To The Top
Jay Rock ft. Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

South Central, home of the warzone where the great thugs roam
South Central is a dangerous place where violent criminals are prevalent.

Where we ain't promised nothing but shell-bullet wounds and tombstones
Living in South Central comes with a high risk of injury or death by gunfire.

Every man for himself in this concrete jungle, jungle
South Central is a harsh, dog-eat-dog place where survival depends on individual strength.

Only the strong survive and the weak perish and crumble
Those who lack physical or mental strength are unlikely to survive in South Central's harsh environment.

Yeah, niggas' pockets hurting, work day and night in them drug spots
Many people in South Central are struggling financially and resort to selling drugs to make ends meet.

In the kitchen with them razors where the water boiling hot
Drug dealers cut and cook their product in dangerous conditions with sharp tools and boiling water.

Blood plus crip plus wrong sign equals a shoot-out
Gangs in South Central have a violent rivalry and even wearing the wrong color can lead to a deadly confrontation.

Then the Glock's pop then the block's smoking like a motherfucking Luau
Shootings are commonplace in South Central and the aftermath is chaotic and violent.

In the projects, watched a lot of niggas, seen a lot of niggas moved out
Growing up in low-income housing in South Central means seeing many people come and go.

Then mom said back dreaming of big ass, new house
Despite the struggles of living in South Central, families still dream of a better life and a nicer home.

Then it's back to reality, smokers out back getting so high
After dreaming of a better life, the harsh reality of life in South Central sets in and many turn to drugs to cope.

Watching niggas kill for a salary, watched a lot of great niggas die
Witnessing violence and death is a harsh reality of life in South Central.

Colder the streets, never ever talk to the motherfucking police
Distrust of law enforcement is prevalent in South Central and speaking to the police is considered dangerous.

If you do better have a bullet-proof vest, better guard your mouth piece
Those who do choose to speak to the police in South Central risk being targeted by criminals and need to take precautions.

Yeah, I don't really care about what a nigga may say about me
The singer is unconcerned with the opinions of others and is focused on the pursuit of wealth.

I'mma let you speak dollars into my pockets, watch them increase
The artist values money and is willing to listen to those who can help him make more.

Look at you, came from ground zero to the top
The artist acknowledges the progress of himself and those around him, from a humble beginning to success.

Switch your hustle, no more working that dope spot
The singer has moved on from selling drugs and encourages others to do the same.

Make sure our belly's stay full
The singer wants to ensure he and those around him have enough to eat and are not struggling financially.

Yeah, I got some, but I'm still on the block like a nigga never left
The artist has achieved some success but still spends time where he grew up and is connected to his roots.

Still on the grind all the time, gotta get mine doing what's best
The artist is always hustling, trying to make more money and take care of himself and his loved ones.

Yeah, I came up, but I never changed up on my niggas, no sir
Despite his success, the artist remains loyal to those who have been by his side from the beginning.

Let bygones be bygones, let it burn like Usher
The singer is willing to let go of past grievances and move on, like Usher's song 'Let It Burn.'

No chauffeur, I'm wheeling myself in a big '64
The artist is proud of his car and drives it himself, rather than having a chauffeur.

Rims poking, three wheel motion, my lungs full of that herb
The singer enjoys smoking marijuana and is showing off his car's hydraulics and rims.

My niggas still on the curb posted up like junkies at a liquor store
Despite the singer's success, his friends are still struggling and spending time on the streets.

For all my niggas that died in the war, yeah dawg, let the liquor pour
The singer is toasting to friends who have died in the violence and struggle of living in South Central.

Just Ciroc's, baby, hood shit is all I know
The artist is drinking Ciroc vodka, but still identifies with and is proud of his roots in the 'hood.'

Live life to the fullest, never know when a nigga gotta go
The artist values living life to the fullest, recognizing the danger and unexpectedness of living in South Central.

Mama said I gotta come home, but I didn't, stayed out real late
The singer is defying his mother's wishes to stay safe and is taking risks by staying out late in South Central.

My excuse was ''how we gon' eat if it's no food on the plate?''
The singer justifies his risky behavior by reminding himself of the struggles of poverty and the need to take care of himself and others.

Came from the bottom to the-the top, now tell me how you love that?
The artist is proud of his success and wants others to acknowledge and appreciate it.