Feelings
Labtekwon Lyrics

Rivers of memories baptize me
A flood of memories washes over me, cleansing and purifying my soul.

I can't deny the energy that drives me
I cannot ignore or deny the inner force that propels me forward in life.

In a space called reality is where you'll find me
I exist in the tangible, physical world that we all share and experience together.

My soul breaks the chains to set my mind free
My inner spirit overcomes any chains or limitations to liberate my mind and guide me towards my true purpose.

Now I'll take the time to reveal
I am ready to express and share openly what is truly in my heart and on my mind.

How I truly feel
My emotions and thoughts are genuine, authentic, and reflective of my inner essence.

Life is ill but I've been blessed to heal
Life can be challenging and difficult, but I have been fortunate enough to find strength and recover from my struggles.

And that's how I truly feel
This is not just a passing emotion, but a deeply-held, authentic belief that reflects who I am at my core.

I had to elevate from section eight and self-hate
I had to overcome the limitations and negative self-image imposed by my challenging background and upbringing.

Life ain't great when your naps make the comb break
Life can be difficult and frustrating when you have unruly or unmanageable hair, reflecting the struggles and adversity faced by many African-Americans.

Before the age of eight I learned how to checkmate
I had to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills from a young age to overcome obstacles and succeed in life.

But how many steps does it take to walk like a man
The process of maturing and becoming a responsible, independent adult can be challenging and involve many difficult steps.

In second grade I learned to talk with my hands
I learned how to communicate through non-verbal gestures and body language to navigate the social dynamics and challenges of my environment.

I made jaws understand and I never got slammed
I was able to effectively communicate and earn respect from my peers, avoiding violence or negative confrontations.

The ghetto's ill, I found joy on the football field
Growing up in an impoverished, urban environment can be difficult, but I was able to find happiness and a sense of purpose through sports and physical activity.

And the book mobile, I took those skills
I also found solace and intellectual stimulation through reading, utilizing those skills to further my personal growth and development.

To build my body and mind, but by junior high
I was able to strengthen and develop both my physical and mental capacities, but as I approached adolescence, life became more challenging and complex.

Life was do or die, stepdad gettin' high
Life became potentially life-threatening and dangerous, as I witnessed my stepfather grappling with addiction and its negative impact on our household.

It hurt my pride when he used to cop rock
The shame and humiliation associated with his addiction was particularly challenging for me, as I internalized his failures and disconnected from him emotionally.

From the older guys on the block at fourteen
At a particularly vulnerable and impressionable age, I was exposed to the dark and dangerous realities of street life and drug culture.

I couldn't make him stop, in Eighty-Six
Despite my best efforts, I was powerless to intervene in his self-destructive behavior and lifestyle issues, causing great turmoil and stress for me and my family.

Baby, kicks was the treasure, Fours and Airs was precious
As materialistic and consumeristic values dominated my peer group and social environment, I found joy and happiness in more modest and simple pleasures, such as new shoes or athletic equipment.

Brothers got murdered for Dominoes, Lambskins and Furs
The dangerous side of materialistic values and street life was all around me, as I witnessed numerous tragedies and acts of violence perpetrated over seemingly trivial and insignificant items.

The world we live in is determined by materialism
The pervasive influence of consumerist and capitalist values shapes our daily lives and priorities as individuals and as a society.

Girls be givin' up the womb for various positions
Women are often objectified and exploited for their sexuality, as they are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

Folks wanna blow up like Branch Davidians
Many people aspire to achieve wealth, power, and fame no matter the cost, as exemplified by the tragic incident in Waco, Texas that resulted from extreme religious fervor and fanaticism.

Chickens go to the clubs on finance missions
Many women engage in shallow and superficial behaviors and attitudes, objectifying themselves and their sexual identity in pursuit of temporary pleasure or material gain.

?Worse?, but then they got drugs to get love from the finest women
Some individuals resort to using drugs or other harmful substances to cope with the pressures and challenges of life, often leading to further destructive behaviors and attitudes.

Such mindless minions, but that's just my opinion
Many people are trapped in patterns of behavior and conformity, lacking the ability or motivation to truly grow and transcend their limitations.

When it's time for rhyme, I can rock any convention with precision
I am a talented and skilled wordsmith, able to create powerful and impactful artistic expressions with confidence and poise.

Givin' the blind vision, soon the moon and the sky be crimson
My creative output has the power to enlighten and inspire others, and my vision and perspective will soon revolutionize the world at large.

Y'all better try to find redemption, it ain't about religion
We must all strive towards a greater sense of purpose and meaning, not limited by arbitrary and narrow-minded religious dogma or doctrine.

How you livin', Muslim or Christian, Buddhism or Taoism
Regardless of one's religious or cultural background, we all share a common humanity and must find ways to connect and work together towards common goals.

Style isn't important, what's the true Substance?
Superficial and external qualities and characteristics are ultimately insignificant, as true value and worth are based on deeper and more substantive qualities and attributes.

I represent blood covenant, blessed with melanin
As an African-American, I am proud of my heritage and unique identity, valuing the bonds of family and community that connect us all.

And I'm lovin' it... I truly feel
Despite the many challenges and struggles that life can present, I remain positive and optimistic, deeply appreciating and grateful for the blessings and opportunities that I have received.