Maintain
Dizzy Wright Lyrics

Aye, yo – call me a hard workin' nigga
The singer is proud of his work ethic and wants to be recognized for it.

I shouldn't use "nigga" 'cause that's what was used against us
The singer recognizes the problematic history of the word 'nigga', but still uses it despite its negative connotations.

But I still I abuse it and use it, look how they did us
Despite knowing the word's negative connotations, the singer still uses it as a way to reclaim control over a word that has been used against them.

A lot of shit's changed, but some things installed in us
While progress has been made, certain social structures and beliefs continue to affect the lives of black people today.

We can't figure out – the Willie Lynch gave them the in-and-outs
The artist believes that the legacy of slavery continues to affect the black community, as well as white people's perceptions and treatment of black people.

Will 'em out, look who doin' all the fuckin' killin' now
The singer wants to see harmful beliefs and behaviors, which they see as a result of slavery and racism, eradicated.

We got that after slavery, nothin' you can say to me
The singer feels strongly that the legacy of slavery has left lasting effects on the black community and their struggle for equality.

Attitude, with Malcolm X speakin' and teachin' bravery
The artist finds inspiration from Malcolm X's teachings and philosophy.

Violence is only needed when you feel defeated
The artist believes that violence should only be used as a last resort when all other options have failed.

And parents pay attention, it ain't cool to raise a demon
The artist is urging parents to be mindful of the way they raise their children to prevent them from becoming violent or destructive.

That's on lockdown, got out, now he actin' hostile
The singer is using an example of a former convict who struggles with readjusting to life outside of prison and resorts to hostility and violence.

You threw away your opportunities, nigga that's a cop out
The artist is criticizing someone for not taking responsibility for their poor choices and instead choosing to blame outside circumstances.

Not now, we can argue later – all in favor
The singer is suggesting that they put aside their differences and focus on finding a way to move forward.

Raise your hands if you deserve another chance
The singer is advocating for redemption and second chances.

Fan of a fan, we sharin' the same things
The singer feels a kinship with those who have shared similar experiences, struggles, and hardships.

We see the bumps in the road, we smoke and we maintain
Despite the obstacles and difficulties they face, the artist and their peers turn to smoking and perseverance to maintain their hope and determination to succeed.

So I, play my position with persistence
The artist is committed to working hard and doing what they need to do in order to succeed.

Consistent with the flow, nigga, we twistin' up the 'dro
The singer and their peers are consistent in their approach to their craft (music) and often turn to smoking weed as a way to relax and unwind.

In this life of sin, through the highs and lows
The singer feels that life is full of challenges and temptations that can lead them down a negative path.

Trials and tribulations, you know how it go
The artist recognizes the difficulties and struggles that come with life.

I pray you niggas maintain
The artist is expressing a wish for others to continue to persevere through their struggles and hardships.

Cause when shit get all bad, and you watch the game change
The artist acknowledges that things can become challenging and difficult, and they may feel overwhelmed by the changes happening around them.

Fuck the bullshit, it's time to maintain
The singer is urging their peers to stay focused and not let obstacles and distractions derail them from their goals.

You gotta maintain
The artist believes that it's important to continue persevering through life's difficulties.

Two hours early, rise and shine - no ride, catchin' the bus to be on time
The singer is committed to their job and is willing to go to great lengths, such as waking up early and taking public transportation, to get there on time.

No time for excuses, it's your life, you can't be stuck on stupid
The singer is suggesting that people take responsibility for their lives and stop making excuses for their failures.

I give 'em the awkward nod like "I can't be without a job"
The singer is expressing a sense of pride in their work and their ability to support themselves.

Helpin' moms with the bombs, I mean the bills
The artist is helping their mother pay bills, which they see as a source of stress and anxiety.

I mean, bombs is how they feel, but how I feel don't stop the deal
The artist acknowledges their mother's feelings of anxiety and pressure concerning the bills, but they remain determined to help her regardless.

See, when you go without a meal you stop takin' your plate for granted
The singer is suggesting that going through difficult times can help people appreciate what they have and not take it for granted.

We was strong when we was weak, that's why I pray before I eat
The singer believes that their faith and strength helped them persevere through difficult times in the past.

It's bittersweet when it's something you wanna keep
The artist recognizes that sometimes the things they want to hold on to can also cause them pain or struggle.

And if that nigga don't wanna help, fuck it, do it by yourself
The artist is suggesting that sometimes you have to rely on yourself because others may not be willing or able to help.

But put in effort to better your situation
The artist is urging people to take action and work to improve their own lives and situations.

If not for y'all then do it for the baby, the system crazy
The singer is urging people to work to improve society not only for themselves but also for future generations.

Where you got you a son or you a daughter
The artist is addressing both men and women as parents.

Don't run away from your problems or your partner
The singer is urging people not to avoid or ignore their problems, whether they be personal or in a relationship.

Maintain – I know it's gettin' hard, but it gets harder
The singer acknowledges that life can be difficult, but encourages people to keep going.

You gotta understand, that's the shit that makes you a man
The singer believes that persevering through hardships and being responsible for your own life are important aspects of achieving manhood.

Gladly – do the snazzy on my nappy
The artist acknowledges and takes pride in their physical appearance, including their naturally curly or kinky hair.

And the razor with, education, niggas tried to clap me
The artist is suggesting that they have been subject to violence or discrimination because of their involvement in education.

I ain't a killa, but for scrilla it gets nasty
The singer is expressing a desire to earn money and will do what they need to in order to achieve financial stability.

Pop up on the wrong night, get popped like mad acne
The singer is using a metaphor to convey that people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time can be subject to sudden, violent incidents.

It ain't no comin' home for you, homie
The artist is suggesting that involvement in certain criminal activities can lead to serious consequences such as imprisonment.

It's funny, fuckin' with these rhymes over time'll turn you phony
The artist feels that pursuing a career in music can change who you are as a person and cause you to lose sight of who you truly are.

I see niggas makin' money, becomin' dealers
The artist recognizes that some people turn to illegal activities like drug dealing to make money.

Deal a pound of... then give the beats out 'til he did her
The singer describes someone who deals drugs, but then gives the money they earn to others as a way to help them.

It gets more realer for real
The artist is emphasizing the seriousness and intensity of the situations they describe.

Niggas'll take your life and won't even get life for the steal
The singer feels that the consequences for violent or illegal behavior is not always proportional or fair.

And if you're grilled, your grill gets Formaned
The singer is using a metaphor to suggest that if someone is being questioned or accused by the police, they are being treated unfairly and may be at risk of harm.

Blow out your fronts and leave it as a warning
The singer is suggesting that people take aggressive or violent actions to send a warning to others.

For informants I feel like the doorman
The artist feels that informants are like doormen in that they let in those who are harmful to the community.

Ain't kidding, can't take the heat? Get out the kitchen
The artist believes that those who can't handle the pressure and difficulty of life should not try to participate.

It's things for soft guys like you, like knittin' mittens
The singer is suggesting that soft or weak people have interests that are associated with being delicate, such as knitting.

Kissin' kittens, stitchin' snitches, whispering disses
The singer is using a rhyming list of actions to describe someone they see as weak or untrustworthy.

Wishin' you had my bitches and my riches
The artist is suggesting their life and possessions are desirable and superior to those of others.