Around ‘91/’92 Del Tha Funkee Homosapien and the Hieroglyphics crew were first starting to make noise in the bay and it was then that he felt he could really make something out of this music thing. He had a friend who rapped who convinced The Grouch to start writing/rapping in ‘94. He met the Mystik Journeymen soon after and they schooled him on the independent hustle. It was on.
The Grouch’s first show as an MC was in 1995, it was at one the Journeymen’s “Broke Ass Summer Jam” shows in East Oakland. At that time he performed under his real name and the crowd showed him much love, which he says is the main reason he stuck with making music. The Grouch’s music influences include all the hip-hop greats from LL Cool J to the Beastie Boys along with the Bay Area classics and jazz, rock, and soul music. The Grouch has always taken the independent route and has done everything himself along the way, a fact he takes great pride in.
Struggle Baby
The Grouch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My life, and yours too {"in my life}
It's just a struggle baby, things will all work out
Words my mother told me and they were true, no doubt
I've had a lot of pain, but I can withstand more
I've got too much to gain, I've got to live and explore
I've got to give and endure, not getting when I'm not hitting
It was written that I would always would though, know I should so
Me deny myself, opportunity? Oh no
I'm gonna see them chips, be on them trips
Make my dearest wish come true, be unto bigger things
I'm getting sick of things falling, so I'm all in
To my business, my music, what is this? I use it
To propel, and oh well, you don't like my tempo?
You don't like my simple styles nor my instrumentals?
I'll have you know I'm the pro here, you can go near
The record store and check for more, I don't give a fuck
Fat beats ain't living what I know to be correct
What I show to be respect for this art form
Bar swarming bundles, it stumble in and out the game
Shout the name then disappear like no-ones, but I'll remain and I'll retain
Quality by giving all of me consistently
Listen we bring the noise, we sting with boys
My boys, we done some shit y'all, stuff I know that if all
The world could see, they wouldn't believe it, couldn't conceive it
Leave it to a label to fuck it up
But if I do it all myself, it's just not enough
I got a tough situation at hand, debating like "Man,
What's the next move?" That's the test
It's just a struggle baby {"in my life"}
It's just a struggle mistress {"in my life"}
It's just a struggle homie {"in my life"}
It's just a struggle sister {"in my life"}
Today was just another day, it didn't go all wrong
I got to stressing out and couldn't make my song
They wouldn't write my check, I had to check them fools
Use my tools up stairs, not disrespecting fools
And fuck the rules of the game, I'm tryna get my name out
{?} can't take when it came out, she tried to diss
But she can't diss my shit, fools ain't fucking with this
I think my underground scene is on New York's dick
And that's from here to there, West, North to South
I watch that shit for years and don't know what it's about
I persevere through the punishment thinking about how we done this shit
Landed up in Europe with twenty and seen plenty
And if any tried to clown, they did so when we wasn't around
Town, inspiration through the nation grew the hating
And who's relating? Fools ain't facing what I hasten
Adjacent to a vacant space and time, and so I climb
And it's not sublime, I drop the dime and it serves as a reminder
I've see them coming often, and some may have one-liners who's finer
I treat my love like a designer, thorough as hell to make it swell
Swole', we roll dice daily never knowing
End of life maybe the outcome, I'm showing
How I deal with my struggle, turn to bubble
Even if my hustle isn't paying like your hustle
It's just a struggle baby {"in my life"}
It's just a struggle brother {"in my life"}
It's just a struggle lady {"in my life"}
It's just a struggle mother {"in my life"}
The Grouch's song Struggle Baby is about the struggles he has faced in life, and the struggles that everyone goes through in their own life. The first verse talks about how even though life is a struggle, things will work out in the end. His mother's words have been true, and he has been able to withstand a lot of pain. He knows he has a lot to gain in life and wants to live and explore. The second verse talks about how he has to work hard and endure to make his dreams come true, and how he won't deny himself opportunities. He knows he has to keep pushing forward to achieve his goals.
