The Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free) Songfacts reports that Fiasco’s first single off his fourth studio album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 debuted on May 21, 2012. On "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)," he spits rhymes about aspects of modern American life he doesn’t like such as "Suicide bombers and prosperity gospels, emaciated models, with cocaine and blood pouring out their nostrils” as well as socio-political problems in Ghana and the invasion of Iraq.
Lupe released his fifth studio album Tetsuo & Youth on January 20, 2015.
Lupe's 8th Studio Album DRILL MUSIC IN ZION was released on June 23rd 2022
Lupe has previously been on label Epic with his group Da Pak and then signed a solo deal with Arista. His years at Arista only led to the 2003 promo single "Pop Pop" as well as guest appearances on singles from Tha' Rayne (2002's "Kiss Me" and 2003's "Didn't You Know") and K Fox (2003's "This Life"), then Arista folded in 2004 and Lupe was signed to Atlantic Records.
Boss Playa
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Young pro is on the cut always (always).
If you represent your set when you're rolling through the jets,
Take your fingers off your triggers keep your hands of your Tecs. Check it.
I'm really gnarly
Really harder than tryna wheely Harleys
I will leave hardly, life of the party
Don't make me catch a body
F'n'F up all day (all day).
Young pro is on the cut always (always).
If you represent your set when you're rolling through the jets,
Take your fingers off your triggers keep your hands of your techs. Check it.
I'm really gnarly
Really harder than tryna wheely Harleys
I will leave hardly, life of the party
Hotter than Saudis in furs in the Mojave
Don't make me catch a body
First and Fifteenth probably
Playa don't trip when the clique's in the party
You trip, then it kick, like Mr. Miyagi
I brought an extra clip in event of a robbery
You flinch then it click like Clint, Dirty Harry
Don't think that my money gettin' spent on Ferraris
This game that was told is old as Ataris
You sold into slavery
The system I pimps, I limps like a Charley
Horse. Bring the chorus!
Ain't it boss, playa?
Homie, don't it be like that,
When it be like that,
When it's G like that?
Ain't it boss, playa?
Homie you can't leave like that.
When you bleed like that
You won't be right back.
Ain't it boss, playa?
What, you think we freeze right up
When you breeze right up?
Don't you bleed like us?
Ain't it boss, playa?
Paper makin' on top,
Playa hatin' won't stop,
Percolatin' on lock.
Ain't it boss, playa?
If it's getting too hot
Better go'on out the galley
I'm a top cat, homes
Got a phone in the alley
And I locks that down
When I zone, understand me
And I drop rap poems
Like domes on the Caddy,
When the top back
Go'on better stop that
Like cops when you clock that
Brougham goin' over the speed limit
You spot that
Somethin's been thrown like bones
And you combin' for baggies
And you see it's weed in his seat
Me an' my man G
Had a home in the valley
And I just left New York
And I'm goin' back to Cali
Where I chop that, yup
Gotta bone me a sal'ry
And I'm back in the cut
Still hungry as Shaggy
Like I need that
So free that the fee that
See that keep it copasetic
Don't do nothin' sudden
Push the button
Hustlin' to keep my leverage, uh!
You can't destroy me
Know who them boys be?
I ain't no employee!
I'm the boss, playa!
I'm pimpin' with playas that be pimpin'
I'm pimpin' this broad
But how could one man be so pimpin'?
Shit-if pimpin' is hard
Cuz goofies
Kill for that nookie even clap at they dogs
Givin' they
Heart to these chickens, I'm unstrappin' they bras
Lendin' they
Cars to these chickens even platinum cards
All in the
Mall with these chickens puttin' carats on arms
I have 'em
Posin' in pictures with my shaft in they jaws
Laughin' cuz dro in my system
Plus I'm havin' a ball
Coulda been somewhere with open liquor,
Drivin' the Porsche
Ain't too many rich as flows as this in Robber Report
Properties bought
Believe I seen that watch in the sauce.
Hot but his force
Monopoly's my hobby and yours'
Probably sports!
It's obvious you saw me. Get lost!
Give me some privacy
See how many rocks in that cross
You think of robbin' me
But you don't want no problems young boy
You wanna ride with me
Make a choice the option is yours.
Ain't it boss, playa?
