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Roots The Lyrics

South Philly, North Side
Referring to different locations that are known for their urban culture and lifestyle.

Oakland, Texas
Mentioning two more locations known for their hip hop music and street life.

Georgia, Black People
Acknowledging a state in the southern US that has a significant African American population.

Yo, Worldwide, Sup my nigga
Greeting the global audience of fans that the artist has.

You know what I'm saying
Asking the listener if they understand and connect with the artist's message.

Dumb and blind
Feeling like society is unaware of the struggles that people are going through, and choosing to ignore them.

They say a record ain’t nothing if it’s not touching
Claiming that music needs to have a real emotional impact on the listener to be effective.

Gripping, draw you in closer make you want to listen to it
Describing how successful music needs to be captivating and engaging.

And if you real ill at making music
Suggesting that if a musician is truly talented and passionate about their craft, their music will be successful.

Then lesson will feel like you livin' through it
Implying that the music will resonate with listeners on a personal level and inspire them.

I met Slacks back in like '91 rapping
Sharing a personal story about meeting a friend and collaborator in the early stages of their rap career.

We went to Millersville to get away from gun clappin'
Recalling a time when the artists had to escape a dangerous environment to focus on their music.

It ain't last
Acknowledging that their escape was not a permanent solution to the violence they faced.

I be in class dreaming 'bout
Admitting that despite their education, they were still focused on their music dreams.

50,000 fans up in the stands screaming out
Expressing a desire to be successful and have a large fan base.

Encore, yo I'm headed back to Philly
Referencing the repeated call for an artist to return to the stage after a performance.

Nigga you rollin' with me?
Inviting a friend to join them on their journey.

We walk dogs that was off the chain
Describing how they had to deal with challenging and unpredictable situations when performing.

Lot of times at the show people hardly came
Admitting that not all of their performances were well-attended.

I just took it in stride as part of the game
Accepting that setbacks and disappointments are part of the music industry.

But inside people down with me started to change
Acknowledging that some people they had previously trusted were becoming unreliable or untrustworthy.

It was a couple things
Referring to specific incidents or challenges that were causing problems.

Lil' [unknown], lil' pills
Hinting at drug use or addiction.

Instead of driving out on the road you rather chill
Implying that instead of working hard and performing, some people had become complacent and lazy.

I know the way the pleasure feel
Acknowledging that people may be tempted by short-lived pleasures, such as drugs or other vices.

I'm not judging
Stating that the artist is not in a position to criticize or condemn others for their behavior.

But still I'm on a mission, yo I'm not buggin'
Asserting that despite these challenges, the artist is still focused on their goals.

I got fam that won’t stop druggin'
Admitting that even the artist's own family members may struggle with addiction.

They can't sleep
Describing how addiction can affect a person's ability to rest.

They can't stick to one subject, they can't eat
Explaining how addiction can affect a person's ability to focus and maintain healthy habits.

Is people steady comin' at me out in the streets
Describing how the artist was being approached and questioned by concerned friends or fans.

Like Riq yo wat up with your peeps
Asking the artist about their friends or family members who may be struggling.

It gets deep nigga
Expressing that this was a difficult and complex situation.

Yo, you need to walk straight, master your high
Encouraging the listener or a friend to take control of their life and overcome addiction.

Son you missin' out on was passing you by
Reminding them that they are missing out on opportunities and experiences because of their addiction.

I done seen the streets suck a lot of cats dry
Reflecting on how addiction and the problems in the inner city can destroy people's lives.

But not you and I my nigga
Reiterating the importance of overcoming addiction and not giving up hope.

We got to get
Emphasizing the need for action and change.

Come on, over over the water
Using the image of water to represent overcoming addiction and seeking a better life.

Yo, we done made too many meals
Celebrating the success and wealth that the artist has achieved.

A couple of deals
Referring to the artist's record deals or business agreements.

We done share clothes and wills
Describing a close friendship or bond that the artists share.

Killed mics and reels
Boasting about their success and skill as a musician.

We done rock
Referring to the artist's successful performances or shows.

Shows abroad, and slept on floors
Describing the hard work and dedication that went into making their music career a success.

Trying to figga what the fuck we gettin' slept on for
Reflecting on how they struggled to gain recognition and success despite their talent and effort.

Oh why we walking with the rep up for
Questioning why they still had to prove themselves even after achieving success.

Waited by the cavity law
Referring to the legal issues that some people in their community may face, such as drug charges or legal disputes.

You know it if you came up poor my nigga
Acknowledging that poverty and social injustice can lead to legal troubles or other challenges.

Picture a bus up north
Describing a difficult scenario, such as being transported to prison.

You know we made of everything outlaws are made of
Identifying with the struggles and fight of people who have been rejected or oppressed by society.

I'm far from a hater
Stating that the artist does not harbor negative feelings towards others.

And I don't say I love you 'cause the way I feel is greater
Explaining that the artist has a deeper love or appreciation for their friends or fans.

In Illa you a poet son
Praising the talent and skill of another artist.

You a ball creator
Describing how the artist has a creative and inventive approach to their craft.

And this will probably dawn on you later
Suggesting that the artist will come to realize their potential or impact over time.

Is in you nature, letters all up in the wall like they made of paper
Praising the artist's natural talent and creativity, and referencing graffiti or street art as an example.

You got to find out where you talent take you
Encouraging the artist to continue exploring their potential and pursuing their passion.

You might fuck around, finally make it
Reminding the artist that success is possible if they continue working hard and honing their craft.

And that's real but yo
Acknowledging the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.

Hey yo you better be a true friend to 'em
Advising listeners to be supportive and helpful to friends who may be struggling with addiction or other issues.

Before the shit put an end to 'em
Implying that addiction or other problems could have serious consequences.

Or give a pen to 'em
Suggesting that creative expression or music could be therapeutic and helpful to those struggling with addiction.

Or lock'em up in the studio with a mic
Further emphasizing the importance of music and creative expression as a way to overcome addiction.

'Cause on the real it might save his life
Acknowledging the life-saving potential of music and creative expression.