Otherside Of America
Meek Mill Lyrics

What do you have to lose?
Given the impoverished and jobless state of your community, what are the potential negative outcomes to taking action?

You're living in poverty
Your current living conditions are marked by extreme financial hardship

Your schools are no good
The educational institutions in your area provide subpar education

You have no jobs
There is a lack of employment opportunities available to you

58% of your youth is unemployed
A significant percentage of the young population in your community is without work

What the hell do you have to lose?
Considering the dire circumstances you face, what negative consequences could possibly arise from taking action?

Reportin' live from the other side of America
Sharing a firsthand account of the realities faced by those who reside in impoverished neighborhoods in America

Mama let me sip the forty, I was just a shorty (damn)
When I was a young child, my mother allowed me to indulge in a forty-ounce alcoholic beverage

Then I started spittin' godly, then they said record me
Subsequently, I began creating powerful and impactful music, which caught the attention of others who deemed it worthy of recording

I feel like this shit was for me, this shit just my story (facts)
I strongly believe that this music was meant for me, as it accurately portrays my personal experiences and narratives

Jumped off the porch, uh, I got a Porsche, won't take it back
I took risks at an early age, and now that I've achieved success, such as owning a Porsche, I refuse to let go of what I've earned

I'm on the block with the killers and holdin' my own, of course (yeah, check, check)
I consistently remain present on the dangerous streets, surrounded by individuals known for committing acts of violence, yet I can handle myself confidently

I seen my mom and dad separate, ain't talkin' divorce (talkin' divorce)
I witnessed the separation of my parents, which was not a mere instance of divorce, but rather a more tumultuous and complicated situation

Said daddy was livin' by the fire, and he died by the torch (check, check)
They claimed my father was engaging in dangerous activities and ultimately met his demise due to his involvement with such actions

I'm where the AKs is, we like the Bébé's Kids
I reside in a location where AK-47 rifles are prevalent, and our behavior is similar to the misbehaving children depicted in the film Bébé's Kids

Ain't have a daddy, I listened to suckers the same way that Ray Ray did
Being without a father figure, I took advice from unreliable individuals, similar to how Ray Ray, a fictional character, did

I'm totin' Smith &'s and HKs and I just was a grade A kid
I carry Smith & Wesson firearms and Heckler & Koch firearms, despite the fact that as a child, I achieved excellent grades academically

Ain't have no guidance, we grew up with hitters and did everything they said
Lacking proper guidance, we grew up surrounded by individuals involved in criminal activities, and we obediently followed their instructions

Point out the block, we spinnin' that (spinnin')
We identify the specific neighborhood block and dominate it or show our strength by exerting control

Run in the spot, we gettin' that (get it)
We swiftly invade a location, typically a house or establishment, to obtain desired items or resources

Give us some work, we flippin' that (flippin')
Provide us with illegal substances or goods, and we will quickly convert them into profit through resale or other means

I'm hittin' from jail, they ain't hittin' back
While I'm incarcerated, I attempt to contact individuals from jail, but unfortunately, they do not respond or communicate with me

I need a lawyer, money for commissary, and nobody ain't sendin' that
In order to navigate the legal system, I require legal representation and funds for personal items in jail, but nobody supports or provides me with these necessities

I'm in my cell like, "When I get out, I'm makin' a movie, no Cinemax" (woo)
While confined to my cell, I often fantasize about the future, envisioning myself creating a remarkable story or achieving success comparable to a film, without the constraints of cable network Cinemax

Yeah, back home and I'm fresh on bail
Having returned to my hometown, I am recently freed from imprisonment and presented with a newfound freedom

Phone chirpin', it was next to tell
My phone is incessantly buzzing with incoming messages or calls, indicating that important information is about to be shared with me

Block popppin', it was extra sales
The neighborhood block I frequent is bustling with activity, particularly relating to the illegal sale of goods, resulting in increased revenue or profit opportunities

Big dogs, they ain't showin' remorse
The influential and powerful individuals in my community exhibit no signs of regret or guilt for their actions

I was beggin' just to catch a sale
I was desperately hoping to complete a successful illegal transaction in order to gain financial stability or to elevate my status

Same block, we was goin' to war
On the same neighborhood block, we were engaging in intense conflicts or turf wars with rival groups

I was prayin' I ain't catch a shell (check)
I was fervently praying that I would not be hit by a bullet or become a victim of violence

Ooh, we was starvin' for a thousand nights
We experienced prolonged periods of extreme hunger and deprivation for countless nights

Livin' like we tryna die tonight
Our way of life was characterized by a constant awareness of the possibility of death, leading us to live recklessly or fearlessly

Glock .40 sound like dynamite
The sound of the Glock .40 firearm resembles the explosiveness and power of dynamite

I was fuckin' up my cop money
I was squandering the illicit proceeds I earned from my criminal activities

Sellin' soap like it's China white
Engaging in the sale of soap products while falsely marketing them as a potent and addictive drug called China white

OG's said, "You fuckin' the block up"
Respected and experienced individuals in the community criticized me for causing significant negative impact or disruption to the neighborhood through my actions

I was mad, I was tryna fight, nigga, we hungry
I responded to their criticism with anger, feeling defensive or combative because of the intense hunger and desperation experienced in my environment

