Truth Rap
The Game Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, big spit, it's that Bay Area game, Sean T beats
We feedin the underground with this Yay Area tycoon shit
For my nigga JT Fig', y'all know where it come from
Never forget it, that Bay Area shit mayne
Y'knahmtalkinbout? Yeah!
Game, spit that shit

[The Game]
Hey yo the kid still at it, woke up from that coma
Seen hell came back and here comes my first classic
Still chop it up at the table, still put dope in the bag
and still got dope, under the mattress
It was hustle before rappin, nuttin before that and
12 years old, a lost soul, bumpin "Illmatic"
Gunshots tried and almost took the young kid's live
Can't do it I been through it the young kid survived
Got the ghetto on my shoulder homey, it's gon' be a long ride
Bear with me, I'ma take you there with me
Show you how the sun shine in one rhyme, no more stormy weather
Streets is mine, we gon' live forever
Get it together 'Pac is watchin, Big is listenin
Eazy is talkin to us, Big Pun is witnessin
While they souls still glistenin in ghettos from Compton to Brooklyn
the shells cry, every hood's anthem
Where everybody goes to church and prayers are never answered
And they throwin us curveballs but we Hank Aarons
A picture with no canvas, streets are so skanless
Young'uns jump rope, play ball with fiends and dope handlers
Teenage mothers, deadbeat fathers, no families
Lost and often runaway or live with grandparents
Life stories with no authors, see it through, {?} Robinson's cubicles
When time life is so beautiful
Walk with me we can make it if we try, lost soldiers sometimes
We gotta die but it's okay to cry
Mothers strugglin tryin to survive, reach out grab my hand
I got'cha, won't let you go for nuttin, I promise
Praises due to Elijah Muhammad, peace be unto Farad Muhammad
Words of Minister Farrakhan
Been true, be loyal, know your roots, water your soil
Stop fightin amongst ourself from birth we royal
Who's king we fightin over a crown, while lifeguards
watch the hopes and dreams of kids and young teens drown
More infants bein born with AIDS, more parents mournin graves
The plot thickens, somebody show us the way
Tears crackin the pavement, streets breakin up
The thrill is gone and it's a long walk home
So we might as well start runnin, if it's there gotta take it
'Member Jada said "We Gon' Make It"
And it shouldn't take 9/11 to bring our minds together
Shit rough we'll grind together
Light a candle we can shine forever or I can pass
So I won't miss Aaliyah's concert in heaven
Live life while we listen to my old heads
So I glow like the memory of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez
Through a six-seven Brougham, ride with me through the hood mayne
Where street lights flicker and Chuck Taylors hang
And nobody know they neighbor's name 'less they sell weed or cocaine
A lot of black clouds on a block but no rain
And Game got a lot to say, so they wanna take me down
in my own front yard like Marvin Gaye
Can't do it by myself, people need help
Keep on tryin to live healthy 'til the end of my days
And when I die won't lead my daughter astray, lookin from heaven
Watch my people drive my coffin through the Compton parade

[Verse Two]
I'm in the city where it's strange where killers follow direction
And trail witness protection to get a shot at they brain
Where the babies carry semis and swallow pills for power
Count paper for polly'n, penny-pinch for hours
Take sacks from cowards when the streets is watchin
Tuck guns in trunks cause real G's is boxin
Ain't no other options if you stand on your own two
And if you came to battle you can stand in the phone booth
Cause we don't wear capes in this part of the land
Cause every youngster from my block has been a part of the plan
I've been trainin since eighty-seven and famous since eighty-nine
Teaching came from the Nation, my spirit is from divine
When I, pass the word through these raps on beats
It's fo'sho' that the Lord gon' make the whole track speak
To the streets, when I pass these beats
It's fo'sho' that the Lord gon' make the whole track speak
To the streets, y'knahmtalkinbout people?




