72nd & Central Featuring Obie Trice & J-Hill
Proof Lyrics

Mr. Lennon, Mr. Lennon!
Addressing someone of substantial fame, someone worth reaching out to

John John, could, could I get your autograph? Could I get your autograph? (Sure kid) Oh, yeah yeah yeah, just Could you sign this for me please? (Sure, what's your name?) Thanks thanks, I'm a real big fan, thanks thanks (Here you are) Thanks a lot!
Approaching someone famous for an autograph or personal interaction, expressing gratitude and admiration afterwards

Word uhh Could do that, hot as hell though Yo yo, what, uhh what Bella {?} hop to this, what, uhh, uhh Set it down dawg, what
A brief interjection, no clear context or meaning

(One by one) Rule one up in this bitch for real Roll with a couple niggaz like Dave SeVille 'Cause they'll, uh clean you out like some golden seals Put your hands up, give me yo' scrill nigga, uhh
The first rule of survival in a dangerous situation, which is to have trustworthy people around you who won't turn on you, or you'll suffer the consequences

(Two by two) Your bucket is clean, you ridin' mean Pull up at the light on them Spree's (gimme that!) School Craft wanna jingle your keys Whatchu 'bout to do? Bleed!
Being targeted for robbery or carjacking, facing a dangerous situation and having to make a difficult choice

(3, 1, 3) Y'all don't run the streets, the streets run you Put a gun to your kids, "Art of War" Sun-Tzu In the jungle stay humble or stumble and fumble 'Til death inside a rumble
A cautionary message about the dangers of street life, the importance of humility and respect, and the possibility of death at any moment

(Four by four) Rule four better get this down Before niggaz gon' beef better have that four-pound (uhh) And bust like four rounds, kick the door down Get yo' ass up outta town nigga, uhh, uhh
The fourth rule of survival, which involves preparing for conflict or danger with necessary weapons and tools, including the willingness to use them and escape if possible

(Five by five) Niggaz connive, I thought you knew it Your main man's settin' you up nigga you blew it Told him what you doin', nigga, you're ruined You ain't knowin'?
Being betrayed by someone close to you, facing the consequences of sharing information or trusting the wrong person

(6, 6, 6) The Devil's your man, the ghetto's your land When you got knocked yo' block turned yellow and ran When you got sugar, why settle for sand? Never snitch when you clip and put your melons in cans
Facing the devilish nature of the environment and the people who reside there, the fear of violent retribution or punishment, and the importance of keeping secrets and staying alive

(Seven by seven) Rule seven kinda where my heart at You want beef in the street? Don't start that 'Cause we'll have some niggaz up in yo' apartment Jumpin' outta places where it's real dark at, uhh
The seventh rule is to avoid conflict and confrontation if possible, and to be ready to defend yourself if necessary, including through hiring or allying with people who operate in the shadows

(Eight by eight) You're carryin' weight, hey, but wait A lot of hungry niggaz know where you stay Address your address, change your place Before you spray nigga
Being targeted for criminal activity or revenge, and the need to protect yourself by changing your location or other personal information

(Nine by nine) I learned a lot from stank if you got bank Fuck buyin' gats bitch, get a tank Fuck a firearm, get a wired bomb 'Cause when you blow yourself up at least you dyin' warm Ten jewels
Radical advice on self-preservation, including the use of weapons of mass destruction or suicide to take out one's enemies and minimize personal risk

[Chorus] Ten reasons, nine Glocks, eight shots Seven cops, six drop on five blocks (for sho!) Three cousins, two/too hot, one law, family We put no man befo', ten jewels now tell 'em It's one purpose, one goal, two halves Get a whole, three niggaz, one song (for sho!) Five ways, six days, seven plus Eight/A.K., we can let the nine spray y'all
The chorus emphasizes the importance of family, unity, and shared goals, as well as the potentially violent consequences of street life

(Nine by nine) Oh I'm not real cause I pop pills? Bring your block to my block nigga get your whole block killed Don't let the "Purple Pills" shit confuse you One outta my hand, the life'll lose you nigga
Defending one's reputation and street credibility, and the willingness to use violence to prove a point or avoid disrespect

(Eight by eight) You lay at your wake You was played, slugs struck the Escalade Your brain rest on what Motor City paved No more sunny days
The tragic consequences of street life, including violent death, and the metaphorical weight of one's past actions

(Seven by seven) Rule seven, some'in you better tell 'em Good coke, good weed, y'all better sell 'em Cause they'll put some'in up into your cerebellum Proof, you better tell 'em
A warning about the dangers of drug dealing, and the potential consequences of getting involved in that trade

(Six by six) Assume it's only for conversation Let's conversate, simple nigga the .38 indiff' Mine'll set trip, empty out the clip Hold up, a .38 ain't got clips
The importance of communication and honesty in interpersonal relationships, and the need to be informed about weapons and how they work

(Five by five) Niggaz be live before they die 'Til the test the wrong animal then they spirit fly Just know the game while you playin the tough guy That's yo' life
The inevitability of death and the importance of being prepared for the challenges of street life, rather than pretending to be invincible

(Four by four) For all you niggaz think this rap shit's a joke You get smacked and choked, bring the dagger and cloak I put my fuckin' heart into this shit that I wrote You muh'fuckers on some dope?
A passionate defense of the rapper's art and craft, and a warning to those who might disrespect it or underestimate its value

(Three by three) Watch who near you, focus on your rear view Outta life, yo the trife wanna clear you Don't get caught on E and fought on streets Be a victim of "Grand Theft Auto 3"
The importance of staying alert and aware of one's surroundings, especially when facing potential danger or betrayal

(Two by two) Trust no one when you're gettin' them Put your life in perspective, you're killin 'em Envious niggaz stay jealousy driven Niggaz need to be listenin'
The need to be cautious and skeptical when making deals or trusting others, and the dangers of envy and resentment

(One by one) It's one reason why I still let you breathe It's one reason why the fuckin' tec won't squeeze It's one reason why you ain't go out like NSync That's 'cause it's one other nigga that'll do it for me, yo
The importance of loyalty and revenge in the face of perceived threats or disloyalty, and the willingness to use violence to protect oneself or one's reputation