Run On
Smoke Lyrics

Caught up in the streets, we don't know where to go
Feeling trapped in the urban environment, we feel directionless in life

Riding in the city, blowing heavy smoke
Driving around and getting high to escape the harsh reality of our surroundings

Some never made it out and some get very close
Some people never escape the dangers of the streets, while others barely make it out alive

Burn a pistol, chase the border, head to Mexico
As a last resort, some resort to running away and crossing the border to start anew

So why run?
Questioning the point of fleeing from our problems

Life is what you make it, you can't escape it
Life is what we make of it and running away will not solve our problems

You could go out blazing (story time)
Suggesting that one could go out in a blaze of glory, but it's not worth sacrificing one's life for

Let's just be patient, why run?
Instead of panicking and running away, let's be patient and face our problems head on

Bullets ricochet
Bullets bouncing off surfaces, putting innocent people in danger

Shot from stick in restricted space (uh)
Gunshots fired in a small space, putting people in a vulnerable position

I lost young homie, was only eighteen, it hit his face (yeah)
The loss of a friend at such a young age due to senseless violence is heart-wrenching

They said that gun fired accidental
Police claim that the gun went off accidentally, but it caused harm and took a life either way

A fallen peer was the penalty, pray his soul went on to a better place
The consequence of this accident was the loss of a young man's life, may he rest in peace

They called him K Bone, but I knew him as Kevin
Referring to the deceased friend by his street name and revealing the true, personal name

He used to run with all the eight-Os and a few seven-sevens (yeah, yeah)
Describing the friend's past affiliations with gang members

I used to say, "Stay out the way, bro, I've known you since eleven" (yeah, yeah)
Advising the friend to stay out of trouble and danger, as they have known each other since they were young

You never really liked boxing, now you hotboxing in Heaven (smoke somthin')
Reflecting on the friend's life and how he's now smoking in heaven, implying that he's at peace

You threw Pop Rocks in nonstop
Recalling a playful memory with the friend, who used to throw Pop Rocks candy frequently

You would ride that dirt bike with lawnmower motor over to my spot And watch us ride, throw from shoulders
Reminiscing about a memory of the friend coming over and watching them ride dirt bikes

Cali far from open carry state, so no open holster We tuck that pistol in waist and tighten that belt like a choker
The lack of open carry laws in California forces individuals to conceal their weapons, making them feel suffocated by the danger

Fighting, that felt like a rush until ego suffered
Engaging in fights and violence used to feel exhilarating until it took a toll on one's dignity

Emotions flew high and tempers made us use that force it's strong with you, Yoda (Yoda)
The heightened emotions and anger made it easy to resort to violent measures, referencing Yoda's wise quote, "fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate"

The fuck is wrong with you, bro?
Asking someone what's causing them to act so recklessly

Your parents got bread and you chose to run with them niggas that's with that bullshit, your rodeo's over
Despite growing up with resources and privilege, choosing the company of dangerous individuals will ultimately lead to ruin

Rest in peace
Acknowledging the loss of life and praying for peace for the deceased friend

Sometimes I feel like I wasn't made for this world (nuh-uh) but the one thereafter, where the young share laughter (yeah)
Feeling out of place and longing for a world where happiness trumps violence

And they lunch pail carry good word from the pastor Every good girl got a dad Very good man, heavy in his lil' bag with a plan to bury a lil' magic
Painting a picture of an idyllic world, where wholesome values are taught and families are loving and supportive

Hoping that a tree grow from that young passion
Encouraging the growth of young people's passions and aspirations, nurturing them into something great

In my world, if we the ones you shoot at, we shoot back
Living in a world where self-defense is necessary and even encouraged

They'll beat your ass blue-black for just two racks Peel your cap for one more stack Leave your mattress looking just like a basket with your fruit snack Splattered in the paint, I'm heavy off back, you ain't no two Shaqs
Describing the ruthless nature of certain individuals, who inflict extreme harm for minimal gain and leaving a gruesome scene behind

Even if you never bang, they be asking where your roof at Where you from, lil' nigga? Ain't no Cusack (nigga, what?)
Even if one is not involved in gang activity, one's upbringing and environment determine their reputation and alliances

Ain't no stage, ain't no cameras, just action that light your match
In real life, there's no director calling the shots, only dangerous actions that ignite the flames

But you gotta move like they can't hold you back Facts, nigga, don't get c-, don't get
In order to survive and thrive, you must move with conviction and purpose, ignoring those who try to bring you down while staying aware of the harsh reality of the streets