Where I'm From
Ashanti; Ja Rule; R. Kelly Lyrics

Nigga, fuck is you talkin' 'bout?
Ignoring irrelevant conversations.

Comin' from where I'm from, I'm from
Referencing a difficult, low income upbringing.

Kids get killed in ghettos, shot up over their carmelo's
Gang violence affects innocent children.

While they mom was at home, tears hittin' the pillow
Parents suffer the pain of losing their kids to gun violence.

Reverend in the middle of a sermon and funereal
Religious leaders constantly conduct funerals for slain community members.

Shed a tear 'cause they lost a son the same way a year ago
Tragedies repeat themselves in the ghetto.

It's the same ego spiritual, we thuggin' in harmony
People in poor neighborhoods unite to survive fluctuating obstacles.

They say death brings life, there exchange no robbery
Senseless killings do not result in productive change.

If I'm wrong then pardon me, I'm just tired of poverty
Escaping financial troubles is an exhausting, challenging endeavor.

Why them niggas in the hood never hit the lottery
The impoverished rarely experience financial blessings.

Unless they go lottery, first round in the draft
Sports and entertainment serve as the rare paths to improved financial status in poor areas.

First we dustin' off the rounds and we slip in the mag'
Prepping for violence is commonplace.

Then slip on the masks, and go out and mash
Disguising one's identity and committing violence is normalized.

And we call it feeding our family, ya'll call it a tragedy, damn
Some individuals resort to crime to provide for their families.

How I could just kill a man
Aggressive thoughts and feelings of anger are commonplace.

Watch his blood flow like a river and rinse his blood off of my hand
Describing a vivid, violent act of murder.

If you hearing me speak please lord give me a chance
Requesting an opportunity for success.

And forgive for my sins, 'cause we cleansed where I'm from
Asking for absolution for past wrongs committed in the ghetto.

Me and my niggas ride even when the sun don't shine and it's cold outside
Loyalty among friends in difficult circumstances is critical.

I never run in or hide, 'cause some niggas hate it
Challenges and dangers are not unfamiliar.

But I can't be fadin' 'cause I done made it
Success is not always permanent, but should be appreciated.

Instead of struggling, just strive
Putting forth sustained, determined effort can yield positive outcomes.

Find my way out these ghetto streets of mine
Escaping negative surroundings is a priority.

We ain't all killers in prison
Rejecting harmful stereotypes about Black Americans.

Matter fact that's a stereotypical thought of livin'
Dispelling erroneous assumptions about life in the ghetto.

'Cause they don't know about the hood and them love in it
Despite challenges, impoverished areas are not devoid of positivity.

Summer time top down with the wood finish
Enjoying small moments of luxury is important for self-care.

Pushin' hard uptown windows slightly tinted
Driving is a form of escape and freedom.

Back to back Benz' and Jeeps, blowin' weed with my niggas
Collective enjoyment of material possessions and recreational drugs.

On our way to a house party, gonna fuck with some bitches
Partying and engaging in casual sex are popular social activities.

Let's get some liquor for shorty who said she make us some chicken
Preparations for good food and drink are cause for excitement.

And if we get 'em drunk enough we probably could freak 'em
Casual sex remains a popular form of recreation and enjoyment.

And do it every other weekend
Recreational activities happen frequently and are enjoyed with consistency.

If I don't have to kill niggas, I never would leave the ghetto
Expressing a desire to escape life-threatening situations, but not the neighborhood altogether.

I'm like an angel that put on a halo
While surrounded by negative influences, striving to maintain a positive outlook and behavior.

Cradle the grave of my niggas that we lost in the ghetto
Honoring fallen friends and loved ones who did not make it out of the neighborhood.

'Cause where I'm from in the ghetto we rock white tee's and Nike's
Style and fashion play an important role in impoverished areas.

Roll three dice and name our dope ice cream
Gambling and giving drugs fun nicknames creates a sense of enjoyment and community.

Set trends and ya'll follow our lead
Poor individuals are often trendsetters for more affluent communities.

But in New Yitti niggas follow they dreams, where I'm from
Achieving success and pursuing passions is often more difficult in impoverished areas.

Now I lay me down and sleep
Ending the song with a prayer for protection and soulful rest.

And I pray to the Lord, for my soul to keep
Expressing a deep desire for spiritual safety and guidance.

But if I should die before I wake
Acknowledging the possibility of dying in a dangerous environment.

Pray for the Lord, my soul to take yeah
Asking for divine protection even in the face of adversity.

Pray for the Lord, my soul to take
Repeating the prayer for emphasis and a sense of urgency.

Hmm, hmm
Ending the song with a quiet hum.

Oh yeah
Closing statement expressing a sense of completion.