A Glimpse at the Struggle
Mr. Lif Lyrics

(This is what I gotta do) Mic Check!
I need to speak my truth and share my struggles through music.

Well if you can't beat em', join em', build a memoriam
If you can't change society's oppressive systems, try to benefit from them.

This kid got gold teeth, fuck it, coin em' so we can get some loot in our pocket
Exploiting stereotypes and cultural appropriation for financial gain.

My man who just did a bid said you haven't tried it don't knock it
Exposure to violence and crime through social connections and pressure.

I wear the rings of Saturn on my knuckles, like trucks do
Displaying symbols of power, strength, and rebellion.

Life 40 acres and a mule I'm down to buck soon, my tool iller starts
Challenging systemic racism and oppression through violence and aggression.

Could make the world around my lost souls keep my mind in two colds
Dealing with inner turmoil and conflicts of conscience.

Keep the world in two holes in my head just oppose
Constantly battling with negative thoughts and destructive tendencies.

I cited murder flows, on the low I contra flows the way that its supposed to be
Writing and performing lyrics about violence and aggression, but trying to subvert norms and expectations.

I keep 10 rings around the frozery
Displaying symbols of power, strength, and rebellion.

I'm bout to rob the store I need some loot and some groceries
Desperate measures to survive and provide for basic needs.

I need a lout with 3 blunders, fuck another night of hunger
Planning a violent robbery to obtain food and money.

I been a good man and I don't deserve to suffer
Internal conflict between wanting to be a good person and feeling forced to turn to crime.

After this night, I'll return to being peaceful I put this on my people
Justifying violent actions as a temporary means of survival and promising to change in the future.

Working exchange and worth the peep though, yo
Acknowledging the value of hard work and integrity, but still feeling trapped in poverty.

Do you recall the days when brothers used to chill
Reflecting on a time when life was simpler and less violent.

Flex on the mic and display ghetto appeal
Finding power and pride in representing the struggles and culture of the ghetto.

Yo those were the days when it was really real
Nostalgia for a time when authenticity and realness were more important than fame and success.

But we'll, all get it back together one day
Holding onto hope for a better future for the community.

But until then its stuff gunspray
Acknowledging the reality of violence and crime in the current circumstances.

I bless my head with every night I lay, and I pray for a brighter day
A personal coping mechanism to find strength and hope in the face of adversity.

But anyway gotta get them thoughts out of my mind now
Trying to focus and stay motivated in order to survive another day.

Wipe the sweat off my eyebrows, and stop to caught bring my hideout
Nervously escaping from a robbery with the help of an accomplice.

Lie down you two niggaz in a second now
Threatening two people to stay quiet and not report the robbery.

First brother shook with fear, and the second nigga caught a smile, wow
The power dynamics and emotional impact of the robbery.

You doing that why don't you strip white Gaza
Making a racist comment about a store employee's ethnicity.

This nigga yells you "well youse a frontin ass roster"
Being challenged and called out on inauthentic behavior.

By my actions I have to say that that's true
Admitting to being fake and inauthentic.

But shut the fuck up I didn't ask you
Reacting defensively and aggressively to criticism.

I might blast you, If I have to, no mask
Threatening violence against anyone who challenges or opposes him.

They can't find me, even if you ID
Feeling invincible and untouchable due to his status and sense of power.

But yo thanks for checking me, then unexpectedly
Sarcastically thanking someone for calling him out on his inauthentic behavior.

This pet nigga right behind the counter started wettin' me
Being shot at by a store employee during the robbery.

9 mm weaponry or ya be sleepin on the chest next to me
Responding to the threat of being shot with a deadly weapon.

Nobody understands society molested me, they just questioned me
Feeling like society has failed and abused him, and not being understood by anyone.

Nature of the arm going clean up crew clean my blood stops flowin
The aftermath of a violent act and the danger of being caught or dying.

All my enemies out on the block, plus the government is smiling
Feeling like everyone is against him and out to get him, including those in power.

Cause they sense the scent of death blowing, just showing
Being paranoid and feeling like death is constantly around the corner.

They plans run in precisely, "this nigga ought to fit into a wood box nicely"
Feeling like society and those in power are plotting against him and want him dead.

Ghetto stress have my own fuckin people ice me
The danger of being betrayed or killed by someone from his own community.

If you look you can find me, on the corner store tile floor
The potential fate of dying in a violent act, becoming just another statistic.

Another landmark of the ghetto I saw
Observing the harsh reality and struggles of ghetto life.

Is it all worth to die for? Noooooo
Reflecting on the meaning and value of his life and the cost of violence and aggression.

Its not worth it ([echoes]nooooooooo)
Realizing that the dangers and costs of violence and aggression are not worth it in the end.