Note To Self
Russ & Hit-Boy Lyrics

5 AM in Atlanta, I'm writin' raps
I dedicate early mornings in Atlanta to write my lyrics and express myself through rap.

Sometimes I'm fightin' for my dreams but it seems like they fightin' back
I often face challenges and obstacles while pursuing my dreams, making it feel like my dreams themselves are resisting me.

Light a match in my soul, they tryna bring the rain
I ignite a fire within myself, but others try to dampen my spirit and bring negativity into my life.

Any bridge that I burned always lit the way
Even though I have ended relationships or severed ties in the past, those actions have guided and illuminated my path forward.

I shoot the truth then watch it ricochet, y'all just insecure like Issa Rae
I speak my truth boldly, and I observe how it bounces back and affects others. Meanwhile, many people lack confidence and are insecure, similar to Issa Rae's character in her show.

The game in disarray, man, who can really spit today? (Who can rap?)
The music industry is chaotic and confused, making it hard to find genuine talent and skill in rap music.

I think people are gettin' tired of all the party rap
There is a growing fatigue among listeners towards shallow, party-focused rap music.

Me, I'm out in Vegas, I own the spot that I party at
When I party in Las Vegas, I am the one who owns and controls the venue.

Facts, different levels to this boss shit
Undeniably true, there are varying degrees and levels of being a boss.

Always had drive, Ryan Gosling
Throughout my journey, I have been consistently motivated and determined, just like the actor Ryan Gosling.

Since I had a notebook full of rhymes, they bribe like Lori Loughlin
Ever since I had a notebook filled with my rap lyrics, people have tried to influence and bribe me, similar to how Lori Loughlin was involved in a bribery scandal.

They mouths is full of green like I'm in Boston
People talk excessively and boastfully about money, as if they are from Boston where the color green represents wealth.

But I'm in ATL, I employ myself and I pay me well
However, I am in Atlanta where I am my own boss, employing myself and compensating myself generously.

Runnin' so much game, I tore my ACL
I have been so successful and skilled at persuading and impressing others that it feels like I have strained my knee joint, symbolically tearing my ACL.

I said that I need a sure thing, she said, "Okay, Miguel"
I expressed my desire for a reliable and trustworthy partner, and she responded affirmatively, comparing herself to the singer Miguel known for his romantic music.

How many millions did I make this year? Maybe twelve
I reflect on my financial success, questioning how many millions I earned in a year, possibly estimating it to be around twelve million.

All I need's a couple weeks to make it thirteen
With just a few more weeks of hard work and success, I can elevate my earnings to thirteen million.

Me, I can stay in touch and still be out of your reach
I have the ability to maintain contact and connection while remaining unattainable and beyond your grasp.

Definition of keepin' it cordial, got it poppin' like Orville
I exemplify the concept of being polite and respectful, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere similar to Orville Redenbacher's popularity in the popcorn industry.

I made somethin' out of nothin', was always resourceful
I have consistently demonstrated my ability to create something valuable and meaningful from limited resources, showcasing my resourcefulness.

Doors will form off of your will (your will)
Through sheer determination and strength of will, doors and opportunities will naturally arise.

I never switched teams, you're more George Hill
I have always remained loyal and committed to my team, unlike George Hill, a basketball player known for changing teams frequently.

Fuck the haters, focus on who loves it (for real)
I pay no attention to the critics and haters, instead, I prioritize and appreciate those who genuinely support and enjoy my work.

It's a shame to be chasin' love and runnin' right from it (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa)
It's unfortunate to pursue love and simultaneously avoid or flee from it, a conflicting and contradictory behavior.

Note to self, come one (whoa)
Mentally reminding myself to pay attention and take note of this realization.

Niggas want loyalty without showin' loyalty (how?)
Some individuals desire loyalty from others but fail to demonstrate loyalty themselves, leading to a sense of hypocrisy.

King shit, I want the royal treatment and royalties
As someone of great importance and influence, I desire both privileged treatment and financial compensations for my work.

My girl fresh-faced but I love how she spoil me (whoa)
My partner has a natural and unpretentious appearance, but I greatly appreciate how she showers me with love and care.

