In The Ghetto )
Busta Rhymes (Feat. Rick James) Lyrics

When I was a young boy, growin' up in the ghetto
Recounting his early life spent in poor neighborhoods.

Hanging out on corners, singin' with the fellas
Hanging out in the streets with friends trying to stay entertained.

Lookin' for the cute chicks, tryin' to find me
Looking for relationships and love interests.

Lookin' for some trouble, or anyone who'll give me some
Looking for excitement, danger, or attention.

I was young and crazy (in the ghetto)
He was impulsive and foolish growing up in the ghetto.

Didn't know what my life would be (in the ghetto)
Not sure what the future would hold for him.

I was dumb and oh so lazy (In the ghetto)
Not very motivated to improve his situation in life.

Something had a spell on me (in the ghetto)
An inexplicable, powerful energy was keeping him stuck in the ghetto lifestyle.

Talkin' bout ghetto life, talkin' bout ghetto life
Discussing the struggles and realities of living in poverty-stricken areas.

Ghetto life (talkin' 'bout ghetoo life)
Continuing to focus on life in impoverished areas.

Sure we be takin' them chances
Being willing to take risks and gamble on opportunities.

While we search for the answers we be smokin' them cancer sticks
While trying to find meaning in their lives, they cope with smoking cigarettes, which can be harmful to their health.

Police provokin' motherfuckers, we dancin'
They frequently have interactions with law enforcement, leading to dangerous or confrontational situations.

And we be dodgin' them bullets they be poppin' off at us, shit
Living with the constant fear of being shot at or caught in the crossfire of gunfire.

But yet we always romance the street
Despite the dangers and risks of living in the ghetto, it has a certain allure and appeal to them.

And fall in love with the hood 'til somebody come blast the heat
They are devoted to their neighborhoods until a tragedy, such as a shooting, occurs that brings them back to reality.

Always up to no good, so all of my fam could eat
More often than not, they resort to criminal activities to provide for themselves and their families.

See in the hood we hungry, hey nigga we playin' for keeps
They are driven by survival instincts, given that they are living in poverty and have to fight for their share of resources.

My soldiers on the block get on it
The people he associates with who are also from the ghetto are always on the lookout for opportunities to make money.

It be good if you flaunt it, we will take if we want it
If there is something they desire that someone else has, they will take it by any means necessary.

See nigggas from the ghetto got a different state of mind
Living in a poor neighborhood changes the way people think about life and approach situations.

With a different kind of hustle and we iller with the grind
They are more persistent and driven in their pursuit of making money and achieving success than people from other areas.

And develop our muscle 'til we sicker with the shine
Continuing to develop their skills and financial resources until they are the most successful or respected in their neighborhoods.

In the struggle, thus our money come quicker doin' crime
Crime is often an easier and faster way to make money than seeking legal employment.

I see the way we rep the hood, gotta love me
He is proud of the way they represent and embody the ghetto lifestyle.

You can take me out the ghetto, but you can't take it from me
Even if he were to leave the ghetto, it will always be a part of him and his identity.

To my east coast niggas', rep yo' ghetto
Encouraging people from different regions to be proud of where they come from.

West coast niggas', rep yo' ghetto
Encouraging people from different regions to be proud of where they come from.

Midwest niggas', rep yo' ghetto
Encouraging people from different regions to be proud of where they come from.

Down south niggas', rep yo' ghetto
Encouraging people from different regions to be proud of where they come from.

Even though they act rude
Not letting other people's behavior or reactions affect them.

You'll always find a good hick to hold a brick for they dude
Even among those who engage in criminal activities, there are people with positive qualities and intentions.

Behind the bullshit, me and my clique on the move
Looking beyond superficial and petty conflicts to make progress.

We honor the code of the street and live by the rules (in the ghetto)
There is a certain code of honor and respect that exists among people living in the ghetto.

Find the most crooks and they sell the most drugs at
The areas where the most illegal activity takes place are the places where the most drugs are being sold.

Where you find beautiful women and rugrats and some of the most powerful people, I love that
While the ghetto can be a difficult and dangerous place to live, it is also where people can form strong relationships and establish their own inner power.