Overtime
Nipsey Hussle Lyrics


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Gotta light up to shit like this, nigga
And I ain't even said it, or wrote it yet
I just feel it, you know?

Overtime, cause I ain't have a mic
I was in that Chevy

Overtime, cause I ain't have a mic
I was in that Chevy playin' Savage Life
Niggas lookin' like I had it wrong
Now them niggas know I had it right
They don't know about them sleepless nights
Them lookin' for a reason nights
They say it's six degrees in life
Opportunity, preparation, made me this nice

You see me up in Neiman's, right?
My chain and my pinkie bright
I valet this Mercedes Benz
Lookin' like, somebody that people like
Can't but help to think how fake it is
This world and this music biz
I just want all of this paper, though
So maybe I can try and change the shit
Maybe, me, I'm too ambitious
Or maybe this a new dimension
Maybe them, they too religious
Maybe they judge my intentions
But either way, I'm on my mission
In the sky, for our love, I'm a tie a ribbon
Life's a bitch, lady luck my way
Forever you my lady, I'm your fuckin' nigga

Overtime, cause I ain't have a mic
I was in that Chevy playin' Savage Life
Niggas lookin' like I had it wrong
Now them niggas know I had it right
They don't know about them sleepless nights
Them lookin' for a reason nights
They say it's six degrees in life
Opportunity, preparation, made me this nice

Cappin' for a cheaper price
Hustlin' for a bucket, keep your sneakers tight
Shoot a box, catch the cheapest flight
If it land, thank you Jesus Christ
You ain't gon' get it till you see it right
And jump off in this legal life
Feel the pressure from your people, right?
Still choose to lead 'em right
Sometimes I rap about my feature price
Or all of my defeats in life
They told me don't believe the hype
But I felt like this 'bout myself before the mic

Overtime, cause I ain't have a mic
I was in that Chevy playin' Savage Life
Niggas lookin' like I had it wrong
Now them niggas know I had it right
They don't know about them sleepless nights
Them lookin' for a reason nights




They say it's six degrees in life
Opportunity, preparation, made me this nice

Overall Meaning

In "Overtime" by Nipsey Hussle, the rapper reflects on his humble beginnings and his journey to success. In the first verse, he expresses his desire to light up and embrace the moment, even though he hasn't written the lyrics yet. He then reminisces about the times he spent in his Chevy, playing "Savage Life" and dreaming of making it big. Nipsey acknowledges that many people doubted him and his dream, but now they know that he had it right all along. He talks about the sleepless nights he spent searching for a reason to keep going and how his opportunity and preparation paved the way for his current success. In the second verse, Nipsey talks about the trappings of success, including his flashy jewelry and car. Despite this, he remains aware of the fake nature of the music industry and wants to use his success to effect positive change. He acknowledges that he may be too ambitious or judged for his intentions, but he remains committed to his mission. In the final verse, Nipsey talks about the grind of hustling for success and how it can be a struggle. He talks about feeling pressure from others but choosing to lead them in the right direction. He reflects on his defeats but remains proud of himself for believing in himself before fame and success. Overall, Nipsey uses "Overtime" to reflect on his journey and encourage others to keep pursuing their dreams.


Line by Line Meaning

Gotta light up to shit like this, nigga
I need to get high to cope with the emotions that come with creating music


And I ain't even said it, or wrote it yet
I haven't even put my thoughts into words yet


I just feel it, you know?
I'm following my gut instinct and intuition


Overtime, cause I ain't have a mic
I had to work extra hard because I didn't have the proper resources


I was in that Chevy playin' Savage Life
I was grinding in my car, trying to make it in the music industry


Niggas lookin' like I had it wrong
People doubted me and thought I was making the wrong decisions


Now them niggas know I had it right
Now they recognize my success and see that I made the right choices


They don't know about them sleepless nights
They don't know the struggles and sacrifices I made to get to where I am


Them lookin' for a reason nights
The times when I questioned my path and wondered if I was on the right track


They say it's six degrees in life
People say that success is influenced by chance and luck


Opportunity, preparation, made me this nice
My hard work and readiness for opportunities led to my success


You see me up in Neiman's, right?
You see me in designer stores, right?


My chain and my pinkie bright
I'm wearing expensive jewelry


I valet this Mercedes Benz
I have money and success


Lookin' like, somebody that people like
I have a public persona that's attractive and desirable


Can't but help to think how fake it is
I can't help but consider the superficiality of this lifestyle


This world and this music biz
The music industry and society as a whole can be deceptive


I just want all of this paper, though
I want financial success despite the flaws of the industry


So maybe I can try and change the shit
I want to make changes to the industry and society with my wealth and success


Maybe, me, I'm too ambitious
I might be setting my goals too high


Or maybe this a new dimension
Or maybe I am pushing the boundaries and creating something unique


Maybe them, they too religious
Maybe others are too bound by tradition and unwilling to change


Maybe they judge my intentions
Maybe they misinterpret or criticize my motives


But either way, I'm on my mission
Regardless of the obstacles, I am determined to succeed


In the sky, for our love, I'm a tie a ribbon
I will do something grand to show my love and commitment


Life's a bitch, lady luck my way
Life can be tough, but I am hoping for good luck


Forever you my lady, I'm your fuckin' nigga
I am committed to my significant other and will always support them


Cappin' for a cheaper price
Trying to get a good deal


Hustlin' for a bucket, keep your sneakers tight
Working hard for a low cost car to stay grounded


Shoot a box, catch the cheapest flight
Finding the most affordable travel option


If it land, thank you Jesus Christ
If the plan works out, I am grateful for the opportunity


You ain't gon' get it till you see it right
You won't understand my perspective until you experience success yourself


And jump off in this legal life
And start working hard to achieve success


Feel the pressure from your people, right?
Feeling the pressure to succeed from the people around you


Still choose to lead 'em right
Despite the pressure, I will do what is right and set a good example


Sometimes I rap about my feature price
Sometimes I focus on the financial aspect of the music industry in my lyrics


Or all of my defeats in life
Or I talk about the struggles and failures I've faced


They told me don't believe the hype
People warned me not to get too caught up in the superficiality of the industry


But I felt like this 'bout myself before the mic
I had confidence in myself and my abilities before becoming successful in music




Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ermias Asghedom

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rafprice1

"They don't know about those sleepless nights. Them looking for a reason nights." This will forever be on my playlist.

@aceboogiee7131

Facts πŸ’―πŸ’―πŸ’―πŸ’―

@TheRealBlackRebel

Ni**as Looking Like I had It WrongπŸ™„
Now Them Ni**as Know I Had It RightπŸ˜‘πŸ™πŸΎ

@user-oq7xr5tc9o

I always thought he said them looking for a reason "Nice"

@TheCena353

"Maybe I'm too ambitious, maybe this a new dimension." - This man knew more than what he was letting out, but I'm sure if he had enough time on earth, he would've taught us all earlier what he actually meant. It goes way deeper than what one imagines it to be. It's crazy he died at the age of 33, cause it's a sacred number. I'm happy he went on with his music and never quit on it. Big ups Hussle, rest up dawg.

@smileylundy33

Most definitely

@afrokaan312

7 Years later!!! This music is timeless... If your reading this going into a new year, may the most high bless you and years, keep running your race 🏁🏁🏁

@MarcusJdb

Big facts

@aloser4550

Faxx

@josevelasco8689

Sitting in my car bumpjng this.. been busting my ass for years in construction.. im only 25 I start Monday with a union company making more.. moving up step by step.. sooner or later the goal is to open up my own concrete finishing company.. 🏁🏁

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