The Waters
Mick Jenkins Lyrics

You were never ready for the flow
The rapid pace and depth of my lyrics might catch you off guard.

When the rain don't fall so hard no more
In difficult times of hardship and adversity, I still persevere.

And the bank won't take my card no more
My financial constraints do not determine my worth or talent.

But they ain't gon' pull my card neither
No one can expose me or my team because we are authentic and original.

And they ain't gon' pull my squads either
My crew and I are untouchable, and no one can tear us apart.

Niggas spit shit, I hock ether
While others rap, I bring a deeper level of consciousness and thoughtfulness to my music.

Stephen Hawking, no need for talking
Like the renowned physicist, I let my intellect and art speak for itself.

Got a hawk's eye but I can hardly see you
Although I have a keen sense of perception, it is challenging to connect with others on a deeper level.

Talk's fly, pray you're not Aaliyah
My words can be influential and impactful, but I hope they do not lead to any tragic outcomes like Aaliyah's plane crash.

I ain't trying to rock the boat
I do not want to cause unnecessary conflict or controversy with my music.

But the flow crazy, I paint pictures but they're not baroque
My rhymes are unique and visually stimulating, but I do not conform to traditional artistic styles like baroque.

More Scorsese, niggas made scores out of instrumentals
My musical composition is akin to Martin Scorsese's film scores, which elevate the cinematic experience.

Nigga type a script with a pen and pencil
I write and create my music with the same intentionality and precision as a cinematic script.

Use words from Scripps National Spelling Bee
I showcase my diverse vocabulary and linguistic skills in my music.

Fuck is you telling me that didn't sound better spitting it simple?
My music is intricate and complex, and those who criticize its complexity are missing the point.

Fuck with me, famo
Collaborate and support me, friend.

Ginger ale for your hoes
I offer little else to strangers or acquaintances besides a kind gesture.

Not shit else, not even my dick
I do not use my sexuality or physical appearance to garner attention or fame in the music industry.

Man I got way too much on my mind
I carry a heavy burden of thoughts and emotions, which inform my music.

Got a little light bout as bright as my Bic
I have a small but powerful presence that emanates from my music.

And y'all got way too much on the shine
Others in the industry prioritize shallow, materialistic values and lack substance in their art.

Y'all niggas don't tell enough of the truth in the booth
Many rappers do not provide an honest or authentic representation of themselves and their experiences in their music.

And it's proof you ain't fucking with mine, sip
The lack of truth and authenticity in others' music distinguishes it from my own.

Water more important than the gold
The necessity of water for human life surpasses the value of material possessions like gold or money.

People for the gold
Many people prioritize wealth and success over more substantive values in their lives.

Everybody do it for the gold
People are motivated by money and material possessions to achieve their goals.

People save your souls
I implore people to not get caught up in materialism and instead prioritize spiritual enrichment.

Started from the bottom of the map
I come from a humble background and have worked hard to achieve success.

Roll Tide at the end of the wave
I have persevered through tough times and emerged victorious at the end.

In this bitch ballpoint strapped
I am armed with my pen and paper, ready to create music at any time.

Get back, this nigga got a pen to the page
Do not interrupt or underestimate me while I am creating music.

Permanent marks, I'm a marksman, I never miss
My music leaves a lasting impact on listeners, and I have a sharp, precise approach to my craft.

Talk shit, that's a hint at your age
If you criticize me or my music unfairly, it reveals your immaturity and lack of understanding.

Big chain, that's a hint that it cage
Wearing flashy jewelry is a superficial attempt to mask one's insecurities and lack of wealth.

They're saying you're sane, but I'm gone in 60 seconds on a verse
Although others may perceive me as sane or normal, my talent and skill in creating music is exceptional and unparalleled.

That's Mickalas Cage
Like the famous actor, my talent and charisma are unique and captivating.

Fuck with a black young man, I'm everything that it denotes
Support and collaborate with me, a young and talented black musician.

Shit comes straight from the heart, not a record exec in the back with a remote
My music is raw, authentic, and driven by emotion, not the influence of record executives or labels.

Niggas gon' play their parts
Others in the music industry will act according to their own agendas and motives.

Save face on a face on the back of a C-note
People are willing to compromise their integrity and values for the sake of money.

Everybody wanna be the back of a D-Rose
Everyone wants to be associated with success and excellence, like the famous basketball player Derrick Rose.

But I can't go, Van Gogh how I handle
I cannot follow the same path as others and must chart my own course like the famous artist Van Gogh.

Paintbrush when I paint flows
I create music with the same skill and precision as an artist painting with a brush.

Niggas in the club throwing pesos
People in the club are frivolously spending money and exhibiting their wealth.

Niggas on the block throwing pitch forks
People in rough, impoverished areas resort to violent or desperate means to protect themselves and their families.

And not from Barbados, I don't give a fuck how you rep your flag
My roots and identity are not defined by a national flag or symbol, and I do not judge others based on their own identity or origin.

Catch him in the cut when he roll his truth
Others may try to silence or harm me when I speak the truth.

And I don't give a fuck how you stuff your bags
Others may accumulate wealth and possessions, but it does not matter to me or my music.

Touch the sky, it's much more than trees, what can you tell me about your roots?
I aim for greatness and strive for more than superficial success, but do you have any substantial and meaningful roots or identity?

Spitting that truth like a cold white rapper, niggas gon' always need some Proof
My music is raw and authentic, like the famous rapper Eminem, and people will always need evidence and truth in their lives.

Thank God for the waters waters, thank God
Water is essential for life and sustains us, and I am grateful for its existence and presence in our lives.

Niggas gon' always need some water, niggas gon' always speak the truth
People will always need sustenance and truth in their lives, and I aim to provide both through my music.

Niggas gon' always want the messenger dead and they always need the proof
People are quick to reject the message and truth of others, and require evidence and proof to support their beliefs.

My God
An expression of awe or reverence for a higher power or force.