War time the only time that you gon' catch me fatigued
I only experience exhaustion and fatigue during times of conflict and intense competition.

I must be preachin' the way they crossin' me
My words and message hold significant influence, evident by the way others betray or intersect with my path.

Like I dot my I's and crossin' my T's (T's)
I am meticulous and thorough in my attention to detail, just like how I ensure the accuracy of dotting the letter I and crossing the letter T.

Really I got a reputation I often proceed (I do)
Truly, I possess a well-known and established reputation that I consistently uphold and maintain.

Lifestyle I live, hairlines often recede (true)
The lifestyle I lead, filled with stress and pressure, often causes my hairline to recede, a physical consequence.

Pursuit of happiness, I'm on the search of it
I am actively and continuously seeking happiness and fulfillment in my life, constantly striving for it.

Covered in Louis Vuitton, we right on the verge of it
Adorned in luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton, I am close to achieving the desired state of happiness and success.

Lot of people claimin' that they down bad, as bad as it gets (gets)
Many individuals proclaim that they are in a dire situation, experiencing the worst possible circumstances.

But understand that rock bottom a bottomless pit (pit)
However, it's important to recognize that the lowest point of one's life can sometimes feel never-ending and insurmountable.

Somebody always doin' worse than worse as it is
There is always someone out there experiencing even more difficult circumstances than the already challenging situation at hand.

Time forever tellin', it's always gon' snitch
The passage of time will always reveal and expose the truth, never keeping secrets.

A walkin' target to these hoes, they always gon' miss me
I am constantly attracting attention and desire from women, yet they will always long for me, never truly having me.

Wisdom of solid men, I'm always gon' listen
I value and appreciate the advice and wisdom from reputable and reliable individuals, always willing to listen and learn.

Saint Michael and Saint Jermaine always protect me (protect)
Both the archangel Saint Michael and the biblical figure Saint Jermaine serve as protective forces in my life, guarding and guiding me.

It's a movie the way these niggas drama projectin' (boy)
The way these individuals create unnecessary drama and conflict feels like a theatrical production or movie.

It's a cold, cold game and I'm goin' Wayne Gretzky (boy)
This industry is ruthless and unforgiving, and I am navigating through it with the same skill and ability as the ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

Born the same day as Aretha, you gotta respect me (respect)
I share the same birthday as the iconic singer Aretha Franklin, demanding and deserving respect and recognition.

I gotta start treatin' my life like it's the only one
It's essential for me to recognize the significance and value of my own life, treating it with utmost care and importance.

I done seen niggas lose they life over a hundred ones
I have witnessed people losing their lives due to conflicts and disputes involving a mere hundred dollar bills.

I done seen wifey who's the one get one-and-done
I have observed situations where a woman who seemed perfect and destined to be someone's life partner ends up being a one-time fling or brief encounter.

My ego say I'm top five, my heart sayin' I'm one-of-one
My ego tells me I am among the top five artists, while my heart believes I am truly one-of-a-kind and unparalleled.

They want me to snap, want me to fall, want me to crack
People have expectations and desires for me to break under pressure, to stumble and fail, and to show signs of weakness.

Want me the star of YouTube channels to see me react
They hope to exploit and capitalize on my reactions and responses, making me the central figure of YouTube channels.

Want me to bleed, follow their lead, then never come back (back)
They want me to suffer and be influenced by their agendas, but once I comply, they will abandon and discard me, never returning to support me.

But I don't see none of y'all names on one of my plaques
Despite their expectations and demands, none of these individuals have achieved enough success or recognition to be mentioned on any of my awards or plaques.

Note to self, I never heard nobody tell me life was too long
Mentally reminding myself that nobody has ever warned me about life being excessively long or feeling burdensome.

Or talk about pressure then say they on top of it (top, yeah, uh)
Nobody discusses the intense pressure one faces and claims to be on top of handling it confidently and effectively.

Only that it's too short and that they're under a lot of it (yeah, uh)
The common sentiment is that life is too short, and everyone admits to being overwhelmed and burdened by responsibilities.

Somehow I still show love when they show me the opposite (look, uh)
Despite others treating me with animosity and hatred, I continue to display love and kindness towards them.

