me to flee and witness the loyalty of my associates

Now I know the answers to the question
Gaining clarity and understanding regarding life's uncertainties

Do dreams come true?
Can our aspirations and desires be fulfilled?

Still starin' at the world through my rearview
Despite knowing the answers, I continue to observe the world from my unique perspective

They got starin' at the world through my rearview
Others are also observing the world from their own perspectives

Go on, baby, scream to God, he can't hear you
Expressing the futility of seeking divine intervention

I can feel your heart beatin' fast 'cause it's time to die
Sensing the fear and urgency associated with impending death

Gettin' high, watchin' time fly
Using drugs as an escape while observing the passing of time

Nigga Kadafi say
A reference to Kadafi, a member of the Outlawz group

Back in the days we hustled for sneakers and beepers
In the past, we worked hard to afford sneakers and beepers

Nine-six for Glocks 'cause fiends hittin' up blocks with street sweepers
In 1996, we needed Glock firearms due to drug addicts patrolling neighborhoods with automatic weapons

Bless myself when knowin' rules to these streets
Feeling grateful for understanding the guidelines of the streets

Somethin' I learned in school
Acquiring this knowledge through life experiences

On some Million Man March shit for the peace, true that
Promoting peace and unity, similar to the Million Man March

Only one life to lead, a fast life of greed
We only have one life to live, and in my case, it has been consumed by a fast-paced lifestyle focused on material gain

Criminally addicted, infested since a seed
Addicted to a life of crime, influenced since childhood

We all die, breed bleed like humans
Despite our criminal activities, we are still human and susceptible to death

Towns run by young guns, Outlawz and truants
Communities controlled by young individuals involved in illegal activities, including the Outlawz and truants

Shit's deep, turn eighteen, burn my will when I go
The situation is dire - once I reach eighteen years old, I need to write my will in preparation for my potential death

Burnt my body with my shotty, or choosin' my dough
Accepting that my body may be destroyed by gunfire, or prioritizing financial gain over personal safety

So while you reminiscin' all nights out with the crew
While you reminisce about the enjoyable moments spent with friends

Smoke a blunt for me too, I'm starin' through your rearview
Smoke a marijuana joint in my honor as I continue to observe your actions from my perspective

'Cause you ain't knowin' what we mean by starin' through the rearview
Because you do not understand the concept of observing the world from a different viewpoint

So since you ain't knowin' what we mean let me break down understandin'
Since you lack comprehension, let me explain it to you

The world, the world is behind us
The past is always a part of us

Once a motherfucker get an understandin' on the game
Once an individual comprehends the rules and dynamics of the game

And what the levels and the rules of the game is
And comprehends the distinct tiers and regulations within the game

Then the world ain't no trick no more, the world is a game to be played
The world no longer seems like a deception or ploy, but rather a game to participate in

So now we lookin' at the world, from like, behind us
Now we observe the world from a position of understanding

Niggas know what we gotta do
Others recognize the actions we must take

Just gotta put our mind to it and do it
We just need to focus and take action

It's all about the papers, money rule the world
The ultimate goal is financial wealth, as money has significant power and influence

Bitches make the world go round
Women have a significant impact on shaping the world

Real niggas do they wanna do
Authentic individuals pursue their desires

Bitch niggas do what they can
Dishonest individuals do whatever is within their capabilities

Heart beatin' fast, time to die
Feeling intense fear and realizing that death is imminent

Watchin' time fly
Observing the passing of time