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R.U.O.K.? Lyrics

It was all a dream and quite frankly it still is
The artist's dream of being a successful rapper still feels unrealized, even after some success.

And it might be my fault, through it all I've remained the realest
The artist takes responsibility for his lack of success but prides himself on staying true to himself.

I mean, this is rap, right? You gotta wanna be the illest
The artist acknowledges that in the rap genre, one must strive to be the best.

So when I jump on tracks my concern is 'will I kill it?'
The artist is focused on delivering high-quality rap performances.

But things changed, it seems like everyone's conforming
The artist observes that many other rappers are sounding similar in their music.

Sounding the same, I see it all the time when they're performing
The artist notices that many rappers perform with little variation in style.

Me? I said 'FUCK THAT', they gon' love me for me
The artist decides to remain true to himself and not conform to industry norms in the hope of attracting a dedicated fanbase.

I'm trying to eat, but when will I when all this shit been for free
The artist recognizes that he needs to make money from his music, but has so far been distributing it for free.

Mixtapes I have 3, my catalogue? That shit's crazy long
The artist boasts of having an extensive music catalogue.

So many features that these niggas never paid me for
The artist expresses frustration at having collaborated with other musicians without receiving compensation.

I may be wrong, shit, maybe I ain't worth it
The artist doubts his own worth and talent.

Might be the reason this rapper thing just ain't been working
The artist suggests that his doubts may be hindering his success as a rapper.

No, I can't think that, it can't be true
The artist tries to counteract his self-doubt and remain positive about his career prospects.

This talent running through my veins is saying it can't be true
The artist draws confidence from his innate musical abilities, which he feels will ultimately lead to success.

Yeah, these niggas rapping, but they can't be you
The artist believes that he has a unique sound and image that distinguishes him from other rappers.

Got rid of the word 'can't', nigga, it's time to be you
The artist emphasizes the importance of eradicating self-doubt and embracing one's authentic self.

I tend to talk to myself
The artist often talks to himself as a form of self-reflection and introspection.

Became my personal therapist, a place to run to for help
The artist views talking to himself as a therapeutic exercise.

And I need it. Lord knows I really need it
The artist stresses the importance of this form of self-care for maintaining his mental health and wellbeing.

I'm surprised I've never woken from my sleep one morning screaming
The artist suggests that the anxieties from his waking life would keep him up at night if not for this therapeutic exercise.

'Cause when you're dreaming, it ain't like when you're awake
The artist notes that his sleeping mind offers a respite from the disappointments of his waking life.

Where failure's a reality disguised by the word fate
The artist believes that failures in his career are often attributed to fate, which he sees as an excuse to accept defeat.

Relentless with my faith, I won't stop believing
The artist maintains his faith that success is possible and will continue to work towards it.

'Cause soon it won't be long 'til a youngin' starts achieving
The artist is optimistic that success will come soon, perhaps for a younger artist.

Plenty goals I've planned on reaching
The artist has clear goals he wants to achieve in his career.

This is bigger than me, my team and I been scheming
The artist acknowledges the support he has from his team, and recognizes that his success would be meaningful to them as well.

Eyes wide open, but I can't stop dreaming
The artist is aware of reality, but remains committed to his dreams.

Long days and longer nights, I ain't been sleeping
The artist has been working hard towards his goals, sometimes to the detriment of his health.

I'm haunted by these many possibilities
The artist feels overwhelmed by the range of outcomes that his career could have.

Like, what if I'm not braille to the blind, they're not feeling me
The artist worries that he may not be appreciated or understood by his potential audience.

Or, what if I never reach my full potential
The artist worries that he may underachieve relative to his abilities.

Round and round it goes in my mind like a cycle, menstrual
The artist feels trapped in a repetitive cycle of worry and anxiety.

Considering all I put her through I gotta make my mama proud
The artist feels a sense of obligation to succeed and make his mother proud after all the sacrifices she has made for him.

I'm grown now, I gotta get off my mama couch
The artist acknowledges that he needs to become financially independent and establish himself outside of his hometown.

A varsity graduate, yet I'm feeling unprepared
Despite his education, the artist feels underprepared for the demands of adult life and his music career.

For the life that's ahead of me, I'm feeling quite scared
The artist feels uncertain and apprehensive about what the future holds for him.

Finally I've found in me
The artist has achieved a sense of self-assurance and inner strength.

What I need to set me free
The artist has identified what he needs to do to succeed and be happy.

Free from the heartache, the stress and the pain
The artist is determined to achieve a stress-free and emotionally stable life.

Been through it once, won't go through it again
The artist has learned from past mistakes and will not repeat them in the future.

For so long my heart would bleed
The artist has experienced emotional pain and heartbreak in the past.

But I believed, now I'll achieve
The artist recognizes that belief in oneself is key to achieving personal and professional success.

Anything I set my mind to
The artist believes he has the ability to accomplish whatever he sets his sights on.

So imma do what I gotta do
The artist is committed to taking action towards achieving his goals.