Dollar and a Dream
The Game Lyrics


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They say it started in the East where the apple was
But out West we be throwing them apples up
They say them Fruit Town niggas gon' ride tonight
They say them Tree Top niggas gon' ride tonight
They say them Grape Street niggas gon' ride tonight
They say them Bounty Hunter niggas gon' ride tonight
They say them 6-0 niggas gon' ride tonight
They say them Cedar Block niggas gon' ride tonight
Them 1-9-0 niggas gon' ride tonight
They say them Timberland niggas gon' ride tonight
They say them Campanella niggas gon' ride tonight
Who gon' ride tonight, who gon' die tonight
Started with a dollar and a dream
Started with a dollar and a dream

We did it for the West, motherfucker, like Kanye
Niggas get stretched out on [?]
Got three thousand stacks, I ain't talking 'bout Andre
I put it on your head, I ain't talking no toupee
See I stayed the same, ain't go weird like Lupe
Squeeze on his trigger like ain't no more toothpaste
(You ain't gon' do shit) Bitch, of course I is
You want this money, you gon' have to drive the course I did
I got that weight foundry, talking 'bout the Porsche out here
You in the nosebleeds, come down to where the cross-eyed is
How a nigga with a rojo rag end up in Soho
Bag, any bitch walking with a solo swag
You think you ballin' in that four do' Jag? Nah
In Tom Fords with a MK bag? nah
Give you a bird's eye view of the streets
Nigga, welcome to Compton, take you in Carson next week
Ab-Soul!

Started with a dollar and a dream and a pistol
On the corner rag hangin', slangin' crystal
I said you gangbanging let me see credentials
And when I pull this gun out you know how this go
Started with a dollar and a dream!
(Look at me now, look at me now)
Started with a dollar and a dream!

I was fathered by the bastards
Pardon my mannerisms
The Curtiss magnet that managed without the metal with him
How the hell I did it? I let God ad lib it
I put that on Leetwood, I ain't lying one sentence
Bitch, I started with a dollar and a dream
We went from helping old ladies with their groceries at Alpha Beta
For a couple quarters to a baby hustling something major
We had to grow up sooner or later, but
I'm so Del Amo, my mama still stay off Anna Lee
Carson across my belly, I prove you lost already
Roccett my big brother, Bishop let the door crack
Game took me on my first tour, now look where we at
In the studio getting paid to reflect on that
Documenting true facts
Not to mention this the Documentary 2 too
You do the addition in ballerina shoes
Enough with the clever raps, it's more important than that
I put my city on the map, nigga
Yeah, I really put my city on the map
I mean, when the last time you heard Carson on the track, nigga?
Let alone when they calling out stomping grounds on the West
I'll wait
Yeah, that's what I thought, I'm the best, nigga
This the new West, nigga, respect that
It's Top Dawg, all I'm missing is the red hat
But don't question what pocket I had left, my handkerchief
I'm guilty by affiliation, in many ways gangsta
But let me explain something, a paradox if you may
I threw all my fresh Supreme Chuck Taylors today
And then I got a call from Chuck Taylor, I'm saying
The game ain't changed, we still changing the game
Soul!

Started with a dollar and a dream and a pistol
On the corner rag hangin', slangin' crystal
I said you gangbanging let me see credentials
And when I pull this gun out you know how this go
Started with a dollar and a dream!
(Look at me now, look at me now)
Started with a dollar and a dream!

My first album was a set up
I was the little nigga Pac was talking to
When he said "keep your head up"
Cause he knew what I would be facing after his demise
Jayceon had to pitch them pies, better life than flipping fries
I'm the one the Crips despise
Move the Yay or kiss the sky, for having dreams that 50 died
Eulogy by Mary Blige
Hopped up in that enterprise, had to stop a genocide
Went from underdog to watching Top Dawg and Kendrick rise
Now tell me can I testify, pull over trying to rest for 5
On a block, no tint on the Wraith left these kids mesmerized
They ask me how I did it, how I got it
Say I'm king you looking brolic
I put them weights down start practicing lyrical exercise
Tell me who the next to die, probably who the next in line
They got me babbling ghost cause I'm the illest one alive
That's word to Pac, Pun, Biggie, why I stand as my city
It's wise to run a train, you couldn't fuck with me
Ever since I saved my coast, it's been born again
If I ain't shit then who the king of California then?
Who could out-rap me?
Now think about if the same nigga you bout to say can run up and out-strap me, yeah
Out-trap me, yeah, out-gat me
I mean think about it, exactly
Speaking matter-of-factly I'm down playing that actually
Call me Game I ain't one still I get paid like an athlete
Do the math after the math, Doc two in the bag
Lived up to expectations, Dre took me first in the draft
Now who the fuck want what
Nobody survives so look alive when them Impalas in the cut

Started with a dollar and a dream and a pistol
On the corner rag hangin', slangin' crystal
I said you gangbanging let me see credentials
And when I pull this gun out you know how this go
Started with a dollar and a dream!




