The Struggle Featuring Torica Cornelius
Maceo Lyrics

This for my hustlers getting this cheddar makin money
Addressing fellow hustlers, acknowledging their hard work and persistence in making money.

aint shit you can tell us
Arrogantly stating that outsiders cannot criticize or change them as hustlers.

We the ones take all the risks government is the one who ship the bricks in
Emphasizing that the government is indirectly involved in the drug trade through the shipment of drugs, while hustlers take all the risks to distribute them.

Man we the ones who distributes it member we fellas cant find a job
Explaining that hustlers distribute drugs because they are unable to find employment opportunities.

so how the fuck we gonna eat when we cant even find a job
Asking how they are supposed to survive and provide for their needs and wants when they are unemployed.

mama and daddy they doing they thing working barely even payin the bills
Acknowledging that their parents are working hard but barely making ends meet.

The streets is a jungle where I live MTV wouldn't cum in my crib
Metaphorically describing his environment as dangerous and hostile, where even MTV (which typically features luxurious homes and lifestyles) wouldn't dare to visit.

Telling u game when I spit this shit i eat sleep and shit the streets
Stating that the hustle and the street life are a significant part of his identity and life.

So what the fuck u gone tell me
Challenging anyone who tries to criticize or judge him given his experiences and lifestyle.

Rap or jus be all I can be hustle grind get whats mine how to make weed stuff a dime
Stating that his hustle is his primary means of getting what he wants out of life, emphasizing the importance of hard work and determination to achieve success as a hustler.

Fuck whoever tryna knock my shine remember bitch ima get whats mines
Expressing how he is not going to let anyone prevent him from achieving his goals or stop his hustle, determined to succeed.

Serve whatever get through the day in the same dirty clothes for days
Describing the daily grind of hustling to survive, even to the point of sacrificing basic needs such as hygiene and clothing.

Aint even ate in a day or so and really I aint even stunting no soap
Admitting to not having enough money to buy basic necessities like food and soap.

Bills is do I need some food jus like chess ima bust a move
Describing how he must use his thinking skills and strategic thinking when making tough financial decisions like paying bills or buying food.

Flip sumthin supply the food n dats jus something dat a hustla do
Explaining that hustlers often have to flip the profits from one hustle to another to afford necessities like food.

I'm working 24 hour shifts fuck 12 I gota get this here
Admitting to working tirelessly as a hustler to earn money, while rejecting the police code for narcotics officers (12) that they use when on duty.

Ima make it im a g since a child I been in these streets
Determined to succeed, stating that he's been hustling since he was young, implying that he has the experience and knowledge to succeed.

Hustling tryna make ends meet its plenty mo niggas jus like me
Describing how many people are in similar situations, hustling to make ends meet.

Trapped behind violent shit right from wrong they didn't learn dat shit
Acknowledging that many people in his community are exposed to violence, and did not receive proper guidance to discern right from wrong.

Pitchin moves that's all they learned cook it up but don't let it burn
Describing how some people's primary form of survival is drug dealing, and emphasizing the importance of being careful and avoiding attention from the authorities.

Gota make this money the best way we kno how
Explaining in his position, the only solution for survival is through hustling.

Cause aint nothing funny when they cut the lights out
Highlighting how serious the consequences of being unable to pay bills or losing electricity can be.

Mamas always workin n daddy hes gone been tired of
Acknowledging the fact that his mother works tirelessly to provide for their family, while his father passed away due to struggles of the ghetto.

the struggle so god took him home
Describing how the struggle and difficulties of living in poverty ultimately led his father to pass away and go to heaven.

Understand stuff we go through barely even got clothes or shoes
Illuminating the harsh realities of life in poverty, emphasizing how they don't have enough basic items to live.

Forgive me god but that's all I kno wheres the faith when I need hope
Questioning where faith is during such difficult times, indicating that it can be hard to believe in God when living in poverty.

No one got us right, that's y I was up all night
Expressing how no one really understands their struggles and difficulties, causing him to stay up all night pondering the predicament.

Getting harassed by the cops 50 deep on the block
Describing how police officers often harass and target people who live in poor neighborhoods, especially when there are groups of them together.

Slamin me down in front of the folks cause I supply wat they smoke
Explaining how the law enforcement officers humiliate him by making a scene in public and imply that he's the one who supplies drugs to the people.

The street was open, so I went that's the only way how it made since
Justifying his decision to enter the hustling game, stating that given the context of his environment, it was the only option to survive.

If I didn't then I would starve n maceo wouldn't b no star
Imagining a scenario where he didn't hustle, he would not have the means to eat and sustain himself, which would prevent him from achieving his dreams and becoming a star.

Older brother kep me in line gave me advice told me grind
Acknowledging how his older brother mentored him, gave him advice, and taught him the right way to hustle and succeed.

Get yo money nigga fuck them hatas block em out nigga get this papa
Encouraging others to focus on their hustles and getting money instead of letting others who hate on their success affect them negatively.

Live it up we stack this cash fed time if they bust our ass
Expressing how they live their lives to the fullest and stack their money, while simultaneously acknowledging the potential consequences of getting caught by the law enforcement (i.e., federal prison).

Street nigga know how I fell maintain and keep it real
Addressing fellow street hustlers, explaining how they understand each other's struggle and how being honest and genuine is essential when interacting with people from that environment.

This is for the streets 2x
Stating that this song is dedicated to and represents the experiences of those who come from the streets.

This is for the hoods this is for the blocks
Acknowledging that the struggles, hardships, and realities represented in the song are unique to particular neighborhoods and blocks in the ghetto.

All these crooked cops
Highlighting the injustices, corruption, and harassment that law enforcement often exhibit in these communities.

This is for the brothers that always gota hustla day in and day out gota make it through the struggle
Dedicating this song and expressing empathy and solidarity for those who must hustle day in and day out just to survive and get ahead in life.