Make the track speak, "Truth Rap," get it right
"Truth Rap" mayne, for the people, get it right, "Truth Rap"

Overall Meaning

The first verse of The Game's song "Truth Rap" is an overview of his life experiences as a rapper and how he has overcome the challenges that came with being from a disadvantageous area. He mentions his survival of a coma and the hustling he engaged in before his rap career. He likens himself to Nate Robinson, who is known for his resilience and success despite his short stature. He also highlights the struggles of those growing up in the ghetto, from teenage mothers to lost souls, deadbeat fathers, and broken families. Even in the face of curveballs and the loss of influencers like Eazy-E, Big Pun, and Tupac, Game sings about the hope of ghetto inhabitants to press on.


In the second verse, The Game mentions the gravity of the danger one faces growing up in the city. Some young people carry guns and pop pills for fun, while others take up a life of crime. However, he still sees hope in the youth of the ghetto, and he seeks to inspire them to continue fighting and believing in themselves. He speaks about his roots as part of the Nation, explains how he has been training since 1987, and believes that he is an instrument of the Lord. The beat is very emotional, with a soft sound, as if to emphasize the message's poignancy.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, big spit, it's that Bay Area game, Sean T beats
I am a skilled rapper from the Bay Area, known for my impressive flow and beats produced by Sean T


We feedin the underground with this Yay Area tycoon shit
I am providing the underground rap scene with authentic Bay Area music and representing its success and influence


For my nigga JT Fig', y'all know where it come from
I dedicate this song to my friend JT Fig and everyone who understands and appreciates the origin of Bay Area music


Never forget it, that Bay Area shit mayne
It is essential to always remember and honor the distinctive Bay Area music and culture


Y'knahmtalkinbout? Yeah!
Do you understand what I'm saying? I'm emphasizing the importance and significance of Bay Area music


Game, spit that shit
I, The Game, will now proceed to showcase my rap skills and deliver impactful lyrics


Hey yo the kid still at it, woke up from that coma
I'm still in the rap industry and haven't lost my passion, even after facing setbacks and challenges in my career


Seen hell came back and here comes my first classic
After going through difficult times, I've emerged stronger and am now releasing a highly acclaimed and influential album


Still chop it up at the table, still put dope in the bag
I'm still involved in street activities, discussing matters with my crew and packaging drugs for sale


and still got dope, under the mattress
I still possess drugs and keep them hidden under the mattress for safekeeping


It was hustle before rappin, nuttin before that and
Before I became a rapper, my life was centered around hustling and making money. There was nothing else that mattered


12 years old, a lost soul, bumpin Illmatic
At just twelve years old, I was already feeling lost and disconnected, finding solace in listening to the influential album 'Illmatic' by Nas


Gunshots tried and almost took the young kid's live
I faced dangerous situations where gunshots were aimed at me and almost ended my life when I was young


Can't do it I been through it the young kid survived
I overcame those dangerous situations and emerged stronger, proving that I can withstand anything life throws at me


Got the ghetto on my shoulder homey, it's gon' be a long ride
The struggles of the ghetto are burdening me, but I'm prepared for a challenging journey ahead


Bear with me, I'ma take you there with me
Stay patient and loyal, and I will guide you through the hardships and realities of the ghetto


Show you how the sun shines in one rhyme, no more stormy weather
I will use my lyrics to reveal the positive aspects of life and offer hope, dispelling the negativity and hardships we face


Streets is mine, we gon' live forever
I dominate the streets, and our influence and impact on the community will have a lasting legacy


Get it together 'Pac is watchin, Big is listenin
We need to unite and work together because the late Tupac Shakur is watching over us and the late Notorious B.I.G. is listening to our actions


Eazy is talkin to us, Big Pun is witnessin
We should listen to the wisdom of Eazy-E, and the late Big Punisher is observing and acknowledging our accomplishments


While they souls still glistenin in ghettos from Compton to Brooklyn
The legacies and spirits of these great artists continue to shine in the marginalized neighborhoods of Compton and Brooklyn


the shells cry, every hood's anthem
Gunshots and violence persist, making it a tragic reality that resonates with every neighborhood's experience


Where everybody goes to church and prayers are never answered
Even in places of worship, people's prayers often go unanswered, highlighting the struggles and challenges faced in these communities


And they throwin us curveballs but we Hank Aarons
We face unexpected challenges and obstacles, but like the legendary baseball player Hank Aaron, we have the ability to overcome and excel