(Look at me now, look at me now)
Started with a dollar and a dream!

Overall Meaning

In "Dollar and a Dream" by The Game and Ab-Soul, the lyrics reference gang violence in areas of Los Angeles, notably the specific neighborhoods known for gang activity, such as Grape Street, Tree Top, and 6-0. The lyrics also mention the idea of starting with very little but having big dreams and the willingness to go to great lengths to achieve them, even if it means resorting to crime. There are also references to other rappers, such as Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco.


The phrase "started with a dollar and a dream" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the idea of starting from humble beginnings and working hard to achieve success, but also acknowledging the reality of gang violence in the area. The Game and Ab-Soul reflect on their own experiences growing up in Compton and Carson, respectively, and the obstacles they faced trying to make it in the music industry.


The chorus of the song features a catchy melody and the repeated phrase "started with a dollar and a dream," while the verses are full of references to West Coast gang culture and personal experiences. Overall, "Dollar and a Dream" is a tribute to the struggle and determination needed to succeed in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

They say it started in the East where the apple was
They say the origins of this game began in the East, where the temptation first arose


But out West we be throwing them apples up
But out West, we are actively participating in this game and representing our allegiance


They say them Fruit Town niggas gon' ride tonight
Word on the street is that the members of the Fruit Town gang are ready to take action tonight


They say them Tree Top niggas gon' ride tonight
Rumors have it that the Tree Top gang members are prepared to take action tonight


They say them Grape Street niggas gon' ride tonight
There are whispers that the Grape Street gang members are ready for action tonight


They say them Bounty Hunter niggas gon' ride tonight
People are saying that the Bounty Hunter gang members are gearing up for action tonight


They say them 6-0 niggas gon' ride tonight
There are rumors that the 6-0 gang members are planning to take action tonight


They say them Cedar Block niggas gon' ride tonight
Word on the street is that the Cedar Block gang members are preparing to take action tonight


Them 1-9-0 niggas gon' ride tonight
Those affiliated with the 1-9-0 gang are rumored to be taking action tonight


They say them Timberland niggas gon' ride tonight
There is talk that the Timberland gang members are gearing up for action tonight


They say them Campanella niggas gon' ride tonight
Rumors have it that the Campanella gang members are ready for action tonight


Who gon' ride tonight, who gon' die tonight
Who will be the ones taking action and potentially losing their lives tonight


Started with a dollar and a dream
We began this journey with only a small amount of money and a strong desire for success


We did it for the West, motherfucker, like Kanye
We carried out our actions and represented the West side with the same determination and confidence as Kanye West


Niggas get stretched out on [?]
People in our community are getting killed violently


Got three thousand stacks, I ain't talking 'bout Andre
I have amassed a substantial amount of money, not in reference to Andre 3000


I put it on your head, I ain't talking no toupee
I am threatening violence against you, not discussing a hairpiece


See I stayed the same, ain't go weird like Lupe
Unlike Lupe Fiasco, I have remained true to myself and my style


Squeeze on his trigger like ain't no more toothpaste
I will pull the trigger forcefully, similar to how one squeezes out the last bit of toothpaste


(You ain't gon' do shit) Bitch, of course I is
Don't doubt my abilities, I am fully capable of taking action


You want this money, you gon' have to drive the course I did
If you want to succeed financially, you will need to go through the same struggles and challenges I faced


I got that weight foundry, talking 'bout the Porsche out here
I possess a significant amount of power and influence, referring to a luxury car brand


You in the nosebleeds, come down to where the cross-eyed is
You are on the outskirts, but you should come down to where the action is


How a nigga with a rojo rag end up in Soho
How did a person affiliated with the Bloods gang end up in a high-end neighborhood like Soho


