Part of the Songs from Scratch series which features rappers creating a song on the spot from scratch from a beat created from scratch.
At first glance, 17-year-old Joey Bada$$ is like any of the cool kids at school: confident, and reluctant to reveal his secrets. The moment the beat drops, though, it becomes clear he doesn’t belong. Not with the cool crowd, maybe not with anyone. On a Thursday after school, Joey and his Pro-Era crew assembled at Brooklyn’s Dunham Studios — backpacks filled with laptops, laptops filled with loops – to create a new song, from scratch. Within minutes, the beat Chuck Strangers made only the night before sent Joey searching the insides of his eyelids for bars beyond his years. “Daily Routine,” the first in yours truly and adidas originals “Songs From Scratch” series, was written right there on the couch in the control room.
Daily Routine
Joey Bada$$ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Only thing that changed now is we ain't runnin' out of stock
Used to beg mom dukes for lunch money
Honeys used to run from me when pockets was dust bunnies
Now what's funny is we done came up and conquered
Even the future lookin' bonkers from Compton to Yonkers
Though them gangstas grill, I tell 'em keep that drama away
Don't fuck with thieves, I like Jay so who sponsorin' the tape
Whether a spitter or a quitter behind the trigger, approaching his prey
His eyes bigger, won't stop to consider
What's right or wrong, because it's hard liquor that's inside his liver
But that's just daily routine, the streets are cooped fiends
Whether the hoops or the booth, niggas shoot dreams
Better choose the right scheme
Cause you could think you're cool with your nice things
But get wiped clean for ice creams when the lights beam
But that's just daily routine, the streets are cooped fiends
Whether the hoops or the booth, niggas shoot dreams
Better choose the right scheme
Cause you could think you're cool with your nice things
But get wiped clean for ice creams when the lights beam
Traded in my Nikes for a new mic
I guess it's safe to say he sold soul for his new life
Like they were tryna blind us, but we know the true designer
They didn't wanna see us find the diviners
So now we hit the vines up day and night
On the regular, I know my momma prayin' like
She want me reach my aims in life, but just stay in sight
So I'm shootin' for my dreams, hit the booth and it boost my esteem
The Pro Era crew recruitin' in them fiends by the boat load
Nigga caught a wave and now he surfin' coastal
They don't feel the name but they say the music dope though
Fuck it, that's how it's supposed to go, these bloggers too emotional
They'll be postin' you until labels start interscopin' you
By then, it's wild late and I'll be chillin' where I lay
Cause I'd rather see the top than to be livin' where I lay
Imbalances in my Kundalini, they tryna put two through my beanie
Wish you well, tryin' to poof a genie
But that's just daily routine, the streets are cooped fiends
Whether the hoops or the booth, niggas shoot dreams
Better choose the right scheme
Cause you could think you're cool with your nice things
But get wiped clean for ice creams when the lights beam
But that's just daily routine, the streets are cooped fiends
Whether the hoops or the booth, niggas shoot dreams
Better choose the right scheme
Cause you could think you're cool with your nice things
But get wiped clean for ice creams when the lights beam
But that's just daily routine, the streets are cooped fiends
Whether the hoops or the booth, niggas shoot dreams
Better choose the right scheme
Cause you could think you're cool with your nice things
But get wiped clean for ice creams when the lights beam
But that's just daily routine, the streets are cooped fiends
Whether the hoops or the booth, niggas shoot dreams
Better choose the right scheme
Cause you could think you're cool with your nice things
But get wiped clean for ice creams when the lights beam
In Joey Bada$$'s song "Daily Routine," he addresses his rise to fame and the struggles that come along with it. In the first verse, he begins by comparing his past and present situation, stating that he used to sell drugs on the block and now he's at the top of the game. He reflects on the challenges he faced growing up, such as not having lunch money and girls who weren't interested in him because of his financial situation. Joey Bada$$ then touches on how the future looks bleak with violence running rampant in various cities. Regardless, he emphasizes the importance of staying away from drama and not getting involved with questionable people.
In the second verse, Joey Bada$$ reveals that he traded his Nikes for a microphone, symbolizing his transition from a life of crime to a life of music. He touches on how the distractions of the world can cause people to lose sight of their original goals. He also mentions his mother's desires for him to do well in life and stay on the right track. Joey Bada$$ is determined to reach his dreams by recording in the studio, which boosts his self-confidence. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself despite criticism and shows appreciation for his fans. He concludes by telling his listeners to avoid negative influences and stay focused on achieving their goals.
Overall, "Daily Routine" is a commentary on Joey Bada$$'s experiences as an artist and the difficulties he has faced both professionally and personally. The song emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and avoiding negative influences, even in the face of success.
