Originally a member of Busta Rhymes' crew, Flipmode Squad becoming the sixth member after the departure of Lord Have Mercy, (aside from other flipmode acts Serious and Show Money) Roc Marciano left in 2001 to form the U.N., a hardcore underground hip hop group consisting of three other MCs (Dino Brave, Laku & Mic Raw) with whom he released an album on Carson Daly's 456 Entertainment in 2004. Notably, Roc Marciano appeared in the 2005 Wu-Tang Clan compilation album, Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture, and in Pete Rock's 2008 album, NY's Finest, drawing acclaim for such performances. Since 2008, Roc Marciano has been working on his solo career, and to widespread internet acclaim, released his entirely self-produced debut album, Marcberg in 2010.
In 2011, Roc Marciano collaborated with Gangrene, the duo of rapper/producers Oh No and The Alchemist, to release the collaborative EP Greneberg. His second solo album, Reloaded, was released in November 2012, which Allmusic described as "Grim and exultant at once, this is low-profile hustling on wax at its finest."
Even a cursory glance at the history of Strong Island reveals that its produced more than its fair share of innovative verbal technicians over the years. One of the most original MCs to hail from its shores in recent times has been Roc Marciano from The UN crew. Initially put on by fellow L.I. resident Busta Rhymes, it wasn’t until Marcy and his crew lent their vocals to three tracks for Pete Rock’s Petestrumentals project that the world really took notice. Utilizing a stream-of-consciousness technique that sounds effortless but is actually very precise in terms of timing and cadence, Marciano is in a class of his own right now.
Pray 4 Me
Roc Marciano Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shit don′t come easy
Gotta get it
Can't be lazy (Gotta hustle)
That′s just the way they made me(That's how I'm built)
That′s how they made me
(Yeah nigga)
Pray for me (for me)
Pray for
Pray for me (baby)
Used to catch the train to go to cop
Uptop, all I wanted was that gold 745
Boy
While you was waking up for school, at 7: 45
I was bagging up
Trying to catch that early morning rush (It was slow, too)
Crack tore the fam apart but
It paid for my first apartment, yup
Used to have to play the back then
Now I′m frontin'; on some Rosa Parks shit
Flashy nigga, Rucker Park shit
Talk shit...
Diamonds flashing in the dark shit
I′m a marksman
Just a guppy in the shark tank
Bitches love me, send me heart face
While I, do a, hunnid, on the, park way
They don't want no funk
They don′t want no Parliament
They don't want no part of this
They just wanted to play the armpit
They was fatherless, it′s no bother, kid
Ain't no harm in it
I'm trying to scratch some horror off my common list
Well if it don′t, you just know I′m sorry then
Just know how I see it I'ma call it pimp
(That′s all nigga)
Just know how I see it I'ma call it pimp
Fuck the corny shit
The Rollie 40 cent
Plus all the homies that you saw me with, they all with the shits
Do you greasy dog like some fish n′ chips
We not the same cloth, this a different knit
Where i'm from you get your shit knocked off
Drop Porsche, get your top off′d
Pop a 44 like some popcorn
In the hood we poppin offa cop cars
Put in work but I ain't punched a time card
Shit was live, we survived wars
Worse than the Lords vs. The Tomahawks
I put trademarks around your eyeballs
Niggas ain't street, try the sidewalk
New Glock, filled it up with hollow points
Your body found rottin out in Baltimore
Scotch over juice
Rocks sold loose
Pops told the truth
Knock a hoes boots, now enjoy the fruit
I′m bipolar too
High roller but I don′t own a suit
I'm just grindin′ for my loot
I'm just trying not to blow my cool
Watchu mad for
Watchu Macklemore
Shop in thrift stores
Whatchu bitchin for
Whatchu wishin for is my downfall
How I′m living, shit is pissin niggas off
I should put you on instead of push along
Put you on songs, Play the hood more
You should pray for me like a good boy (Pray for me)
Pray for me like a good boy(Pray for me)
Post toys all Polaroids
Of course we dopeboy posterboys
The life that we chose
Nights that we froze
White that we sold
This is all real no lies being told
I'ma stay fly and knock me a ho
The lyrics in Roc Marciano's "Pray 4 Me" are a reflection of the rapper's experiences growing up and hustling in the streets. The song opens with the line "Life is so crazy, shit don't come easy," a statement that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Roc discusses the struggles he faced in making money and hustling as a young man, including selling crack to pay for his first apartment, and how those experiences shaped him into the person he is today.
Throughout the song, Roc contrasts his past with his present, bragging about his flashy lifestyle and his ability to attract women, while acknowledging the violent reality of his upbringing. He also touches on themes of loyalty and friendship, describing how he and his crew have each other's backs in dangerous situations.
