Paper Trail$
Joey Bada$$ Lyrics

Before the money, there was love
Love was the foundation before money entered the picture.

But before the money, it was tough
Life was hard before money came.

Then came the money through a plug
Money came through a connection.

It's a shame this ain't enough, yo
Despite having money, it doesn't seem to satisfy.

Sitting back plotting, jotting information on my nation
Reflecting and strategizing to improve my community.

Really started from the bottom, boy, cotton
My history includes starting out as enslaved labor in cotton fields.

But they still planting plantations, we keep buying in
Despite progress, systems of oppression continue and we still participate in them.

Closed-minded men, pride is higher than the prices on your pradas
People with narrow perspectives value their ego more than material possessions.

Balenciagas, balance my soccer with the henny agua
I balance luxury with my roots.

Me and my niggas tryna eat, you pussies empanada
We're working hard to succeed while others are complacent or not putting in effort.

The flow like plenty lava
My rap style is hot and intense.

With just a penny I could multiply my worth
I have the ability to turn very little into something big.

And make you work for me for twenty hours
I have the power to employ and command work from others.

I swear these niggas wanna copy, thanks for listening
People often want to emulate my success.

This kid ain't been the same since Biggie smacked me at my christening
Biggie's influence left a lasting impact on me.

Watch your tradition and please play it safe
Be mindful of the past and avoid recklessness.

Cause your position on the top is switching right in front your face
Keep an eye on trends and changes that can upend your success.

Rocking on this bass with rhymes, I'm bustin' out
I'm performing with energy and passion.

He duckin' down, got some issues now, headed for your house
Someone who wronged me is now facing consequences.

So put the pistols down, got that red dot on your nose
I have power to intimidate and assert my dominance without violence.

Who put the clown on lock, jaws like the blue knows
I have someone at my mercy like a locked up clown.

Froze, keep your mouth closed or you can see the soap, dog
Be quiet or face consequences.

I got connections that guaranteed to see closed doors
My network has the power to deny opportunities to those who cross me.

You hear that underground sonar
My message is spreading and gaining traction.

The way I flows, this wisdom
My rapping style has depth and meaning.

The Pros been on a mission
I've been working hard to succeed.

Listen into the chamber, get hyperbolic
Pay attention to the content of my raps and get excited.

They raisin' max, I raise stakes to keep the brolic
Others may be trying to outdo me, but I remain strong and competitive.

My bitches is macrocosmic, pass the chronic
My circle of women is expansive and we're smoking weed.

The mastered sonics is lightyears above your conscious
My music is sophisticated and ahead of the competition.

You're novice, but I got notes that strike nerves
Others may be inexperienced, but my music has the ability to provoke emotions.

I promise your minds ain't sharp like my swords
My intellect and lyricism surpasses others in the industry.

So cut the BS, and don't worry where my jeans is
Stop the nonsense and focus on what's important instead of superficial things.

And PS: Your bitch a genius, learnt from my penis
Your girlfriend is intelligent and learned from me through sexual encounters.

I got dreams filling arenas and breaking brackets
I have big aspirations of selling out large venues and breaking records.

Tend this racket, while I'm cracking a Serena
I'm managing this situation while also succeeding like Serena Williams.

God damn, God bless the heaven that sent you
I'm grateful for the opportunity to interact with you.

But now I'm breezing out, baby, cause my rent's due
It's time for me to leave and handle my financial responsibilities.

Shit is really real out here
The circumstances of life are challenging.

I said shit is really real out here
I'm emphasizing the difficulties of life.

Just trying to get a deal out here
I'm working hard to succeed in the industry.

I'm screaming cream
I'm insisting on financial success.

Who fucking with the rap supreme?
Who can match my rap skills and success in the industry?

Joey Bad, the big preem came to collect the green
I'm aiming to get paid and succeed like a legendary rapper.

I got a dollar and a dream, know what I mean?
I'm starting with very little but have big aspirations.

And I gotta get my mama off the scene
I'm motivated to succeed and provide for my mother.

Cash ruined everything around me
Money has the ability to corrupt or negatively impact people and their relationships.

They say money is the root of all evil
People believe that money has the potential to cause harm or corrupt individuals.

I see money as the root of all people
Money is something that everyone desires and pursues.

Cause we all follow paper trails, paper trails
Money leads us down a pathway that we all follow.

And everybody gotta pay their bills, pay their bills
Everyone has financial obligations that they must fulfill.

It's the dollar dollar bill, y'all
Money rules everything around us.

It's the dollar dollar bill, it's the dollar bill that kills, y'all
Money can cause harm or negative consequences in pursuit of it.

Before the money it was love
Love was more important than finances at one point.

But before the money it was tough
Life was difficult before having money.

Then came the money through a plug
I received financial success through a connection.

It's a shame this ain't enough
Money hasn't brought complete satisfaction or happiness.