Man the game ain't the same since the 'caine done stopped
DEA's done slowed up the game 'round near Brainerd Park
'Bout the same time Greg
Got shot in the head
Nigga Pack got his momma's house
Took by the feds
But of course what you expect
When you pitchin' where you rest
Holdin' rocks beneath your tongue
Wearin' slippers on your steps
But for what? A couple pennies
Not enough to by a semi
So the corners of the dean was racin' niggas yellin 'Gimmie'
That reminds me little Kenny got shot three months ago (damn.)
Fresh out the hospital; shot three weeks ago (damn!)
Come to find out only difference from the first
Was the niggas that just got him ain't no different from the first
And I wonder whatta happened to his crazy brother Spider
Used to be my 'lil roadie back in 1995 so
Last I heard he's doin' robbin'
Shot some nigga in the Gardens
He sat in the body cast behind the glass next to the sergeant
In "Boss Playa," Lupe Fiasco raps about his involvement with a group of people who aim to live luxurious lifestyles as "boss playas." Lupe uses his lyrical prowess to compare his boss playa status to that of other people who claim to be boss playas. Throughout the song, he shows off his ability to rap, criticizes the system of slavery, boasts about his luxurious lifestyle, and talks about the dangers of living in impoverished areas.
The song opens with Lupe identifying himself as a member of F'n'F, a group he affiliates himself with throughout his career. As the song progresses, he delves into the harsh reality of the streets, where violence and drugs are rampant. He compares his status as a boss playa to other less fortunate individuals who put themselves in dangerous situations to make ends meet. Lupe makes it clear that he doesn't want to be seen as a person who glorifies that lifestyle, but rather as an artist who analyzes and reflects upon it.
The chorus of the song centers around the concept of being a boss playa, as Lupe repeats the phrase "ain't it boss, playa?" It serves as a reminder that even though life as a boss playa has its perks, it comes with its own set of risks and challenges. Lupe shows his ability to weave together complex metaphors and similes, including lines like "hotter than Saudis in furs in the Mojave" and "I drop rap poems like domes on the Caddy." His wordplay and complex rhyming structure make the song a standout in his discography.
Line by Line Meaning
F'n'F up all day (all day).
I represent my crew, F'n'F, all day long without fail.
Young pro is on the cut always (always).
I am a young professional always on the scene and ready to make moves.
If you represent your set when you're rolling through the jets,
Take your fingers off your triggers keep your hands of your Tecs. Check it.
If you are showing off your affiliation while in a public space, be mindful of danger and keep your weapons out of sight.
I'm really gnarly
Really harder than tryna wheely Harleys
I will leave hardly, life of the party
Hotter than Saudis in furs in the Mojave
Don't make me catch a body
Take your fingers off your triggers keep your hands of your techs. Check it.
I am a force to be reckoned with, comparable to the difficulty of performing a wheelie on a heavy motorcycle. I am the life of the party and hotter than anyone else around me. But don't push me - I will react with violence, so make sure to keep your weapons out of reach.
First and Fifteenth probably
Playa don't trip when the clique's in the party
You trip, then it kick, like Mr. Miyagi
I brought an extra clip in event of a robbery
You flinch then it click like Clint, Dirty Harry
Don't think that my money gettin' spent on Ferraris
This game that was told is old as Ataris
You sold into slavery
The system I pimps, I limps like a Charley
Horse. Bring the chorus!
The work I do is likely related to drugs, so don't get nervous or act up when my crew is around. If you do, I will react harshly and quickly, like Mr. Miyagi or a movie character Dirty Harry. I am always prepared and have extra weapons in case of danger. I am not interested in showing off with fancy cars - I know that the game I am in has a long history of exploiting and enslaving people. But I still participate and glamorize it, even if I feel like a limping horse. Let's get back to the main hook of the song.
Ain't it boss, playa?
Homie, don't it be like that,
When it be like that,
When it's G like that?
Homie you can't leave like that.
When you bleed like that
You won't be right back.
What, you think we freeze right up
When you breeze right up?
Don't you bleed like us?
Isn't it impressive, player? You know how it goes in this game, when things get tough and real, you can't just walk away. Once you have been hurt, you won't come back in the same way. Don't assume we will be scared when you come up fast. We all bleed, just like you.
Paper makin' on top,
Playa hatin' won't stop,
Percolatin' on lock.