Note to self, they always gon' go for self
Reminding myself that people will always prioritize their own interests and well-being above others.

If loyalty be cold then my .40 below the belt
If loyalty is a scarce and hard-to-find virtue, then I will protect myself with a firearm metaphorically located below my waistline.

It's lonely when you rich, but it's boring when you get help
Being wealthy can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, but it also becomes monotonous and uninteresting when others provide assistance and support.

That's why I run my race and they slow 'cause they chasin' clout
This is why I focus on my own journey and progress, while others lag behind, consumed with chasing fame and validation.

Yeah, I got lawyer fees on my desk
I have legal expenses to take care of, indicated by the presence of lawyer fees on my desk.

Hoya tickets forever, these dogs pressin' you out (urgh)
I constantly have tickets from Georgetown University's basketball team, the Hoyas, lying around, while others try to pester and bother you.

I inspire what they can't do (okay)
I serve as an inspiration to others by achieving things that they themselves are unable to accomplish.

I just be playin' gallery flares, feel like Camp Lo (this is NY)
I easily manipulate and navigate through various situations and environments, reminiscent of the rap duo Camp Lo's ability to effortlessly deliver impressive performances.

Hat low, I'm high though, my mind in is a spiral
I keep my hat low, hiding my face, while my mind explores complex and intricate thoughts, spiraling into deeper depths.

They ask me if I'm sure, I say, "A gecko sellin' GEICO" (haha)
When people inquire if I am confident, I respond with humor, stating that a gecko selling insurance for GEICO is more assured and certain than me.

My respect is nothin' like though (okay)
The respect I command and receive is of a significantly higher and distinguishable level.

'Cause I write flows to turn this cypher to a cyclone (phew)
With my exceptional writing skills, I can transform a rap cypher into a powerful and intense cyclone of lyrical energy and talent.

I got hoes, somebody wife could be my night though (okay)
I have romantic interests and options, being so desirable that someone's wife could potentially become a fling for me during the night.

If y'all go dark, my vitriol got vitiligo
If others choose to become hostile and negative, my intense and retaliatory anger will metaphorically drain their own aggression and appearance, just like vitiligo affects skin pigmentation.

Oh nah, my remorse is nothin' like though
However, I don't experience regret or remorse to the same extent as others do.

This a goosie and gabagool, have a bite though (oh, yeah)
This is a reference to Italian-American dishes, urging others to try and experience the enjoyment of them.

I might go Michael Myers on any night though
I possess the capability to turn into a fearsome and relentless figure like Michael Myers, known for terrorizing people during any given night.

And y'all know I'm killin' these cities like Money Heist though
It's widely recognized and acknowledged that I am dominating and delivering exceptional performances in various cities, just like the characters in the TV show Money Heist execute their heists successfully.

Precise though, no heart, only pipe though
I execute my actions and decisions with precision, devoid of emotions but purely focused on my craft.

I'm in her back space so much, she thought she was my type ho
I spend so much time with a particular woman, she mistakenly believes she holds a special place in my life and is my preferred type of partner.

Nope, sophisticated, still a psycho
Contrary to her assumption, I am sophisticated and composed, but I still possess a bit of madness and unpredictability.

No bright ideas 'cause I will dim you niggas lightbulb
Don't come up with foolish schemes or ideas, because I have the ability to extinguish and discourage your dumb thoughts.

And spin this whole block like a dreidel, Happy Hanukkah
I have the power to control and manipulate the entire neighborhood like a spinning dreidel during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, hence bringing joy and celebration.

And mazel tov 'til I run out, somebody cut my mic off (yo, yo, Badmon)
I will continue to express congratulations and good wishes until I exhaust all my energy, demanding that someone eventually disrupt my performance by cutting off my microphone.

Time to separate the kings from the gods, streams from the bars (Shit)
It's a crucial period to distinguish those who are truly great and superior from those who are merely good, separating artists' streaming success from their lyrical abilities.

You niggas hollerin', I lit the scene from a far
While others make noise and shout for attention, I have already illuminated and captivated the scene from a distance.

Here today, gone tomorrow, I'm who they honorin', I raised the bar
People's attention is fleeting, but they recognize and admire me for my lasting impact and influence, as I have set the standards high.

