Crowns for Kings
Benny the Butcher Lyrics

Uh, every king will be crowned
Every person who achieves greatness will receive recognition and respect for their accomplishments.

Trust me
Believe in my words and have faith in what I say.

This marathon shit, so let's see who first to the finish
Life is a long journey, and we'll find out who achieves success first.

If it's less than a hundred racks, it don't deserve your attention
Anything that's worth less than a hundred thousand dollars is not worth your focus or consideration.

'Cause burdens come with it, my second test was servin' a sentence
When pursuing success, there are challenges and obstacles, and one of my early tests was going to prison.

My first was make a brick jump like it was hurdlin' fences
My initial test was successfully selling drugs and making a profit.

Certainly, my last shit was a courtesy, nigga
My previous work was done as a favor or act of kindness.

And further, we had bustdowns before you heard of me, nigga
I had expensive watches with diamonds before you even knew who I was.

Shoeboxes stacked with racks sittin' vertically in 'em
I had stacks of money in shoeboxes, neatly arranged and organized.

I'm fresh out of luck, I'm here 'cause I deserve to be, nigga
I've run out of luck, but I'm still here and successful because I've earned it.

I sat back, a vet, and watched beginners winnin' my belts
As an experienced artist, I observed newcomers achieving success in the industry.

Burned my bridges, came back a good swimmer like Phelps
I severed ties with people from my past, but I managed to navigate the challenges and come out successful.

You know the feeling, young black male, what y'all dealin'?
As a young black man, you're familiar with the struggles and challenges we face.

Take your whole life to get it, it only last you a minute
It takes a lifetime to achieve success, but it can all disappear in an instant.

In the kitchen countin' cash with cats with backward agendas
I used to be surrounded by people who had ulterior motives while we counted money in the kitchen.

Put a Benz in the brick, then toss it back in the blender
I incorporated luxury items, like a Mercedes-Benz car, into my drug dealing operations.

That was us, next to a big like I was Puff
We were in the prestigious company of influential figures like Puff Daddy.

The good die young, all the OGs thirty and up
It's common for good people to die young, while the older generation is still around.

In Alexander McQueen kicks just to dirty 'em up
I wore expensive Alexander McQueen sneakers only to tarnish and destroy them.

Money tree, branches break when they not sturdy enough, uh
The branches of a money tree (symbolic of wealth) will break if they're not strong enough to support the weight.

See, I was good with the bad guy role
I was comfortable embracing the role of a villain or antagonist.

Water in my jewels, put 'em on and baptize hoes
I drip water on my expensive jewelry, symbolically baptizing the women who are attracted to me because of it.

Walk in my shoes, we got Shaq-sized soles (Huh)
If you could experience my life and perspective, you would understand the magnitude of my struggles.

We flatline those wack rap niggas wearin' half-sized clothes
We metaphorically end the careers of untalented rappers who dress poorly and lack style.

What's the dealy? I'm only 'bout six hours from Philly
What's the situation? I'm just a short distance away from Philadelphia.

That's an hour on the plane, I'll make it three in the Bentley
I can travel to Philly in an hour by plane, but I prefer to make it a three-hour journey in my luxury Bentley car.

My bitch keep sayin' I'm famous, but it ain't hit me
My girlfriend keeps reminding me that I'm famous, but I haven't fully realized or grasped it yet.

I'm too ghetto, mellowed out, this Hollywood shit tricky
I come from a rough background, so navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry can be challenging for me.

See, before I knew an A&R, I was weighin' hard
Before I had connections to music industry executives, I was involved in drug trafficking and weighing drugs.

Back when Nicki Minaj was in a trainin' bra
During a time when Nicki Minaj was young and starting her career.

You play this game, you better play hard
In this industry, if you're going to participate, you need to give it your all and compete fiercely.

The judge'll give you life and later that day, he gon' be playin' golf
A judge can sentence you to life in prison, but right after, they'll relax and play golf, indicating their power and the unfairness of the justice system.

I'm from that era, we don't pay it if you weighed it wrong
In my generation, if a drug dealer gave you the wrong weight, you didn't have to pay for it.

Back when your parents got your baby shoes plated bronze
During a time when parents would have their baby's shoes coated with bronze for sentimental purposes.

We took hip-hop and made it ours
We embraced hip-hop culture and made it our own, adding our unique style and experiences to the genre.

I sold quarters, just so happens I'm the author of your favorite songs
I used to sell drugs in small quantities (quarters), and now I happen to be the talented creator behind your favorite songs.

They bullshitted me, I played along
People tried to deceive or manipulate me, but I went along with their games.

More bars then them niggas who got hit with the Reagan laws
I have more lyrical skills and bars (verses) than the rappers who were affected by Ronald Reagan's strict drug laws.

Yo, when we was hooked in the hood, gettin' booked like literature
Back when we were heavily involved in criminal activities, getting arrested and treated like characters in a book.

Kept us shook, like when the boogieman comin' to get ya
We were constantly afraid and on edge, as if a terrifying presence was about to harm us.

We was crooks, tryna cop more rides than Great Adventure
We were criminals, trying to steal as many cars as the Great Adventure amusement park had rides.

Any image we took, not a father was in the picture
No positive male role models or father figures were present in the lives of those involved in criminal activities.

There was times, not a bite nor swallow was in the kitchen
There were times when there was no food or nourishment available in our kitchens.

Real niggas made a industry out of they intuition
People like me, who rely on their instincts and street smarts, have turned those traits into successful careers in the music industry.