Line by Line Meaning
From the block to the top, Buddha baggies in the sock
We used to sell drugs on the streets and keep our stash hidden in our socks, but now we're successful and have made it to the top.
Only thing that changed now is we ain't runnin' out of stock
We used to struggle to keep our product in stock, but now we have a steady supply and never run out.
Used to beg mom dukes for lunch money
I used to be so poor that I had to ask my mom for money just to buy lunch.
Honeys used to run from me when pockets was dust bunnies
Women used to avoid me because I was so broke and had nothing to offer.
Now what's funny is we done came up and conquered
It's ironic that we used to have nothing, but now we've become successful and accomplished our goals.
Even the future lookin' bonkers from Compton to Yonkers
The world feels uncertain and chaotic, whether you're from a notorious city like Compton or a quieter place like Yonkers.
Though them gangstas grill, I tell 'em keep that drama away
Even though some gang members might confront me, I try to avoid any unnecessary conflict or violence.
Don't fuck with thieves, I like Jay so who sponsorin' the tape
I don't associate with criminals because I don't want to jeopardize my music career, and I appreciate the support from Jay-Z and other sponsors.
They launchin' out strays, I'm tryin' not to get sprayed
People are shooting recklessly, but I'm doing my best to avoid getting hit by a stray bullet.
Whether a spitter or a quitter behind the trigger, approaching his prey
Regardless of whether someone is brave enough to shoot, they're still approaching their target like a predator.
His eyes bigger, won't stop to consider
The shooter is so fixated on their goal that they don't take the time to think about whether it's right or wrong.
What's right or wrong, because it's hard liquor that's inside his liver
The shooter is so consumed by alcohol and addiction that they don't care about the morality of their actions.
But that's just daily routine
This kind of violence and danger is just a normal part of everyday life for us.
The streets are cooped fiends
Drug addiction is rampant on the streets, and people will do whatever it takes to get their next fix.
Whether the hoops or the booth, niggas shoot dreams
Whether you're pursuing basketball or music, people are always trying to tear you down and discourage you from achieving your dreams.
Better choose the right scheme
It's important to make sound decisions and choose the right path to achieve your goals.
Cause you could think you're cool with your nice things
You might feel successful and confident with your material possessions, but they can be taken away at any moment.
But get wiped clean for ice creams when the lights beam
Your jewelry and expensive items can easily be stolen when a spotlight is shining on you.
Traded in my Nikes for a new mic
I gave up my expensive sneakers to pursue my passion for music.
I guess it's safe to say he sold soul for his new life
Some people might think that I gave up my integrity or soul to become successful in music.
Like they were tryna blind us, but we know the true designer
People were trying to hold us back and keep us from succeeding, but we know who created us and our talents.
They didn't wanna see us find the diviners
People didn't want us to discover our potential and what we were truly capable of achieving.
So now we hit the vines up day and night
We spend all our time focused on music and seeking art and creativity.
On the regular, I know my momma prayin' like
I know my mom is always praying for my success and safety, and I appreciate her support.
She want me reach my aims in life, but just stay in sight
My mom wants me to achieve my goals, but she also wants me to stay grounded and not lose sight of what's most important.
So I'm shootin' for my dreams, hit the booth and it boost my esteem
I'm working hard to pursue my dreams, and music gives me confidence and self-worth.
The Pro Era crew recruitin' in them fiends by the boat load
My crew is attracting fans and followers in large numbers, like a boatload of addicts looking for their next fix.
Nigga caught a wave and now he surfin' coastal
I've gained a lot of momentum in my music career and now I'm riding the waves of success.
They don't feel the name but they say the music dope though
People might not recognize our name or our brand, but they still appreciate and enjoy our music.
Fuck it, that's how it's supposed to go, these bloggers too emotional
I'm not worried about negative press or criticism because that's just part of the game, and I don't pay attention to bloggers who are too sensitive and reactive.
They'll be postin' you until labels start inter-scopin' you
Bloggers will keep posting about you until record labels start to pay attention to your talent and potential.
By then, it's wild late and I'll be chillin' where I lay
By the time we get mainstream recognition, it will be much later in our career, and we'll just be relaxing and enjoying our success.
Cause I'd rather see the top than to be livin' where I lay
I have goals and aspirations that reach beyond just surviving or making ends meet, and I'd rather strive for success even if it takes longer and requires more work.
Imbalances in my Kundalini, they tryna put two through my beanie
I'm experiencing spiritual and emotional turmoil, and people are trying to harm me or take me down by shooting through my hat.
Wish you well, tryin' to poof a genie
I'm trying to remain positive and move forward with my life, even if it feels like I'm trying to make something out of nothing like a genie emerging from a lamp.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Che Kevin Jessamy, Christopher Jasper, Ernie Isley, Jo Vaughn Virginie, Marvin Isley, O'kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind