Cream
FRANCHI Federico Lyrics

What that nigga want God?
Asking what somebody wants or if they need something, exclaiming with surprise or disbelief.

Word up, look out for the cops (Wu-Tang five finger shit)
Warning to be aware and cautious of law enforcement, reference to a hand sign used by Wu-Tang Clan members.

(Cash Rules) Word up, two for fives over here baby
Selling drugs (or something else) for $2 increments, emphasizing the importance of making money.

Word up, two for fives them niggas got garbage down the way, word up
Acknowledging that others in the drug trade are not selling quality product and promoting oneself as a better option.

Know what I'm sayin'?
Asking for agreement or understanding from the listener.

(Cash Rules Everything Around Me C.R.E.A.M. get)
Repeating the importance of making money and urging listeners to pursue it relentlessly.

Yeah, check this ol' fly shit out Word up
Expressing excitement or approval for something cool or impressive.

(Cash Rules Everything Around Me) Take you on a natural joint (C.R.E.A.M. get the money) Here we here we go (Dolla dolla bill y'all) Check this shit, yo!
Continuing to emphasize the importance of making money and promoting their own drug product, while also acknowledging the struggle to survive and thrive.

I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side Staying alive was no jive
Growing up in a dangerous, criminal environment, where survival was a serious and challenging task.

At second hands, moms bounced on old men So then we moved to Shaolin land
Experiencing poverty and instability, leading to having to move to a new location.

A young youth, yo rockin' the gold tooth, 'Lo goose Only way, I begin to gee off was drug loot
Starting to sell drugs as a means of making money and escaping poverty, while also flaunting expensive clothing and jewelry.

And let's start it like this son, rollin' with this one And that one, pullin' out gats for fun
Describing engaging in criminal behavior with friends, including showing off weapons for fun or intimidation.

But it was just a dream for the teen, who was a fiend Started smokin' woolies at sixteen
Admitting to struggling with addiction and using drugs at a young age.

And running up in gates, and doing hits for high stakes Making my way on fire escapes
Describing engaging in serious criminal activities, such as breaking into homes for high-value items and climbing fire escapes to evade the police.

No question I would speed, for cracks and weed The combination made my eyes bleed
Acknowledging the dangerous and destructive effects of drug addiction.

No question I would flow off, and try to get the dough all Sticking up white boys in ball courts
Continuing to pursue money by robbing people, even resorting to using a racial element to target victims.

My life got no better, same damn 'Lo sweater Times is ruff and tuff like leather
Describing the ongoing difficulties and struggles of life, and expressing frustration with the lack of progress or success.

Figured out I went the wrong route So I got with a sick ass click and went all out
Acknowledging the mistakes made in the past and then becoming fully committed to criminal life with a new group of associates.

Catchin' keys from across seas Rollin in MPV's, every week we made forty G's
Describing the success of selling drugs and making a significant amount of money from it.

Yo nigga respect mine, or anger the tech nine Ch-chick-POW! Wu from the gate now
Warning others to show respect and avoid conflict or they will face violent retaliation.

It's been twenty-two long hard years of still strugglin Survival got me buggin, but I'm alive on arrival
Reflecting on the long and difficult journey of survival and acknowledging the ongoing challenges and stress associated with it.

I peep at the shape of the streets And stay awake to the ways of the world cause shit is deep
Being aware of the dangers and challenges of life, keeping a watchful eye on the environment and people around.

A man with a dream with plans to make C.R.E.A.M. Which failed I went to jail at the age of 15
Having ambitions and goals to make money, but experiencing setbacks and being sent to jail at a young age.

A young buck sellin' drugs and such who never had much Trying to get a clutch at what I could not, could not,
Continuing to sell drugs to make money, but struggling to gain a foothold in life with limited resources or opportunities.

The court played me short, now I face incarceration Pacin' going up state's my destination
Being unfairly treated by the justice system and now facing punishment, including being sent to prison.

Handcuffed in back of a bus, forty of us Life as a shorty shouldn't be so ruff
Being detained with many other young people in a difficult and unfair situation, expressing frustration at how hard life can be for youth.

But as the world turns I learned life is hell Living in the world no different from a cell
Reflecting on the harsh reality of life, in which freedom and opportunity can be limited or nonexistent.

Everyday I escape from Jakes givin' chase, sellin' base Smokin' bones in the staircase
Engaging in drug dealing and escaping from law enforcement, while also describing hanging out with friends and smoking marijuana.

Though I don't know why I chose to smoke sess I guess that's the time when I'm not depressed
Admitting uncertainty about why they smoke marijuana, but highlighting its ability to offer temporary relief from depression and stress.

But I'm still depressed, and I ask what's it worth? Ready to give up so I seek the Old Earth
Acknowledging persistent depression and questioning the value of life or what it has to offer, turning to spirituality for guidance or comfort.

Who explained working hard may help you maintain To learn to overcome the heartaches and pain
Learning from someone wise and credible that hard work and perseverance can help overcome difficulties and suffering.

We got stickup kids, corrupt cops, and crack rocks And stray shots, all on the block that stays hot
Describing the many dangerous and violent elements that exist in their neighborhood, and the constant threat of harm or death.

Leave it up to me while I be living proof To kick the truth to the young black youth
Championing oneself as an example of surviving and persevering in difficult circumstances, and aiming to impart wisdom to the younger generation.

But shorty's running wild smokin sess drinkin' beer And ain't trying to hear what I'm kickin in his ear
Noticing that many young people are engaging in self-destructive behavior and rejecting guidance or advice.

Neglected, but now, but yo, it gots to be accepted That what? That life is hectic
Acknowledging feeling ignored or overlooked in life, but accepting that struggles and difficulties are inevitable and must be overcome.

(Cash Rules Everything Around Me C.R.E.A.M. Get the money Dollar, dollar bill y'all)
Ending the song with a repetition of the importance of making money, and emphasizing the desire for wealth and success.