If it's getting too hot
Better go'on out the galley
I'm a top cat, homes
Got a phone in the alley
And I locks that down
When I zone, understand me
And I drop rap poems
Like domes on the Caddy,
When the top back
Go'on better stop that
Like cops when you clock that
Brougham goin' over the speed limit
You spot that
Somethin's been thrown like bones
And you combin' for baggies
And you see it's weed in his seat
Me an' my man G
Had a home in the valley
And I just left New York
And I'm goin' back to Cali
Where I chop that, yup
Gotta bone me a sal'ry
And I'm back in the cut
Still hungry as Shaggy
Like I need that
So free that the fee that
See that keep it copasetic
Don't do nothin' sudden
Push the button
Hustlin' to keep my leverage, uh!
I am making money through hustling, whether it's drugs or rap music. But I always have to be on guard, ready to flee or lock down an area. I am a top player in my world, with a phone in a secret location and a talent for crafting fierce rhymes. But when the authorities come after me, I know that I have to lay low and stop speeding around. I have been involved in drug deals in the past, but I am back in Cali where I will earn a salary in more legitimate ways. I am hungry for more success and will work hard to guard my reputation and keep hustling.
You can't destroy me
Know who them boys be?
I ain't no employee!
I'm the boss, playa!
You can't bring me down or stop me from achieving my goals. You know my reputation and who I roll with, and I won't let anyone treat me like an employee or worker. I'm running my own game and am the boss.
I'm pimpin' with playas that be pimpin'
I'm pimpin' this broad
But how could one man be so pimpin'?
Shit-if pimpin' is hard
Cuz goofies
Kill for that nookie even clap at they dogs
Givin' they
Heart to these chickens, I'm unstrappin' they bras
Lendin' they
Cars to these chickens even platinum cards
All in the
Mall with these chickens puttin' carats on arms
I have 'em
Posin' in pictures with my shaft in they jaws
Laughin' cuz dro in my system
Plus I'm havin' a ball
Coulda been somewhere with open liquor,
Drivin' the Porsche
Ain't too many rich as flows as this in Robber Report
Properties bought
Believe I seen that watch in the sauce.
Hot but his force
Monopoly's my hobby and yours'
Probably sports!
It's obvious you saw me. Get lost!
Give me some privacy
See how many rocks in that cross
You think of robbin' me
But you don't want no problems young boy
You wanna ride with me
Make a choice the option is yours.
I am surrounded by other 'pimps' who are as ruthless and violent as I am. It's tough to be such a skilled pimp, because even weak men are willing to resort to violence to protect their women. But I am successful in part because I am willing to give these women what they need - material goods and access to high society. I even have them pose for photos with me and my penis. I am high on drugs and enjoying the lavish lifestyle I have created for myself, owning real estate and expensive watches. But don't think you can take what I have earned - I have plenty of security and will protect myself at all costs. If you want to join me, just make sure you are willing to play by my rules.
Man, the game ain't the same since the 'caine done stopped
DEA's done slowed up the game 'round near Brainerd Park
'Bout the same time Greg
Got shot in the head
Nigga Pack got his momma's house
Took by the feds
But of course what you expect
When you pitchin' where you rest
Holdin' rocks beneath your tongue
Wearin' slippers on your steps
But for what? A couple pennies
Not enough to by a semi
So the corners of the dean was racin' niggas yellin 'Gimmie'
That reminds me little Kenny got shot three months ago (damn.)
Fresh out the hospital; shot three weeks ago (damn!)
Come to find out only difference from the first
Was the niggas that just got him ain't no different from the first
And I wonder whatta happened to his crazy brother Spider
Used to be my 'lil roadie back in 1995 so
Last I heard he's doin' robbin'
Shot some nigga in the Gardens
He sat in the body cast behind the glass next to the sergeant
The drug game has changed a lot since cocaine stopped being so popular. Authorities are cracking down on dealers in my area and many of my associates have been caught or shot. But even with this risk, people continue to deal drugs. They hold rocks hidden in their mouths and wear casual clothes while doing business. These people are desperate for money but are earning barely enough to buy a gun. Competition in the drug game is steep, with rival dealers always trying to steal from each other. Violence is rampant and people are getting hurt or killed frequently. Even my own friends and acquaintances are being targeted, and I am worried about my own safety and the safety of others.
Contributed by Lillian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Beverly Lemons
it does deserve more recognition. mixtape lupe was always nasty
Trevor Brennan
great song, deserves more views