Locals Only
Dom Kennedy Lyrics

The very first time I heard run in them Adidas
The first time I ever heard someone rap about Adidas sneakers was a pivotal moment for me.

I never would have thought one day I'd have a fever
I never could have predicted that I would soon become obsessed with buying Adidas sneakers.

They used to say, "Nah Dom. He is not no keeper"
People used to doubt my music career and say that I wouldn't be successful.

"And yea them songs cool, but naw he ain't got no heaters"
Even though people thought my music was alright, they didn't think I had any standout hit songs.

But then I went home (shhh) we ain't we ain't got one neither
Despite my lack of success, I still faced the same struggles as everyone else, including financial difficulties.

The gas shut off man I just go to sleep but
I had to learn how to cope with difficult situations, like sleeping in a cold house when the gas was shut off.

These niggas think they good but I really know they suck
I can see through the facade of other rappers who try to act tough and talented.

And niggas think they hood but I really know they punks
I can tell that some rappers who claim to be from the hood are actually just posers.

The man with most isn't always in the front
Just because someone has more possessions or money doesn't mean they are more important or successful than others.

So hit that West Side and we'll give you what you want
If you come to the West Side, we can provide the authentic, gritty rap that you're looking for.

A nice black eye that will go with all them lumps
We can even rough you up a bit if you want the full experience.

And I try to stay quiet if it ain't involvin us
I try to avoid drama and conflict if it doesn't concern me or my music circle.

She asked me where I came from
A woman asked me about my background.

I told her where you headed
I redirected the conversation to ask her where she was going instead.

Back to LA
She said she was going back to Los Angeles.

I said baby what you reppin'
I asked her what particular area or neighborhood of LA she identifies with.

I got these ideas and I'm tryin to make records
I have a lot of creative thoughts and I'm working to turn them into successful songs.

So when the train stops this time I'mma catch it (5x)
I'm ready to take full advantage of any opportunity that comes my way.

The very first time I heard Black Superman
The first time I heard a song by musician Curtis Mayfield, which referenced the comic book character Superman, was a formative experience for me.

I knew it was ok to just act like who I am
Hearing this song gave me the confidence to be myself and not conform to societal expectations of what a rapper should be like.

I used to rob stores for a tape I could afford
In the past, I resorted to stealing in order to obtain music that I couldn't afford.

And I want to thank the Lord for the life of 2Pac Shakur
I'm grateful for the legacy and impact that rapper Tupac Shakur left behind.

I know living's hard but you gotta see the light
Life can be difficult, but it's important to stay optimistic and see the brighter side.

You never gone make it if you never rolled a dice
You have to take risks in order to achieve success.

Take the first step, that was Doctor King's advice
Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged people to take the first step towards achieving their goals.

Goin no days off I'm gone practice every night
I'm constantly working on my music and never take a day off.

I got so many thoughts and I got so much to write
I have an abundance of creative ideas and songs to write.

And that right there is the story of my life
My music and creative pursuits tell the personal story of my life.

Can't sit and complain, naw I'm tryin to get a name
I'm not content with just complaining about my situation, I'm trying to make a name for myself in the rap industry.

Help feed the kids and I'm tryin to get a chain
I want to be successful enough to give back to my community and also afford luxury items like a fancy chain.

My homeboy Iian was the first one with a Range
One of my friends named Iian was the first one to own a high-end car called a Range Rover.

We used to play my old shit, now I got mo' shit
My previous music recordings used to be played frequently, now I have even more recent and popular songs.

Just a little somethin' I can get out on the road with
This new music is something I can perform and promote while on tour.

I can get out on the road with
I can use this music to go on tour and perform for fans.

Or may be just walk to the store with
I can enjoy my own music when going about everyday activities like walking to the store.

[Bonus Verse]
This is an additional verse not included in the main song.

I remember, no cameras, no calls, no answers
I remember a time when I wasn't receiving any recognition or attention for my music career and there were no cameras or phone calls coming my way.

No meetings, no features, no chances
I wasn't given any opportunities to collaborate with other musicians or attend professional meetings.

No shows, no fans, no dancin'
I didn't have any fans or concerts to perform at, and there was no one dancing to my music.

Now there's 300 girls yellin "Go Handsome"
Now I have a large and enthusiastic fanbase who attend my concerts and yell out my nickname.

I'm warmin up California this is yo candle
My music is becoming more popular and well-known throughout California.

And I never had a video on no channel
I have not yet had the opportunity to create a music video to be broadcast on TV.

I saw your name on a sign that said show cancelled
I noticed that another musician's scheduled show was cancelled.

The charm of a college kid with them pro handles
I have the smooth and skilled abilities of a professional athlete, but the youthful charm of a college student.

This for niggas stressed out and gotta smoke Camel's
This music is for people who are feeling stressed and resorting to smoking cigarettes.

And them ladies with them pretty open toed sandals
This music is also for women who enjoy wearing fashionable open-toed sandals.

I remember them Impalas with them Gold Panels
I remember seeing fancy cars called Impalas that had gold metal panels on them.

We still keep it West Side like a old flannel
We continue to represent and embody the West Side culture and lifestyle.

Mix a little Leimert Park with a cold piano
My music style incorporates elements of the musical and cultural scene in Leimert Park, as well as the sounds of a piano.

And tell if you heard somethin realer
I challenge anyone to find more authentic and real music than what I'm producing.

I told Arch we was gonna kill em
I told my friend Arch that we were going to dominate the rap game.

New everything got me lookin like a dealer
I have new clothes, jewelry, and possessions that now make me resemble a drug dealer.

If there's somethin' wrong then I'm lookin in the mirror
If I make a mistake or encounter a problem, I take responsibility and look at myself to see what I can do better.

Life is a Bitch but I could never fear her
Life can be difficult, but I refuse to let my fear dictate how I live.

Cause she be lookin good every second that I'm near her
Despite its challenges, life is beautiful and worth living to the fullest.

She told me take my time but I really couldn't hear her
Even though life can be unpredictable and we should take our time, I often feel the urgency to keep pushing forward.

Not in it for the ring girl I want to be respected
I don't care about fame and accolades as much as I care about earning respect for my music and personal values.

That's why it took me like 4 years to perfect it
I've spent a significant amount of time perfecting my craft and ensuring that the music I create is authentic and high-quality.

She said you got the type of heart I like to connect with
A woman complimented my kind and genuine personality, which she found attractive.

So when the train stops next time I'mma catch it
Whenever an opportunity presents itself, I will not hesitate to take advantage of it and move forward towards achieving my goals.