Places I
Killah Priest Lyrics

From shootouts at block parties, from God bodies
Growing up in a neighborhood where violence was prevalent, clashes between gangs and religious groups were common

That flooded the project lobbys, cold degrees
The passion and dedication of those who expressed their faith or ideals had no effect on the desolate conditions of public housing

Smokin weed, talkin 'bout the black and latin seeds
Sharing experiences and ideas with peers of different racial backgrounds while under the influence of marijuana

Durags and universal flags
Wearing culturally significant items like du-rags and flags that represent one's identity across various communities

On the ave little niggas throwin up tags
Young boys tagging their territory on the street as a sign of pride and possession

They get defeated, almost bit the broken tree
People in the neighborhood have dreams and talents, but their potential can easily be destroyed by the harsh circumstances around them

I recall, niggas who was nice in basketball
Reflecting on the talents of people who were good at sports, but may not have had a chance to utilize their skills for success

Just as my nephew, he had a gift that was special
Noting the natural talents of one's own family members

But instead at least seein him with a scholarship
Missing out on the opportunity to see a loved one tturn their talents into a college education

I'm lookin at him in the funeral parlor and shit
The harsh reality of what can happen to someone with talent when they are surrounded by violence and despair

From niggas I've seen, places I've been
The experiences and situations that have molded the artist over time

Have my share of fake friends, ran with evil men
Dealing with negative influences and people who were not genuine in his life

Chillin with the snakes is a sin
Recognizing that being around untrustworthy people is a wrongdoing

But through it all, I kept it real within
Despite the negative influences around him, the artist maintained his authenticity and true self

From the giggles of a murderer, or the hugs of a burglar
Encountering people who have committed crimes, some with a sense of joy and others with an outward display of compassion

So many faces tryin to read us, I need an interpreter
Facing individuals who possess uncertain motives, forcing the artist to seek clarity in their words and actions

Around the park, jeeps, narcs creep
Police surveilling the area around a park where illegal activity was believed to be happening

At night the sharks eat, streets is so cold
Referring to criminals as sharks and the danger they pose, while also expressing the lack of warmth in the environment

From niggas with tanktops, yellin bank stop
Robbers approaching and screaming at people to stop their activities, exposing them as violent and menacing

At night they fight like gang cops
Physical confrontations between criminals can be as intense as those between law enforcement and gangs

Wet eachother like rain drops
Using guns and violence to settle disputes

And keep sinnin till the game stop
Continuing to be involved in negative activities until they get caught or until their life comes to an end

To the little niggas on the corner holdin their dicks
Addressing the young boys on the street flaunting their masculinity

Rollin in clicks, had to get control in their strips
Forming close-knit groups to feel powerful and protect their territory

I ain't provin shit, bad asses cuttin classes
These people were often in conflict with authority and education, and would skip school to pursue their own interests

You need your ass split, maybe that will save you from that casket
Threatening violence against people who do not take their education seriously, hoping to convince them to change their ways

When the order hits it's gonna be a crisis
Anticipating chaos and disorder in the future

And believe me, I ain't gonna be concerned who's the nicest
When things get tough, it doesn't matter who is the most polite or well-mannered

We made a crack sale, away the next fighters
The corrupt action of selling drugs to future violent criminals

When you lose something that you really love, is hard to replace it
The difficulty in letting go of something important when it is no longer available

But we have to face it till the day we lay
Acknowledging the harsh realities of life, and facing it head-on until death