Don't Need Your Love
The Game Lyrics

Yo Havoc, I'm too close to the edge on this one nigga
I'm having a hard time dealing with some things and need to get them off my chest.

I ain't gon' jump though, I'mma keep it raw gutter
I'm not going to let my problems consume me; I'm going to deal with them head-on.

Yo Prodigy, you know I need you on this one nigga
I need my friend's support and help as I work through my issues.

I got shit on my chest, I must confess
There are things that I need to get off my chest and confess to.

Last night I was the nigga that shot up your projects
I did something terrible last night, and I need to come to terms with it.

Now I'm back in the hood, with rocks in the Pyrex
Despite my mistake, I'm still trying to make a living in a dangerous environment.

Tan khakis and them Nike Airs with the dyed checks
I'm dressing like my peers in my community to fit in and protect myself.

I was forced to live this life, forced to bust my chrome
I didn't choose this way of life, but I had to adapt to survive.

My pops left me in a foster home
I didn't have a stable upbringing and had to fend for myself.

I felt abandoned like Quik now that Mausberg gone
The loss of someone important to me left me feeling alone and helpless.

So I don't hop in the SS without the Mossberg homes
I'm always prepared to defend myself against danger.

I've been rappin' for a year and a half, my life is real
I use my music to express my experiences and struggles.

Put the gun in his mouth, he gon' bite the steel
I'm not afraid to use violence to protect myself and my loved ones.

Come to Compton, I got stripes for real
I have a reputation for being tough and respected in my neighborhood.

Before Dre, before the ice, before the deal - I was almost killed
I faced near-death experiences before achieving success.

Like 'Pac before the Death Row deal
I relate to Tupac and his struggles before his success in the music industry.

I got shot over two pounds of weed, still ain't found them niggas
I became a victim of violence due to the illegal drug trade, and those responsible haven't been caught.

But karma come quicker for a nigga on the other side of the gun
Those who use violence will eventually face consequences for their actions.

That's somethin I gotta teach my son
I want to teach my child to avoid violence and the dangerous lifestyle that I have experienced.

I heard they got Bloods in New York now
Even far from home, I hear about the spread of gang violence and conflict.

Red rags in Uptown Harlem now, I need that love
I need the support and loyalty of my peers, even as I reach new heights in my career.

Front court at the Knicks game, new chick, French name
I'm living the high life with fancy dates and prime seats at major sporting events.

New car, new house, and sometimes friends change
Despite my success, at times, people in my life have changed and may not be as loyal as they once were.

And you don't need that love, when you G's like us
We don't need outside validation when we have strength within our community.

And your Jesus piece is sim-u-lar to Biggie's
I have a gold chain with a large pendant of Jesus, similar to the style of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

And your life story is sim-u-lar to 50's
I can relate to the challenging life story of rapper 50 Cent.

First they hate you, then they love you, then they hate you again
The public's opinion of me changes frequently and unexpectedly.

What the fuck do it take for a gangsta to win?
Despite my success, I still feel like I'm fighting an uphill battle to prove my worth and earn respect.

No mics, no Unsigned Hype, nigga fuck The Source
I don't need the approval or recognition of music critics and publications to know my worth.

Plus them awards I don't need
External awards and accolades are not what motivate or fulfill me.

And them niggas breathing the same air as me, acting like they don't bleed
Other people in the industry may act like they are not affected by the same struggles I face, but we are all human and vulnerable.

We don't drive the same speed, this a Continental T
I have a luxurious car that sets me apart from others and signifies my success.

That's a case of Armadale, this a continental suite
I have access to high-end alcohol and lodging, further demonstrating my wealth and status.

So I'mma drown in my own sorrows
Despite my success and possessions, I still have personal struggles that weigh heavy on me.

Live life, fuck tomorrow, nigga cause reality is
I'm trying to enjoy my success and live in the moment, as tomorrow is not guaranteed.

I was gassed up, Murder Inc., Roc-A-Fella passed up
I was once hyped up by these record labels but ultimately not signed by them.

Sat in Daddy's House with Black Rob and Lou and asked Puff
I met with music industry executives to discuss my career prospects.

Now The Game's set in stone, the Franck Muller's set in stones
My success and wealth are now firmly established and secure.

Dre cut me a check, I'm gone
Dr. Dre financially supports me as I pursue my music career.

Tryin to be the king of the streets, niggas'll wet your throne
I'm trying to claim my place as a respected figure in my community, but others may try to bring me down.

But I got nieces to feed, two coasts to please
My family and supporters are relying on me to succeed, and I have to balance pleasing both coasts of the United States where I have a fanbase.

So I roam through the city like the ghost of E
I move through the streets as a figure of respect and fear, like the late rapper Eazy-E.

Gotta put Compton back where it's 'sposed to be
I want to elevate my community and bring it back to a place of pride and respect.

Nothing between all my niggas that's close to me
My closest friends and associates all share a deep, unbreakable bond.

In the streets with two fellas packing toast for me
I have associates who carry weapons to protect me on the streets.

I'm 'posed to be, got all the critics watching my pivot
I have to navigate the industry and public perception carefully to maintain my success.

On my block in the Coupe reading kites from prison
Even as I enjoy my success, I still receive letters from friends and associates who are incarcerated.

I got niggas doing life in prison
The people I care about and associate with often face severe legal consequences.

All my fallen soldiers is one of the reasons we pour out liquor
We mourn those who have died in our community by pouring out alcohol in their honor.

So this song is for Ms. Wallace, Afeni Shakur
I dedicate this song to the mothers of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur, two rappers who were killed in the industry.

And all the mothers of dead sons that went out in the war
I also recognize and honor all mothers who have lost children to violence, specifically in gang-related conflict.

I don't need your love, no no no no
I don't need to rely on others for validation or support.

I don't need your love
I can navigate the industry and my community on my own.

Need it, I don't want it, I don't need it
I don't crave or seek external validation or support.

I don't need your love, no I don't need your love
I am self-sufficient and confident in my abilities and worth.

I don't need your love
My success and status do not require the support or validation of others.

Cause, the, game, don't, change
The struggle and challenges of this industry and my community remain constant and unchanging.