Criminal
Saigon/The Roots/Truck North Lyrics

Monday they predict the storm
The authorities forecast trouble and chaos in the near future

Tuesday they predict the bad
The authorities anticipate negative events or situations

Wednesday they cover the grass
They divert attention or hide things that should be known

And I can see it's all about cash
Their motives and actions are driven by financial gain

And they got the nerve to hunt down my ass
They audaciously pursue and target me

And treat me like a criminal
They subject me to legal scrutiny and treat me as if I am guilty

Look, it is what it is
The situation is as it appears, with no room for denial or change

Because of what it was
The current circumstances are a direct result of the past

I did what I did
I took the actions that were necessary at the time

Cause it does what it does
Those actions have consequences that are inevitable

I don't put nothin' above
There is nothing more important or valuable to me

What I am, what I love
My identity and my passions are paramount

My family, my blood
My relatives and my kin

My city and my hood
The place I come from and where I belong

Hater for the greater good
I face opposition and criticism for the sake of a better outcome

I'm back from Hollywood
I have returned from a glamorous or artificial environment

And I ain't changed a lick
I remain the same, retaining my authenticity

Though, I know I probably should
Despite the knowledge that change may be necessary

But, what I'm doin' is not a good look
My actions may not be socially acceptable or admirable

I never did it by the good book, as a lifetime crook
Throughout my entire life, I have been engaged in illegal activities without following moral guidelines

All the petty crime took a toll on me
The small-scale illegal activities have had a negative impact on my well-being

I look around at my homies that's gettin' old on me
I notice my friends who are aging and facing the consequences of their actions

But still somethin' gotta hold on me
There is still a powerful force that keeps me attached to this lifestyle

Maybe it's faith
Perhaps it is a predetermined destiny or a higher power guiding me

If it's comin', yo I'm willing to wait
If change or redemption is inevitable, I am patient and ready to embrace it

I'm not runnin', I done ran through the mud
I am not fleeing or avoiding the consequences of my actions, I have already faced difficulties

I done scrambled and such
I have engaged in various illegal activities, often in a haphazard manner

I done robbed an odd job and gambled enough
I have resorted to theft and risky ventures to sustain myself

Till I'm put up in handcuffs
Until I am arrested and restrained by law enforcement

And pissin' in a cup
I will undergo drug testing as part of the legal process

If there's a God, I don't know if he listenin' or what
If a higher power exists, I am uncertain if they are attentive or receptive to my pleas

And that's how it go
That is the nature of the situation or circumstances

Get treated like a criminal
I am subjected to unfair treatment and judgment as if I am a lawbreaker

If crime is all you know
When your experiences and actions revolve around illegal activities

Get greeted like a nigga
You are received with hostility and prejudice, based on your race

If a nigga saw your show
If someone from my community witnessed my performance or success

A public enemy, to send a eye in the scope
Considered a threat or a target for surveillance and scrutiny

My city like a island where you can't find a boat
I come from a place where it feels isolating and difficult to escape the cycle of crime

Have you wishin' for a raft
You long for a means of rescue or salvation

And prayin' that hope flows
You desperately hope for positive change and opportunity

Some real f'ing things going down low so
There are significant and troubling events happening discreetly

Who lookin' for a chair and some real strong rope
People who are contemplating or considering suicide

Just to end it all here
To conclude their life in this particular place

Screamin' "fuck the mayor"
Expressing anger and resentment towards the local government and authority figures

He see the faces at the bottom of the welfare
The mayor is aware of the desperate and impoverished individuals relying on welfare assistance

They act like I'm somethin' to fear
They treat me as if I am a source of danger or threat

Trapped in urban warfare
Stuck in a constant struggle and conflict within the city environment

And pullin' triggers at a college career
Engaging in violence and criminal acts instead of pursuing education and opportunities

Can't ignore the call of the wild
Unable to resist the pull or influence of the dangerous and unpredictable elements in the streets

That's drawin' 'em near
Which attract individuals towards a life of crime

Try to make fast money last long some years
Attempting to sustain oneself economically through quick, illicit means for an extended period

Try to laugh it off
Attempting to dismiss or find humor in the challenging circumstances

Still couldn't lose the tears
Despite efforts to remain resilient, they are unable to suppress their emotions

To the rules, I will not adhere
I refuse to conform or abide by societal norms and regulations

Break the law, yeah
Engage in illegal activities, without hesitation or remorse

Who wanna challenge mine?
Who is brave enough to question my capabilities or challenge me?

I'm sick of St. Valentine
I am tired of the over-commercialization and superficiality of holidays like Valentine's Day

I did the violent crimes
I have committed acts of aggression and unlawful behavior

That's why I got this style of rhyme
My experiences shaped my artistic expression and lyrical content

Seek repentance to spittin' them sentences
I aspire to find redemption or forgiveness through my vocal delivery and poetic verses

To senseless experience is the difference
Contrasting my pointless and reckless actions with my current mindset

You can't convince this
No one can persuade or change my perspective or beliefs

In a crime sense, niggas is infants
In the context of criminal activities, individuals are immature and inexperienced

I'm like a senior citizen
I feel aged and worn-out due to my life choices

Still livin' but gettin' benefits
I am still alive, but I suffer consequences and receive advantages from my actions

Put emphasis on hittin' my nemesis in high percentages
I prioritize retaliating against my enemies with a high success rate

Crooked ass cops is the reason for my belligerence
Corrupt police officers are responsible for my hostility and aggression

And it gets deeper than that
The situation or issue is more complex and profound

Remember nights I used to sleep wit a gat
Recalling the times when I would go to bed with a firearm for protection

With a package of crack under my sneaker strap
Carrying illegal drugs concealed in my shoes

D's sneak attack and raid me
Undercover law enforcement officers ambush and raid my location

It took a week for that
The consequences and fallout from that incident lasted for a significant period of time

Beat the rat, but you're sayin' "look, he think he the mack"
I managed to avoid being an informant for the police, but some people still criticize or mock me

Fuck yall!
Expressing contempt and disregard towards those who doubt or criticize me

Niggas who thinkin' they might try us
Individuals who believe they can challenge or confront us

Watch us inside riots
Observing us amidst chaotic and violent situations

Blue cars and light fires
Engaging in acts of rebellion or defiance, often with police involvement

We already been knocked, scrutinized
We have already faced arrest and intense scrutiny

Plus, cops rush to brutalize us
Additionally, law enforcement officers quickly resort to violence and aggression towards us

America's polluted by lust
The United States is corrupted and contaminated by excessive desire and greed

Who could I trust?
There are very few people I can rely on or have faith in

If I can't trust you, then I might touch you
If I cannot trust someone, I may resort to physical aggression or confrontation

If I ain't got love for you
If I do not have genuine affection or loyalty towards someone

Then fuck you!
I hold contempt and disregard towards you