If I Would've Known
J.R. Vautour Lyrics

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
A playful expression of the artist's mood, setting the tone for the song.

Every single day I had to give this shit my best,
Each day required my utmost effort and dedication.

Every single night I meditate on my success, uh nah,
I reflect and focus on my achievements before sleeping each night.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Continuing the playful tone, signaling a pause.

I drove out to LA I saw potential on the west,
I traveled to Los Angeles, recognizing it as a place full of opportunities.

All the dream killers wanted me to stay where I was at,
There were many people discouraging me, trying to keep me from pursuing my dreams.

Stressed a nigga out, couldn't get no rest,
The pressure of my situation caused me a lot of stress and sleepless nights.

I was broke, called my cousin, he say pull up on me fronted me some dope,
Facing financial difficulties, I reached out to my cousin who helped me by providing drugs on credit.

Hit the streets, 2 cell phones, pistol in my coat,
I began dealing on the streets, carrying two phones for business and a gun for protection.

But it was just a throw away in case I ran into some smoke,
The gun was meant to be disposable, only to be used in dangerous situations.

If I get caught by them folks, they gon send me down the road,
If I were to get arrested, I would face serious prison time.

I try not to show my face so I paid a lot of hoes,
To avoid detection, I spent money on women to keep my profile low.

When that fast money slowed I got desperate
When my quick earnings dwindled, I began to feel desperate.

Takin chances serving people I didn't know, in and out im on the go,
I started taking risks by selling drugs to unfamiliar customers, constantly moving.

Im doing better than before, making 400 a day that's more than 10K a month,
I've improved my financial situation, now earning $400 daily, over $10,000 monthly.

I was hustling with a goal, paid my cousin back, re'd up, Got a little more,
I worked hard to achieve my objectives, repaid my cousin, and acquired more supplies.

Bought it whole, cashed him out, just so there was nothing owed,
I purchased everything outright to ensure I cleared any debts.

Silly nigga so of course I like to Joke,
While serious about my hustle, I still enjoy lighthearted humor.

But I shot a nigga once
I resorted to violence to defend my interests.

I had to show em I don't play about my Doe,
I needed to demonstrate that I’m serious about protecting my money.

Im not a monster so I had to stop before I lost control
I recognized that my actions could lead me down a dark path and chose to hold back.

But that lifestyle come with that game, he should've known, uh nah,
Living that dangerous lifestyle comes with risks, something others should realize.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
A repeated playful interjection, possibly indicating a moment of reflection.

They thought I was playin that's until I got a check,
People doubted my seriousness until I achieved financial success.

When you make a lil money they gon pay some respect uh huh,
Success often earns you the respect of others.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Reinforcing the playful aspect of the narrative.

When you level up niggas view as a threat,
As I rise in success, others perceive me as a competitor.

But im not surprised I should've known, Im up next, uh nah,
This reaction was expected; I recognize that I'm the next big thing.

I gave this shit, my heart, my gut, my stomach, my spine, Line for line,
I poured every part of myself into this work, investing deeply in every aspect.

I laughed, cried, took my time,
I experienced a range of emotions and dedicated time to perfecting my craft.

Even when they didn't pay me 10 cents to perform
Despite being underpaid, I still committed to performing.

I still showed up at the drop of a dime, murdered the show like the shit was crime,
I quickly responded to opportunities and gave everything to my performances.

Made friends behind enemy Lines, was long gone before the police arrived,
I formed connections in risky environments, escaping before trouble struck.

The bullshit I had to leave behind, other than that there's no evidence they find,
I distanced myself from negativity and kept my activities discreet.

The way I picture all this shit in my mind, its like track and field,
I visualize my journey as a competitive sport with obstacles.

With my shot-put under my ear, look at the way a nigga hurdled his fears,
I'm prepared to take on challenges, overcoming my doubts like an athlete.

And tripled jumped to the paper, pole vaulting over all of you haters,
I’m making significant progress in my career, surpassing obstacles and detractors.

I landed on greatness, that mamba mentality laker shit,
I've achieved success through hard work and determination, inspired by the Kobe Bryant mindset.

Im never on basic shit, im so close I can taste this shit,
I strive for excellence and can sense my imminent success.

When im cooking im baking shit out the oven creating shit,
When I’m working hard, I’m producing impressive results.

Im just sayin, im doin what I love every day and shit, I aint playin nah nah,
I’m serious about pursuing my passion daily without taking it lightly.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Playful interjection suggesting a transition or continuation.

They thought I was playing that's until I got a check,
Doubters only realized my seriousness upon witnessing my financial success.

When you make a lil money they gon pay you some respect uh huh,
Success often demands respect from those who doubted you.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Continued playful tone reinforcing earlier sentiments.

When you level up niggas view you as a threat,
Success elevates your status, leading others to see you as competition.

But im not surprised I should've known, Im up next, uh nah,
This reaction was expected as I anticipate my continued rise.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Reiterating the earlier playful tone.

I drove out to LA I saw potential on the west
My journey to Los Angeles was motivated by the opportunities I saw there.

Every single night I meditate on my success, uh nah,
I consistently reflect on my victories as a part of my nightly routine.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Maintaining the playful and rhythmic elements of the song.

When you level up niggas view as a threat,
Rising in status turns you into a competitor in the eyes of others.

But im not surprised I should've known, in up next, uh nah
I’m aware of this reaction and confident in my impending success.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Concluding the lyrical exploration with a playful emphasis.

When I got my moment I didnt even break a sweat,
When my opportunity came, I handled it with ease and confidence.

I just took my shot, hit the bottom of the net, uh nah,
I seized the opportunity effectively, achieving success without hesitation.

Uh nah nah nah nah nah nah
Final playful repetition, closing the song on a light note.

When you level up niggas view as a threat,
Advancing in your journey makes you a competitor in the eyes of many.

All the dream killers wanted me to stay where I was at, uh nah
Those who doubted my ambitions preferred to see me remain stagnant.