Overall, "Pray 4 Me" is a raw and honest reflection of Roc Marciano's life, expressed through his unique and lyrical style of rap. The song is a testament to the hard work and perseverance that it takes to make it in the streets, and the sacrifices that must be made along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is so crazy
Life is unpredictable and full of constant changes
Shit don′t come easy
Success and wealth are not easy to attain
Gotta get it
I must strive for success
Can't be lazy (Gotta hustle)
I cannot be lazy and must work hard to achieve my goals
That′s just the way they made me(That's how I'm built)
My personality traits and work ethic were developed through life experiences and upbringing
That′s how they made me(Yeah nigga)
This is who I am and I accept it
Pray for me (for me)
Ask for divine intervention to assist me in my endeavors
Pray for me (baby)
Request for the love and support of others in my pursuit of success
Pray for
Continuation of the request for support
Used to catch the train to go to cop
I used to take the train to purchase drugs
Uptop, all I wanted was that gold 745
I aspired to own a luxurious vehicle
Boy
Addressing an unidentified male
While you was waking up for school, at 7: 45
While you were preparing to go to school in the morning
I was bagging up
I was packaging drugs for sale
Trying to catch that early morning rush (It was slow, too)
I was attempting to sell drugs early in the morning despite a lack of demand
Crack tore the fam apart but
The use and/or sale of crack cocaine destroyed my family
It paid for my first apartment, yup
Drug dealing financed my initial living arrangements
Used to have to play the back then
I was once relegated to a position of low status and power
Now I′m frontin'; on some Rosa Parks shit
I am now in a prominent position and refusing to back down, much like Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat
Flashy nigga, Rucker Park shit
I am a flamboyant person, reminiscent of Rucker Park basketball players
Talk shit...
Engaging in verbal confrontations with others
Diamonds flashing in the dark shit
The diamonds on my jewelry shine brightly even in low light
I′m a marksman
I am highly skilled in firearms use
Just a guppy in the shark tank
I am vulnerable in a dangerous environment
Bitches love me, send me heart face
Women are attracted to me and send me heart emojis
While I, do a, hunnid, on the, park way
I am driving recklessly fast while on the highway
They don't want no funk
Others are not prepared to engage in violent confrontations
They don′t want no Parliament
Others are not prepared to face political obstacles
They don't want no part of this
Others are not interested in participating in my success
They just wanted to play the armpit
Others are content with a lowly and insignificant position
They was fatherless, it′s no bother, kid
I understand that others may have grown up without a father figure in their lives
Ain't no harm in it
There is no need to judge others for their upbringing
I'm trying to scratch some horror off my common list
I am trying to remove unpleasant experiences from my common memory
Well if it don′t, you just know I′m sorry then
If I am unable to accomplish my goals, I will apologize for any negative impact I may have caused
Just know how I see it I'ma call it pimp
I will express my perspective, even if it may be considered controversial or inappropriate
(That′s all nigga)
Reaffirming the previous statement
Fuck the corny shit
Negative attitude towards unoriginal or uninteresting behavior
The Rollie 40 cent
Reference to expensive luxury watches
Plus all the homies that you saw me with, they all with the shits
The people I associate with are prepared to engage in violent or illegal activities if necessary
Do you greasy dog like some fish n′ chips
I will treat you unfairly or dishonestly, like someone who serves low-quality food
We not the same cloth, this a different knit
We are not similar in our upbringing, values or mindset
Where i'm from you get your shit knocked off
In the area where I am from, violence is common and can lead to death
Drop Porsche, get your top off′d
It is possible to be violently robbed of your valuable possessions, such as a Porsche convertible
Pop a 44 like some popcorn
To engage in a violent act with a .44 caliber gun
In the hood we poppin offa cop cars
We are willing to engage in unrest and violence against law enforcement
Put in work but I ain't punched a time card
I have worked hard to achieve success, but in an unconventional or illegal manner
Shit was live, we survived wars
We have encountered and survived violent situations
Worse than the Lords vs. The Tomahawks
Referencing a violent historical conflict, to illustrate the severity of the situations faced
I put trademarks around your eyeballs
I am capable of inflicting severe harm, such as blinding or disfiguring you
Niggas ain't street, try the sidewalk
You are not capable of handling the dangerous situations faced in the streets
New Glock, filled it up with hollow points
Possessing a new gun and ammunition filled with hollow point bullets, designed to cause maximum damage
Your body found rottin out in Baltimore
Inference that engaging in violent or illegal activities can lead to a premature death
Scotch over juice
Drinking alcohol over juice, to illustrate a preference for luxury
Rocks sold loose
Selling valuable stones in loose form, to avoid raising suspicion
Pops told the truth
My father was honest and provided valuable life lessons
Knock a hoes boots, now enjoy the fruit
