At seventeen, after a challenge from his Grandfather to write a rhyme, Skeme began taking his passion for music seriously. Skeme attended Los Angeles Recording School where he took engineering classes while trying to use the schools facilities to record one of his many mixtapes. After completing four months of the nine‐month program, Skeme decided to leave the school and commit to his music full‐time. “I’m in school twelve hours out the day and I can’t really record like I want to, so I left and started recording anywhere and everywhere I could” he says detailing his process. A relentless drive to work and record led to some of Skeme’s best work. Skeme of Things 2, All‐Rapped Up and his latest release Pistols and Palm Trees started a snowball effect that pushed Skeme’s name into conversations of being one of LA’s best.
There are plenty of things for Skeme to look forward to in his near future, but for now his focus is on spending as much time as possible in the studio and connecting with his fans. Skeme knows that there is no substitute for the grind. While promoting Pistols & Palm Trees he’s also working on his next project titled The Statement. Like his previous works, The Statement is a true reflection of Skeme. Loving the freedom his music provides, Skeme says “The biggest inspiration is music.” His songs are filled with the truths and stories of his environment, real life without the gimicks. “It’s about doing you,” he says while cracking a joke with his manager. “I want people to get me!”
Focus
Skeme Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was on the outside lookin now we in
And life’s still a bitch but we live
I done kept it G from the beginning
So blur that bullshit and focus on this business
[Verse:]
Look, I’m worth my weight in gold (and that’s for sho)
Bitch I’m bout this dough
This game I kick, it creeks my paper flow
Every year get a new set, we’s no hbo
Got class in session, bitch start takin notes (let’s make it flow)
The gang forever til the day I go (bitch that’s out to go)
You watched my struggle now just watch me blow (word)
Cuz at this point a loss ain’t optional, no
(Hook 1)
Was on the outside lookin now we in
And life’s still a bitch but we live
I done kept it G from the beginning
So blur that bullshit and focus on this business
(Hook 2)
Blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
Blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
You know they sayin money come like it go
So blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
[Verse:]
I’m from the merk, skyin from the wood
Drew from the bay, I ball from Venice
Niggas was rapping and getting pussy
And getting money, I done invented
I loosen the nerve, true to my word
Doing superb as I have predicted
Back in 06 now we legit
It tasted with shrimp, we can’t get evicted
We gon go hard then we gon shop
Straight to the lot, cars expensive
So what they hoes? Going there with me
They know it’s for real so they don’t be trippin
I don’t do snitches or bitches with cameras
That after we fuck they like to take pictures
My name is Dom, this opm
Leisure size gang, we all here are winners ah
(Hook 1)
Was on the outside lookin now we in
And life’s still a bitch but we live
I done kept it G from the beginning
So blur that bullshit and focus on this business
(Hook 2)
Blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
Blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
You know they sayin money come like it go
So blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
[Verse:]
I just keep spittin the shit that I know niggas feelin cuz niggas be feelin like me
And I just got in this industry while you was in the street
Bitch I was out on these streets
Nowadays ballin nice, we was hungry as fuck
I just make sure my niggas gon eat
And for when I couldn’t afford it, my clothing imported, designers from head to my feet
And if you was askin me where I stunt
I remember hittin the porch for free lunch
Got this cash, I’m bout to re-up
Relax, hit back with my both my feet up
Sg odb for life
Tell them niggas we up
Better yet tell em niggas G up
It’s a money marathon tell that hater keep up
(Hook 1)
Was on the outside lookin now we in
And life’s still a bitch but we live
I done kept it G from the beginning
So blur that bullshit and focus on this business
(Hook 2)
Blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
Blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
You know they sayin money come like it go
So blur that bullshit and focus on yo business
The song "Focus" is a rap track by Skeme that emphasizes the importance of staying focused on one's business despite life's challenges. The hook repeats the message that the artist has come a long way from being an outsider and that although life can be difficult, they have remained true to themselves and their goals. The verse highlights the artist's opinion about the game and how everyone is trying to get in for different reasons. Skeme establishes his worth in the game and emphasizes that he has kept it real from the start. He encourages others to take notes and keep an eye out for those who might try to distract or deter them from achieving their goals.