A picture with no canvas, streets are so skanless
Our lives are like unfinished artworks without proper opportunities or support, and the streets are ruthless and full of deceit


Young'uns jump rope, play ball with fiends and dope handlers
Children engage in innocent activities like jumping rope, but in the same neighborhood, they play sports with drug addicts and dealers


Teenage mothers, deadbeat fathers, no families
Young girls become mothers at a young age, and absent fathers fail to fulfill their responsibilities, resulting in broken families


Lost and often runaway or live with grandparents
Many children feel lost and run away from home, ending up living with their grandparents for stability and guidance


Life stories with no authors, see it through, {?} Robinson's cubicles
The lives of these individuals have no clear storytellers or authors, and their stories are witnessed through their struggles and experiences


When time life is so beautiful
Despite the difficult circumstances, life still holds moments of beauty and joy


Walk with me we can make it if we try, lost soldiers sometimes
Join me on this journey, and together, with effort and determination, we can overcome the challenges we face as lost soldiers in this world


We gotta die but it's okay to cry
Death is inevitable, and it's natural to express our emotions and shed tears in times of grief


Mothers strugglin tryin to survive, reach out grab my hand
Mothers are fighting to survive and provide for their families. I extend my hand to offer them support and assistance


I got'cha, won't let you go for nuttin, I promise
I assure these struggling mothers that I won't abandon them or let them go without support; I promise to stand by them


Praises due to Elijah Muhammad, peace be unto Farad Muhammad
I acknowledge and show respect to Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and pray for peace upon Farad Muhammad, the founder of the faith


Words of Minister Farrakhan
I acknowledge and value the wise and impactful words spoken by Minister Louis Farrakhan, a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam


Been true, be loyal, know your roots, water your soil
It is crucial to stay true to oneself, be loyal to one's principles, understand and value one's roots, and nurture one's growth and development


Stop fightin amongst ourself from birth we royal
We need to stop internal conflicts and divisions within our community because our greatness is inherent from the moment we are born


Who's king we fightin over a crown, while lifeguards
We are wasting our time and energy fighting over titles and positions of power, while those responsible for saving lives, such as lifeguards, observe our actions


watch the hopes and dreams of kids and young teens drown
As we engage in pointless conflicts, the aspirations and dreams of children and teenagers are overlooked and crushed


More infants bein born with AIDS, more parents mournin graves
The number of babies born with AIDS is increasing, leading to more parents grieving for their deceased children


The plot thickens, somebody show us the way
The situation becomes more complicated and challenging; therefore, we need someone to guide us and provide direction


Tears crackin the pavement, streets breakin up
The tears shed by the community are akin to cracks in the pavement, symbolizing the breaking and crumbling of the streets


The thrill is gone and it's a long walk home
The excitement and hope have disappeared, leaving us with a difficult and lonely journey ahead


So we might as well start runnin, if it's there gotta take it
Rather than passively accepting our circumstances, we should proactively seize opportunities and run towards success and improvement


'Member Jada said 'We Gon' Make It'
I recall the words of Jadakiss, who expressed confidence in our ability to overcome and succeed


And it shouldn't take 9/11 to bring our minds together
We should unite and collaborate without needing a tragic event like the September 11 attacks to realize the importance of togetherness


Shit rough we'll grind together
Despite facing challenging circumstances, we will work hard and persevere as a collective


Light a candle we can shine forever or I can pass
Let's ignite a flame of hope and positivity, ensuring that our impact and influence will last eternally, or if necessary, I can pass the torch to the next generation


So I won't miss Aaliyah's concert in heaven
I don't want to miss the opportunity to see Aaliyah perform in heaven after her untimely death


Live life while we listen to my old heads
Let's embrace and cherish life while we appreciate the wisdom and guidance from the older generation


So I glow like the memory of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez
I radiate and shine brightly in the same way the memory of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez, who passed away, remains vibrant and unforgettable


Through a six-seven Brougham, ride with me through the hood mayne
Join me as we ride through the neighborhood in a classic and luxurious Cadillac Brougham, experiencing the realities and struggles of the community