Diamond in the rough, not a single flaw
I possess exceptional and rare qualities, like a diamond that is unpolished but flawless.

Keep it raw for the call (bitch), ain't worried 'bout the scar
I remain authentic and true to myself in crucial moments, not concerned about the potential scars or consequences.

But if it's war, kick in the door like Marshall Law
If a conflict arises, I will enter forcefully and assertively, just like martial law during times of war.

It's levels to this thing, homie, we on different floors (different floor)
There are varying degrees of skill and success in this industry, and it's clear that we are operating on different levels of achievement.

I switch broads like I switch cars (skrr)
I change romantic partners frequently, just like I switch cars in my possession.

It's just the hand that I was dealt, I didn't pick the cards
The circumstances and challenges I face in life are not of my choosing, but rather a result of the hand I have been given.

I deal them demons from myself, ain't gotta hit the squad
I confront and handle my inner demons alone, not needing to involve others in the process.

Y'all niggas light work
You guys are easy and insignificant compared to the challenges I face and conquer.

If I told y'all what I made a verse, shit, that might hurt
If I were to disclose the amount of money I earn from a single verse, it would be so substantial that it might cause envy or discomfort among others.

I can give y'all niggas a clue, how much that ice worth?
To provide you with a hint, the value of the jewelry I wear is indicative of the immense wealth I possess.

Take that, multiply it by two and it might work
Multiply that figure by two, and you might come close to the actual worth of my riches.

It really just all depend on my mood (word)
The actual worth I possess depends entirely on my current mood, which dictates my actions and decisions.

'Cause if they don't pay me my dues, they pay attention
Either I receive the rightful compensation I deserve, or people will pay attention and face the consequences of overlooking and undervaluing me.

So in the end I still get paid, like a pension (yeah)
In the end, I always receive payment and financial security, just like a pension provides a steady income after retirement.

Fuck nigga (haha) and I ain't even gotta rap
I can easily disregard and dismiss irrelevant individuals, even without having to rely solely on my musical talents.

50 gave me like two M's, how I'm 'posed to act? (How I'm 'posed to act?)
50 Cent gave me a generous amount of two million dollars, and I'm expected to carry myself accordingly, but it's challenging to maintain composure.

Walk around like I got "Unique" written on my back (unique written on my back)
I confidently carry myself, as if the word "Unique" is etched onto my back, symbolizing my exceptional and distinctive qualities.

My life really like a movie, hol' up, nigga, bring it back (bring that shit back)
My life is truly like a captivating movie, hold on, let's rewind and replay that moment.

Yeah, I said, I ain't even gotta rap
Once again, I emphasize that I don't need to rely solely on my musical abilities and success to make an impact.

50 gave me like two M's, how I'm 'posed to act? (Hahaha)
Being entrusted with such a substantial sum of two million dollars by 50 Cent, it's amusing to contemplate how I should conduct myself.

Walk around like I got "Unique" written on my back
Confidently striding as if the word "Unique" is inscribed on my back, signifying my exceptional nature.

My life really like a movie, hol' up, nigga, bring it back
My life is truly reminiscent of an exciting and extraordinary movie, pausing momentarily to review and relive those remarkable moments.

Back, back, back, back (bring it back)
Repeating and reemphasizing the need to rewind or return to a previous point or moment.

Way back, back, back (bring it back)
Taking it even further back, urging for a greater rewind or recalling of a past event or situation.

Say, yeah, bring it back, way back, back, yeah (bring it back)
Encouraging once again to bring it back, all the way to a distant past, reinforcing the desire to revisit certain memories or experiences.

Bring it back (oh), back, back (bring it back), uh
Strongly requesting to rewind or revisit a specific moment or part, persistently urging to bring it back.

Yeah, nigga
Expressing confidence and assertion, reaffirming one's presence and identity.

Joseph Badmon, you dun know
Referring to oneself as Joseph Badmon, emphasizing one's identity and presence.

Joey Bada$$
Signing off with one's stage name, Joey Bada$$, solidifying and asserting one's musical identity.

Whoa, CHOMP, CHOMP, nigga
Ending with a powerful and fierce exclamation, representing the fierce bite or impact of a chomp.