Skeme raps about his origins and how he has come to be where he is today, with references to his upbringing in Merk, Wood, Drew, and Venice. He explains that although times were tough, he stuck to his guns and invented his own way to get money. He also touches on how his group never compromises their values by associating with snitches or disloyal people. The final verse describes the artist's current status in the industry, his desire to share his success with his team, and his continued drive to make more money. Overall, the song presents a message of perseverance and focus even when things get tough.
Line by Line Meaning
Was on the outside lookin now we in
Skeme used to feel like an outsider, but now he's successful.
And life’s still a bitch but we live
Even though life is tough, Skeme is grateful to be alive.
I done kept it G from the beginning
Skeme has always stayed true to himself and his values.
So blur that bullshit and focus on this business
Skeme wants to focus on his music career and ignore any negativity.
Look, I’m worth my weight in gold (and that’s for sho)
Skeme is confident in his talent and knows he is valuable.
Don’t give a fuck, make sure my haters know
Skeme isn't affected by his haters and wants them to know they can't bring him down.
Bitch I’m bout this dough
Skeme is all about making money through his music career.
This game I kick, it creeks my paper flow
Skeme's success in the music industry helps him make more money.
Every year get a new set, we’s no hbo
Skeme likes to upgrade his lifestyle every year and avoid the stereotype of being stuck in poverty.
Got class in session, bitch start takin notes (let’s make it flow)
Skeme wants to teach others how to be successful in the music industry.
The gang forever til the day I go (bitch that’s out to go)
Skeme is loyal to his friends and colleagues in the music industry.
You watched my struggle now just watch me blow (word)
Skeme's hard work is paying off and he is becoming more successful.
Cuz at this point a loss ain’t optional, no
Skeme can't afford to fail in the music industry and lose his success.
You know they sayin money come like it go
Skeme knows that money can easily come and go in the music industry.
I’m from the merk, skyin from the wood
Skeme is from a specific area in LA and it's influenced his music.
Drew from the bay, I ball from Venice
Skeme's music is influenced by other areas in California.
Niggas was rapping and getting pussy
Skeme jokes about the stereotype of rappers getting women easily.
And getting money, I done invented
Skeme has found a way to make money through his music career.
I loosen the nerve, true to my word
Skeme is confident and sticks to his promises.
Doing superb as I have predicted
Skeme's success is no surprise to him and he anticipated it.
Back in 06 now we legit
Skeme has been working towards his music career since 2006.
It tasted with shrimp, we can’t get evicted
Skeme can afford luxury now and isn't at risk of being homeless.
So what they hoes? Going there with me
Skeme doesn't care about women who only care about his success and money.
They know it’s for real so they don’t be trippin
Skeme's success is genuine and not a facade.
I don’t do snitches or bitches with cameras
Skeme doesn't trust people who might share his personal or professional information.
That after we fuck they like to take pictures
Skeme doesn't appreciate women who only want to be around him for the status that comes with it.
Sg odb for life
Skeme is committed to his music group and they will always have each other's backs.
I just keep spittin the shit that I know niggas feelin cuz niggas be feelin like me
Skeme relates to his fans and makes music that they can relate to.
And I just got in this industry while you was in the street
Skeme has found success in the music industry while others may still be struggling in other areas.
Bitch I was out on these streets
Skeme has worked hard and took risks to get to where he is in the music industry.
Nowadays ballin nice, we was hungry as fuck
Skeme is now successful and living comfortably, but it wasn't always like that.
I just make sure my niggas gon eat
Skeme takes care of his friends and colleagues and wants them to succeed as well.
And for when I couldn’t afford it, my clothing imported, designers from head to my feet
Skeme now has the means to buy expensive clothing and accessories.
And if you was askin me where I stunt
Skeme is proud of his success and shows it off.
I remember hittin the porch for free lunch
Skeme grew up poor and relied on assistance for food.
Got this cash, I’m bout to re-up
Skeme has money now and is looking to invest in his music career.
Relax, hit back with my both my feet up
Skeme is able to relax and enjoy his success now.
Better yet tell em niggas G up
Skeme is confident and wants others to follow his lead and be successful as well.
It’s a money marathon tell that hater keep up
Skeme knows that success in the music industry is a long journey and challenges his haters to keep up with him.
Contributed by Lillian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.