Bag, any bitch walking with a solo swag
Approach any female who exudes confidence and independence


You think you ballin' in that four do' Jag? Nah
You believe you are successful with that 4-door Jaguar? No, that's not enough


In Tom Fords with a MK bag? nah
Wearing expensive Tom Ford clothing with a Michael Kors bag is not sufficient


Give you a bird's eye view of the streets
I will provide you with a clear and thorough understanding of the streets and its activities


Nigga, welcome to Compton, take you in Carson next week
Welcome to Compton, I will then take you to Carson next week to show you more of the environment


Ab-Soul!
This is Ab-Soul's introduction


My first album was a set up
My debut album was designed to set the stage for my future success


I was the little nigga Pac was talking to
I was the young individual whom Tupac referred to and gave advice to


When he said 'keep your head up'
During his famous speech about keeping your head up, he was indirectly addressing me


Cause he knew what I would be facing after his demise
He had a sense of the challenges and obstacles I would encounter after his death


Jayceon had to pitch them pies, better life than flipping fries
I had to transition from selling drugs to pursuing a better life, as opposed to working a menial job


I'm the one the Crips despise
The Crips gang members hold a deep hatred towards me


Move the Yay or kiss the sky, for having dreams that 50 died
Either sell cocaine or face death, a consequence of having aspirations that 50 Cent would no longer be alive


Eulogy by Mary Blige
A funeral or remembrance of me, accompanied by a performance from Mary J. Blige


Hopped up in that enterprise, had to stop a genocide
I quickly got involved in a major business endeavor and had to put an end to a potentially catastrophic event


Went from underdog to watching Top Dawg and Kendrick rise
I went from being an underdog to witnessing the rise of Top Dawg Entertainment and Kendrick Lamar's success


Now tell me can I testify, pull over trying to rest for 5
Can I express my truth and experiences? I am trying to find a moment of rest and relaxation


On a block, no tint on the Wraith left these kids mesmerized
Driving around in my expensive car without window tints captivated the attention of the younger generation


They ask me how I did it, how I got it
People inquire about my methods and how I achieved my success


Say I'm king you looking brolic
They proclaim me as a king and acknowledge my strength


I put them weights down start practicing lyrical exercise
I focused on improving my lyrical skills after leaving behind my involvement in criminal activities


Tell me who the next to die, probably who the next in line
Predicting who will be the next to lose their life, likely the next person in line for violent circumstances


They got me babbling ghost cause I'm the illest one alive
They are astonished by my unparalleled skill and consider me to be the best


That's word to Pac, Pun, Biggie, why I stand as my city
I pay homage to Tupac, Big Pun, and Notorious B.I.G, who inspire me to represent my city


It's wise to run a train, you couldn't fuck with me
It is wise for multiple individuals to collaborate against me, as you cannot compete with my talents


Ever since I saved my coast, it's been born again
Since I protected and preserved my coast, it has experienced a rebirth of energy and renewed success


If I ain't shit then who the king of California then?
If I am not considered important or successful, then who else can be considered the king of California?


Who could out-rap me?
Who can surpass my skills and abilities as a rapper?


Now think about if the same nigga you bout to say can run up and out-strap me, yeah
Consider if the person you are about to mention can come close to matching my ability to carry and use weapons


Out-trap me, yeah, out-gat me
Exceed my abilities in the drug trade, surpass my firepower


I mean think about it, exactly
I want you to seriously consider this, think it through


Speaking matter-of-factly I'm down playing that actually
In all honesty, I am downplaying my actual abilities


Call me Game I ain't one still I get paid like an athlete
Refer to me as Game, but I am not just one, yet I still receive payment comparable to that of an athlete


Do the math after the math, Doc two in the bag
Calculate it accordingly, once everything has been taken into account, Dr. Dre signed me and I have become a success


Lived up to expectations, Dre took me first in the draft
I met and even exceeded expectations, Dr. Dre chose me as the first pick in his musical team


Now who the fuck want what
Who is daring enough to challenge me


Nobody survive so look alive when them Impalas in the cut
No one will survive when our Impala cars secretly arrive on the scene, so stay alert




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andre Christopher Lyon, Daryl Kent Jones, Herbert Stevens, Jayceon Terrell Taylor, Marcello Valenzano, Ray Illya Fraser, Stanley Bernard Benton, Sylvester Jr Jordan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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