Where street lights flicker and Chuck Taylors hang
In this neighborhood, the street lights are inconsistent, and you can often see the iconic Chuck Taylor sneakers hanging from utility lines


And nobody know they neighbor's name 'less they sell weed or cocaine
In this community, people don't bother to know their neighbors' names unless they are involved in the illegal drug trade


A lot of black clouds on a block but no rain
There is a pervasive feeling of negativity and despair in the neighborhood, but it doesn't translate into any positive change or progress


And Game got a lot to say, so they wanna take me down
I have a lot of important messages and opinions to convey through my music, and as a result, there are those who want to bring me down or silence me


in my own front yard like Marvin Gaye
They are attempting to attack me and cause harm even in the place that should be safe and familiar, similar to the tragic death of Marvin Gaye in his own home


Can't do it by myself, people need help
I can't face these challenges and obstacles alone; it highlights the importance of people supporting and assisting each other


Keep on tryin to live healthy 'til the end of my days
I will continue striving to live a healthy and fulfilling life until my last breath


And when I die won't lead my daughter astray, lookin from heaven
Even after my death, I want to ensure that I leave a positive legacy for my daughter, guiding and protecting her, as I watch over her from heaven


Watch my people drive my coffin through the Compton parade
Witness the community of Compton honoring me by driving my coffin through a parade, symbolizing their respect and appreciation for my impact and contributions


I'm in the city where it's strange where killers follow direction
I exist in a city where it is common for killers to adhere to orders and instructions, operating under a twisted sense of normalcy


And trail witness protection to get a shot at they brain
These killers actively pursue individuals in witness protection programs, aiming to harm and kill them


Where the babies carry semis and swallow pills for power
Even young children carry semi-automatic weapons and consume drugs to gain a sense of control and power in their lives


Count paper for polly'n, penny-pinch for hours
They engage in careful budgeting and saving money for illicit activities, making sure to account for every dollar earned


Take sacks from cowards when the streets is watchin
They steal from weak and fearful individuals, knowing that the neighborhood residents are observing and aware of their actions


Tuck guns in trunks cause real G's is boxin
They conceal their firearms in car trunks because genuine gangsters rely on their fighting abilities rather than resorting to guns


Ain't no other options if you stand on your own two
In this environment, when you have to rely on yourself, there are no alternative choices or solutions


And if you came to battle you can stand in the phone booth
If you want to engage in a rap battle, you better be ready to face me as if you're standing in a phone booth, showcasing your verbal skills


Cause we don't wear capes in this part of the land
Superhero metaphors don't apply here because in this neighborhood, individuals face real-life struggles and dangers without any supernatural abilities


Cause every youngster from my block has been a part of the plan
Each young person from my neighborhood has been exposed to the same challenging circumstances and has become a product of their environment


I've been trainin since eighty-seven and famous since eighty-nine
I've been honing my skills as a rapper since 1987 and achieved fame and recognition since 1989


Teaching came from the Nation, my spirit is from divine
My knowledge and teachings were influenced by the Nation of Islam, and I believe my talent and essence come from a higher, spiritual source


When I pass the word through these raps on beats
Through my music and lyrics, I transmit important messages and spread knowledge and awareness


It's fo'sho' that the Lord gon' make the whole track speak
Without a doubt, the divine presence will manifest and bring life to the entire track, making it powerful and impactful


To the streets, when I pass these beats
As I share my music, it directly connects and resonates with the streets, addressing their struggles and reflecting their realities


It's fo'sho' that the Lord gon' make the whole track speak
The Lord will undoubtedly infuse the entire track with meaning and significance, making it a voice for those in the streets


To the streets, y'knahmtalkinbout people?
I'm emphasizing once again that my music speaks directly to the people in the streets, resonating and connecting with their experiences


Make the track speak, 'Truth Rap,' get it right
Let the track and my lyrics communicate the truth about the streets and the realities we face. This song is called 'Truth Rap' for a reason


'Truth Rap' mayne, for the people, get it right, 'Truth Rap'
This song, 'Truth Rap,' is created to represent and speak up for the people in the streets, portraying their experiences and struggles




Contributed by Caroline G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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