Mommy at work, daddy, he dead, nigga we lonely
My mother was occupied with her job, while my father is deceased, resulting in feelings of loneliness and abandonment

Stomach growlin' like a AMG, goin' to bed, we hungry
The growling of my stomach is as loud as the engine noise of an AMG vehicle, underscoring the persistent hunger I experience before going to sleep

Uzi on me, all my friends are dead, nigga, we lonely
Carrying an Uzi firearm for protection, I feel isolated and devoid of companionship as many of my close friends have passed away

Reportin' live from the other side of America
Continuing to provide a real-time account of the harsh realities faced by those living in marginalized communities across the United States

Same corner where my brothers died
Referring to the specific location where my closest friends and companions lost their lives due to violence or other tragic circumstances

Livin' life, we ain't got a care
Despite the immense challenges and dangers we face, we adopt a carefree attitude and continue to navigate life in our own way

Told my mama I ain't dyin' here (no)
Assuring my mother that I will not meet my end in this environment, determined to overcome the circumstances and achieve a better life

.40 on me, I ain't buyin' beer (no)
Carrying a .40 caliber firearm, I am not using my money to purchase alcohol but instead prioritize my personal safety

Ain't have a will, now I'm flyin' Lear
Lacking a strong sense of direction or clear aspirations in the past, I now find myself traveling in a private jet, showcasing my newfound success and status

Bunch of felons on the jet with me
Accompanying me on the private jet are individuals who have criminal records or are labeled as felons

Make a movie like it's Con Air
Creating a film or experience reminiscent of the action-packed movie Con Air, known for its thrilling storyline set on an airplane

Started off in the basement
My journey commenced in a humble and challenging environment, specifically a basement

Now it's rooftops and LeBron there
Having progressed significantly, my current reality involves being on rooftops and even encountering prominent individuals like LeBron James

Still fightin' open cases
Despite my achievements, legal battles and unresolved legal matters continue to plague me

Out on bail, nigga, but it's my year
Although currently released from custody on bail, I am determined to make the most of this year and succeed

Summertime, it get cold out
Even during the warmer months, the hostility and danger in my environment persist and affect me deeply

Heater on me like a Moncler
I carry a firearm with me at all times, akin to wearing a Moncler brand jacket, to ensure my personal safety

Closet bigger than my old house
The size of my current wardrobe surpasses the dimensions of the residence I lived in during my upbringing

Thinkin' 'bout it, I was fine there
Reflecting on my past, I realize that despite the hardships, I was content and satisfied in that environment

Came out the dirt (dirt)
Originating from a challenging and disadvantaged background, akin to emerging from the metaphorical dirt

Dedicated, I was makin' it work
With unwavering commitment and effort, I relentlessly pursued my goals and made progress

Medicated, I was takin' them Percs
To cope with the hardships and challenges I faced, I resorted to taking prescription Percocet pain medication

Devastated when my niggas got murked
Experiencing immense grief and sorrow upon the violent deaths of my close friends and associates

Educated, had to get to it first
Recognizing the importance of education, I prioritized acquiring knowledge and skills to ensure I achieved success before others

I knew trappin', it would get me in jail
I possessed knowledge that engaging in illegal activities, like drug dealing, would eventually lead to my incarceration

Playin' with pistols, it would get me hearse
Playing or involving myself with firearms was a dangerous game that could potentially result in my own death

But I ain't give a fuck, send me to church (woo)
Despite the potential negative consequences, I had no regard for my own safety and was willing to face death, even if it meant going to my funeral or being sent to church in a casket

Yeah, they gotta catch me in traffic (traffic)
Law enforcement authorities or adversaries must physically apprehend me while I am on the move

I ain't with none of this rap shit (rap shit)
I am not interested or involved in the superficial and often artificial aspects of the music industry

I've been tryna run from these caskets
I have been actively attempting to avoid becoming a victim of violence and death

All of this pain built in me, nigga
A tremendous amount of emotional and psychological anguish exists within me

You don't want none of this action
Others should not desire or seek engagement in the dangerous and chaotic lifestyle I lead

Go get some money and feed your fam
I encourage individuals to pursue financial stability in order to provide for their families

'Cause this is a fuckin' disaster, yeah
The current state of affairs is an utter catastrophe and should be acknowledged as such

I always dreamed to being like, on like CNN and being able to express myself
Throughout my life, I aspired to be in a position where I could appear on major news networks like CNN and freely communicate my thoughts and experiences

And, and speak for like the voiceless young men of America (do it)
Additionally, I aimed to represent and advocate for marginalized and unheard young men in America who lack a platform to share their perspectives

The first step, I would say
To initiate this process, I firmly believe the initial action required is

I grew up in America, in a ruthless neighborhood where we were not protected by police, uh
My upbringing took place in a harsh American neighborhood where law enforcement offered little to no protection

We grew up in ruthless environments, we grew up around murder
Our surroundings were characterized by violence and brutality, where we regularly witnessed acts of murder

You see murder, you see seven people die a week, I think you would probably carry a gun yourself
If you were exposed to the frequency of murders and witnessing seven people lose their lives within a week, you too would likely feel the need to arm yourself for self-protection

Would you?
Given the circumstances described, do you think you would react differently?

Uh, yeah, I probably would
Yes, I most likely would