Facin' the darkest outcome, sprintin' to outrun the reaper
Confronting the most severe and dangerous consequences, trying to avoid death itself.

Trying not to be the food in the mouth of the beast
Struggling to avoid being consumed or destroyed by the harsh realities of the streets and criminal world.

For whom the bell tolls
Referencing the novel by Ernest Hemingway, suggesting that we are aware of the toll being taken on our lives.

Crown kings in Adidas suits and shell toes
We, the kings, wear Adidas tracksuits and shell-toe sneakers as a symbol of our status and style.

We had to throw a lot of body blows and elbows
We had to fight and physically defend ourselves, using punches and elbows as weapons.

Wishin' we could get from Snyder Ave to Melrose
We desired to escape the difficult and dangerous streets of Snyder Ave and reach the more affluent and fashionable area of Melrose.

Without the Dapper Dan bodybags and jail clothes
However, we wanted to achieve success without the risk of violence and incarceration associated with the streets and prison.

That warned niggas not to lollygag when Hell rose
The presence of body bags reminded us not to waste time or procrastinate when facing imminent danger or difficult situations.

We railroaded through the thicker things for gold chains and chicken change
We pushed through the most challenging circumstances for material possessions like gold chains and small amounts of money.

No one throwin' flames, there's growin' pains when in the game
No one is providing any support or encouragement; instead, there are difficult and stressful experiences that come with being in the entertainment industry.

And the blow, ashes in the snow, it's no remains
Our illegal activities and the drugs we sold left behind only ashes and no evidence or traces once the drugs were consumed.

Push the wheel as fast as it could go, we overcame the obstacles
We pushed ourselves to our limits, surpassing all obstacles and challenges along the way.

But when you official, the block miss you
When you become successful and legitimate, the neighborhood and community starts to miss your presence.

Even if the old crew choose not to rock with you
Even if your old friends or crew don't support or stay connected with you anymore.

We was blue-black, stuck in the glue trap
We, as black individuals, were metaphorically trapped and stuck in a difficult and oppressive environment.

I had to pull my own self up by the bootstrap
I had to rely on my own determination and efforts to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Where everybody play they own part like a tooth gap
In our community, everyone plays their role and fulfills their responsibilities, just like a gap between teeth is a natural feature.

And old heads teach the young hitters to shoot back
Experienced individuals guide and mentor the younger generation on how to defend themselves and retaliate when necessary.

I been livin' proof that the pressure make precious stones
My life and experiences are evidence that pressure and challenges can shape and mold individuals into valuable and influential figures.

And real clairvoyant savants remain lesser known
Despite being extremely talented and perceptive, individuals with true wisdom and insight often go unnoticed or unrecognized by the majority.

But anybody who question you, send a message to 'em
If anyone doubts or questions your abilities or character, make sure to show them your true capabilities and prove them wrong.

I see my seat at the table to be a blessed throne
I consider my position in the industry to be a privileged and blessed position of power and influence.

Triumph and tragedy, his majesty muscle never atrophied
Despite experiencing both successes and hardships, my strength and power as a respected figure have never diminished.

The devil is a casualty, sucker, you're never catchin' me
I view the negative influences or temptations as expendable and insignificant, and I won't be trapped or influenced by them.

Even though you been after me, motherfucker
Despite your constant pursuit or attempts to harm me, I remain unaffected and untouchable.

You gotta bring a army to harm me, I occupy the capacity up
If you want to cause me harm, you'll need to assemble a significant force because I possess immense power and strength.

Decapitator of a hater in this modern day
I metaphorically sever the heads or destroy the influence of those who hate or oppose me in the present era.

My dossier no less, dealer spray Courvoisier
My records of achievements and accomplishments are impressive, and I celebrate with luxury by spraying expensive Courvoisier cognac.

I'm Jean-Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford, and Cartier
I embody the same level of creativity, style, and luxury as iconic fashion designers Jean-Paul Gaultier and Tom Ford, as well as the renowned jewelry brand Cartier.

Self-made, I fly vintage from the sommelier
I've achieved success on my own, and I enjoy luxurious old-fashioned things, just like a wine connoisseur.

On reserve, flowin' from the blackest fountain
I have an unlimited supply or abundance of creativity and success, emanating from the depths of my black heritage and experiences.

It's all love from public housin' to the Atlas Mountains
I receive love and support from people living in low-income housing all the way to the luxurious Atlas Mountains, symbolizing universal admiration and respect.

I've established the average to always bat a thousand
I've set the standard or average level of success at a perfect score or flawless level.

So after butcherin' this track, it's back to countin'
After delivering exceptional rap verses and lyrics on this song, I'll return to counting money and enjoying the monetary rewards of my success.

The money generated from me leavin' microphones broke
The earnings and revenue that I bring in from my performances and music releases are so significant that they can render microphones useless or leave them damaged.

Probably almost on par with all of Escobar's coke
The amount of money I earn is comparable to the massive profits generated by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar through his cocaine empire.

When I'm finished, I'ma keep a tennis shoe on y'all throat
When I'm done with my success and domination, I'll ensure that I still have control and power over my competitors or adversaries.

Just in case you mention in a interview you want smoke, nigga
I'll keep the threat of retaliation alive, in case you mention or express a desire to engage in a confrontation or conflict with me.

Two Fifteen
End of the song lyrics, marking the completion of Benny the Butcher's verse.