The Dark
Dice Raw/Greg Porn/The Roots Lyrics

Yo, mountain high and valley low and river winding to the beat
I have been on a long, difficult journey through various terrains chasing demons, with the music as my guide.

I have traveled chasing demons screaming all I find I keep
Throughout my journey, I have encountered and conquered many obstacles, both inward and outward.

If you don't pay like you lay alright okay that's fine with me
If you don't give me the respect I deserve, I will still stand tall and stick to what I believe in.

I'ma just spray my heat and say my piece and lay you down to sleep
I will fight for what I believe in and speak my truth, even if it means taking down those who oppose me.

Ain't nobody tell you clowns to speak
Nobody asked for your opinion, keep it to yourself.

I'm an AK you down the street
I am a force to be reckoned with, and I will take down anyone who stands in my way.

Draw that bump that's built for the riots see how quiet y'all can keep
Show off your weapons and see how quickly those who oppose you will back down.

Ain't no wilding it ain't no problem
I am always prepared for whatever comes my way, and I can handle myself in any situation.

It ain't no question it ain't no beef
There is no need for discussion, we are not enemies.

Cut that check then things are sweet
If you pay me what I deserve, we can have a good relationship.

I'ma go buy some diamond teeth
I will spend money on myself and the things that make me happy, even if it seems extravagant to others.

I'll be damned if my setback gonna help you get back on your feet
I will not let my failures and setbacks benefit others at my expense.

No surrender no retreat
I refuse to give up or back down, even in the face of adversity.

Nigga we out here trying to eat
We are all out here trying to make a living and thrive, so we need to support each other.

Hashtag diamond dog tag
I am proud of my luxurious possessions and like to show them off on social media.

Money bag, nice swag, pockets need an ice bag
I am rich and successful, and my style reflects that.

Toe tag, body bag
People are dying around me, and I fear for my own mortality.

Niggas lose their lives sad
It is tragic and heartbreaking to see people die in the streets.

Rockets in their flight path
There is violence and danger all around us in the world.

Breaking bad, make them bad
People are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed or survive, even if it means doing something illegal or immoral.

Choices out here thinking fast
We are constantly faced with difficult decisions and must think quickly to make the best choice.

Smoking wet and drinking bad
Many people turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the harsh realities of life.

Soaking wet and sinking fast
Life can be overwhelming and frustrating, and we can feel like we are drowning in our problems.

Shoot them niggas making cash
People are willing to kill for money and success.

Stick them niggas take their stash
People are willing to rob others to get what they need or want.

The law of gravity meets, the law of averages
The inevitable consequences of our actions will catch up with us, whether good or bad.

Ain't no sense in attempting to civilize savages
It is pointless and futile to try to change people who are set in their ways.

Even though I wish I could be spared my embarrassment
I wish I could avoid the shame and embarrassment that comes with making mistakes or failing.

I'm a nigga, other niggas pale in comparison
I am confident in my abilities and identity, and I do not compare myself to others.

We out in Paris yet but still a nigga perishing
Even when traveling to new and exotic places, I still feel the effects of racism and prejudice.

No idea how much time's left, fuck trying to cherish it
We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so it is better to live in the present and not worry about the future.

A life in times unchecked, now that's American
Living life without boundaries or limitations is a defining characteristic of American culture.

Inherit the wind, pressure in everything
We are all subject to the unpredictable and uncontrollable forces of life, and we must learn to adapt and survive.

'Freeze' they say in the streets when the young players
The police have a tendency to use their power to intimidate and control young people.

Get rich or die trying
Many young people feel that they have to become rich and successful or else they will end up dead or worse.

But the funny thing about that phrase to me
I find it ironic and absurd that people would put their lives at risk in order to get rich.

Is that these little niggas be lying
These young people are not being truthful with themselves about the risks and realities of their actions.

Cause don't nobody wanna die
Nobody truly wants to die, but many people are willing to put their lives on the line for the pursuit of success.

But everybody trying to get rich though
Despite the dangers, people still desire wealth and success.

But the fucked thing about that
The unfortunate reality is that many people do not know how to attain wealth and success in a healthy or legal way.

These lil' niggas don't how to get rich so
These young people lack the knowledge and resources to achieve their goals in a sustainable way.

I still run with those angels
I am still surrounded by good people who have my best interests at heart.

Man I still P for those angels
I am still willing to fight and protect those who are close to me.

Speaking with guns, sticking in tongues
We communicate our power and intentions both verbally and through our actions and possessions.

Talking that Arabic and that Yiddish
We use language and cultural references from various backgrounds to express ourselves.

Riding them trains, stashing them chains, bangles
We move around frequently and hide our valuable possessions to avoid theft or violence.

Yeah I play for those gangsters
I associate with and earn the respect and protection of high profile and powerful individuals.

My tag on the wall, you niggas look up
I have left my mark and made a name for myself in a specific community or culture.

You can still see my name yo
My influence and legacy still lives on, even after I am gone.

How did I end up where I'm at?
I question how I arrived at my current situation in life, both the good and the bad.

It's kind of hard to explain yo
It is difficult to put into words the complexities and nuances of my experiences.

I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and a Kangol
I recall simpler times when all I desired was material possessions to reflect my status and success.

I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and some Jordans too
I reminisce about a time when I was more concerned with my appearance and material status than anything else.

Crossed that bitch, then I got that bitch
I was able to attain the material possessions that I once desired, but I had to resort to immoral or illegal means to do so.

Now all I want from her's an abortion
I regret the choices I made and the path I have taken, and I wish I could undo the harm I have caused.

My mind filled with distortion
My thoughts and emotions are clouded and distorted by my past experiences and regrets.

My eyelids say caution
I am aware of the dangers and consequences of my choices, and I am cautious and vigilant.

Yeah I sold crack to get my soul back
I sacrificed my morality and values in order to gain material wealth, but I hope to redeem myself and find inner peace.

They say it's gonna cost a fortune
It will be difficult and expensive to make up for my past mistakes and redeem myself.

And I wonder if the lord take debit?
I question whether redemption and forgiveness are truly possible, and if it is worth the effort to try.

Cause a nigga got real bad credit
I feel as though I am inherently undeserving or unworthy of redemption or forgiveness.

If not I ain't got a whole lot so a nigga like me just can forget it
If redemption and forgiveness are not possible for me, then I have little else to hold onto, and I may as well give up trying.