Sexual innuendo, referring to engaging in sexual activities with women and enjoying the benefits of it
I′m bipolar too
I also struggle with mental health issues
High roller but I don′t own a suit
I have attained success and wealth, but do not conform to traditional standards of professionalism
I'm just grindin′ for my loot
I am working hard to earn money and achieve success
I'm just trying not to blow my cool
I am trying to remain calm and composed, despite the challenges I face
Watchu mad for
Asking why someone is angry
Watchu Macklemore
Reference to a rapper perceived as uncool, to ridicule or insult someone
Shop in thrift stores
Going to second-hand stores to buy inexpensive clothes
Whatchu bitchin for
Asking why someone is complaining
Whatchu wishin for is my downfall
Acknowledgement that there may be people who hope for my failure
How I′m living, shit is pissin niggas off
Others may be envious or angered by the lifestyle I enjoy
I should put you on instead of push along
I should help and support you, rather than ignore or mistreat you
Put you on songs, Play the hood more
Provide you with opportunities, such as featuring you in my music and performing in our community
You should pray for me like a good boy (Pray for me)
Request for positive support and blessings from others
Pray for me like a good boy(Pray for me)
Reaffirming the request for support
Post toys all Polaroids
Taking pictures of my possessions, such as expensive cars
Of course we dopeboy posterboys
We are idealized as successful and powerful drug dealers
The life that we chose
Acknowledging the decision to engage in illegal activities to attain success
Nights that we froze
Enduring difficult or uncomfortable situations in pursuit of success
White that we sold
Profiting from the sale of illegal drugs, specifically cocaine
This is all real no lies being told
Affirming the truthfulness of the statements made in the song
I'ma stay fly and knock me a ho
I will maintain a luxurious lifestyle and engage in sexual activities with women
Contributed by Ella B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@giacomocastellofuentes8758
Chorus]
Life is so crazy
Shit don't come easy
Gotta get it
Can't be lazy (Gotta hustle)
That's just the way they made me (That's how I'm built)
That's how they made me
(Yeah nigga)
Pray for me (for me)
Pray for me (baby)
Pray for
Pray for me (baby)
[Verse 1]
Used to catch the train to go to cop
Uptop, all I wanted was that gold 745
That beamer joint, BBS's boy
While you was waking up for school, at 7:45
I was bagging up
Trying to catch that early morning rush (It was slow, too)
Crack tore the fam apart but
It paid for my first apartment, yup
Used to have to play the back then
Now I’m frontin'; on some Rosa Parks shit
Flashy nigga, Rucker Park shit
?Talk shit?...
Diamonds flashing in the dark shit
I'm a marksman
Just a guppy in the shark tank
Bitches love me, send me heart face
While I, do a, hunnid, on the, park way [?]
They don't want no funk
They don't want no Parliament
They don't want no part of this
They just wanted to play the ?armpit?
They was fatherless, it's no bother, kid
Ain't no harm in it
I’m trying to scratch some horror off my karma list
Well if it don't, you just know I'm sorry then
Just know how I see it I'ma call it pimp
(That's all nigga)
Just know how I see it I'ma call it pimp
Fuck the corny shit
The Rollie 40 cent
Plus all the homies that you saw me with, they all with the shits
Do you greasy dog like some fish n' chips
We not the same cloth, this a different knit
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
Where I'm from you get your shit knocked off
Drop Porsche, get your top off'd
Pop a 44 like some popcorn
In the hood we poppin offa cop cars
Put in work but I ain't punched a time card
Shit was live, we survived wars
Worse than the Lords vs. The Tomahawks
I put trademarks around your eyeballs
Niggas ain't street, try the sidewalk
New Glock, filled it up with hollow points
Your body found rottin out in Baltimore
Scotch over juice
Rocks sold loose
Pops told the truth
Knock a hoes boots, now enjoy the fruit
I'm ?bipolar? too
?High roller but I don't own a suit?
I'm just grindin' for my loot
I'm just trying not to blow my cool
Watchu mad for?
Watchu Macklemore?
Shop in thrift stores?
Whatchu bitchin for?
Whatchu wishin for is my downfall
How I'm living, shit is pissin niggas off
I should put you on instead of push along
Put you on songs, Play the hood more
You should pray for me like a good boy (Pray for me)
Pray for me like a good boy (Pray for me)
Post toys all Polaroids
Of course we dopeboy posterboys
The life that we chose
Nights that we froze
White that we sold
This is all real no lies being told
I'ma stay fly and knock me a ho
[Chorus]
@liamhiggins6479
"They don't want no funk. They don't want no Parliament. They don't want no part of this. They just wanted to play the armpit..........They was fatherless...." Roc the BEST.
@MrMONEYMAN773
Preach 👑🔱
@WhiteOwlakaOGP
True indeed
@stevecaliguire4296
Solid
@HIPHOPANTIFA
I declare Roc Marciano the Hip Hop artist of the decade
@Nolagod97
Thank you Earl. The FIRST Roc Marciano song I've ever heard. Stay Inside was on a different level.
@Ghostfacelou
Me too. I tuned in every week for that, rbma radio or something
@skoodah757
Heard this for the first time on Stay Inside with Earl Sweatshirt and Knxwledge a few years back. That podcast put me on to so much good shit. Been a big Roc fan ever since
@volcommerce
''Used to play the back of the bus, now I'm frontin on some Rosa Parks shit'' lmao
@SS5SS5
Best line period!