Hustle & Flow: It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp
Silver Screen Sounds Lyrics

You know it's hard out here for a pimp
Acknowledges the difficulties of the pimping profession

When he tryin' to get this money for the rent
Refers to the pressure of having to constantly make money to keep up with the rent

For the Cadillacs and gas money spent
Alludes to the expenses associated with maintaining the image of a successful pimp

Because a whole lot of bitches talkin' shit
Describes the negativity and criticism that pimps often face from the women they work with

In my eyes I done seen some crazy thangs in the streets
Reflects on the experiences and challenges of life in a rough neighborhood

Gotta couple girl workin' on the changes for me
Means having a few women working under the pimp, striving to earn money

But I gotta keep my game tight like Kobe on game night
Indicates the need for the pimp to be skillful and strategic, like a basketball player

Like takin' from a girl don't know no better, I know that ain't right
Acknowledges the ethical issues and moral dilemmas inherent in the pimping profession

Done seen people killed, done seen people deal
Describes the violent and dangerous nature of life in a rough neighborhood

Done seen people live in poverty with no meals
Reflects on the harsh reality of financial struggles and poverty experienced by many in the area

It's messed up where I live but that's just how it is
Conveys the sense of resignation and acceptance to the harsh reality of life in the community

It might be new to you but it's been like this for years
Indicates that outsiders may see these issues as novel or surprising, but the residents have been dealing with them for a long time

It's blood sweat and tears when it come down to a lick
Describes the hard work and dedication required to earn money in the pimping profession

I'm tryin' to get rich 'fore I leave up out it
Expresses the desire to accumulate wealth and escape the harsh realities of life in the neighborhood

I'm tryin' to have thangs but it's hard for a pimp
Reiterates the difficulties faced by pimps in achieving financial success

So I'm prayin' and I'm hopin' to God I don't slip, yeah
Shows the reliance on faith and the hope that the pimp will avoid making mistakes in his business

Man, it seems like I'm duckin' dodgin' bullets everyday
Highlights the danger and risk of living in a rough neighborhood

Niggaz hatin' on me cause I got, girls on the tray
Refers to the jealousy and resentment of other men who are envious of the pimp's success with women

But I gotta stay paid, gotta stay above water
Emphasizes the need to earn money in order to survive and avoid financial difficulties

Couldn't keep up with my girls, that's when things got harder
Describes the challenges faced by pimps when some of their women stop earning money for them

North Memphis where I'm from, I'm 7th street bound
Provides background information on the location and setting of the song's narrative

Where people all the time end up lost and never found
Alludes to the high crime and violence rates in the neighborhood that oftentimes involve people going missing

Man, these girls think we prove thangs, leave a big head
Refers to the ego boost that comes with convincing women to work for the pimp

They come hopin' every night, they don't end up bein' dead
Highlights the dangerous nature of the job for both the women involved and the pimp himself

Wait I got a snow bunny, and a black girl too
Describes the pimp's two women, one White and one Black

You pay the right price and they'll both do you
Indicates that the women will offer sexual services to anyone who pays the right amount of money

That's the way the game goes, gotta keep it strictly pimpin'
Reiterates the importance of maintaining a traditional pimping style to maximize profits

Gotta keep my hustle tight, makin' change off these women, yeah
Emphasizes the importance of working hard in the pimping profession and earning money from the women under their supervision

Will have a whole lot of bitches jumpin' ship
The pimp understands that there is a high level of danger and volatility in the relationships with the women working for him, and that many may decide to leave suddenly, putting his business at risk.