The third verse talks about how he's sick of things falling apart, so he is all in with his music and his business. He knows that he is a professional and he doesn't care if people don't like his style or his instrumentals. He wants to bring quality to his work and consistently give it his all. He talks about how he and his boys have done some things that people wouldn't believe, and how a label would probably mess it up. He knows he has a tough situation ahead of him, but he's trying to figure out his next move. The chorus reiterates that life is a struggle, no matter who you are or where you come from.
Overall, Struggle Baby is an empowering song that encourages listeners to persevere through their struggles and keep pushing forward. The Grouch knows that life can be tough, but he's determined to make the most of it and achieve his dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a struggle, in life
The difficulties I experience are a part of life
My life, and yours too
We all go through struggles
It's just a struggle baby, things will all work out
Despite struggles, everything will eventually turn out okay
Words my mother told me and they were true, no doubt
My mother's advice about struggles was accurate
I've had a lot of pain, but I can withstand more
Despite having experienced pain, I am capable of handling more
I've got too much to gain, I've got to live and explore
There is still much I want to achieve and experience in life
I've got to give and endure, not getting when I'm not hitting
I must continue to persevere, even when I am not succeeding
It was written that I would always would though, know I should so
Despite the challenges I face, I know I should keep going
I'm by myself, I try my best, how's that look?
I am on my own and doing my best
Me deny myself, opportunity? Oh no
I won't let struggles prevent me from taking opportunities
I'm gonna see them chips, be on them trips
I will achieve success and travel
Make my dearest wish come true, be unto bigger things
My biggest wish is to achieve greater success
I'm getting sick of things falling, so I'm all in
I'm tired of facing obstacles and am fully committed to success
To my business, my music, what is this? I use it
My music and business are tools to achieve success
To propel, and oh well, you don't like my tempo?
I will continue to push forward, even if others don't like my style
You don't like my simple styles nor my instrumentals?
Some may not appreciate my music, but that won't stop me
I'll have you know I'm the pro here, you can go near
I am confident in my abilities and welcome competition
The record store and check for more, I don't give a fuck
I am focused on my own success, not concerned with others' opinions
Fat beats ain't living what I know to be correct
Mainstream music does not align with my values
What I show to be respect for this art form
I have a deep respect for the music industry
Bar swarming bundles, it stumble in and out the game
Many artists come and go in the music industry
Shout the name then disappear like no-ones, but I'll remain and I'll retain
While some artists fade away, I will remain and continue to grow
Quality by giving all of me consistently
I maintain a high level of quality by consistently giving my all
Listen we bring the noise, we sting with boys
My music is powerful and resonates with many
My boys, we done some shit y'all, stuff I know that if all
My team and I have accomplished a lot, things that are hard to believe
The world could see, they wouldn't believe it, couldn't conceive it
Our success is incomprehensible to some
Leave it to a label to fuck it up
Record labels can hinder an artist's success
But if I do it all myself, it's just not enough
It can be challenging to succeed without the support of a label
I got a tough situation at hand, debating like "Man,
I'm facing a difficult decision
What's the next move?" That's the test
My next decision will determine my success
Today was just another day, it didn't go all wrong
Despite difficulties, today was not a complete failure
I got to stressing out and couldn't make my song
I experienced stress that affected my ability to create music
They wouldn't write my check, I had to check them fools
I had issues receiving payment for my work and had to confront those responsible
Use my tools up stairs, not disrespecting fools
I handle situations professionally, without being disrespectful
And fuck the rules of the game, I'm tryna get my name out
I don't conform to industry norms because I am focused on achieving success
{?} can't take when it came out, she tried to diss
An individual was jealous of my success and attempted to criticize me
But she can't diss my shit, fools ain't fucking with this
My music is too good for anyone to insult
I think my underground scene is on New York's dick
I believe my music has the potential to be successful in New York
And that's from here to there, West, North to South
My music has the potential to be successful nationwide
I watch that shit for years and don't know what it's about
I have observed the music industry for years without fully understanding it
I persevere through the punishment thinking about how we done this shit
Despite difficulties, I remain focused on my success
Landed up in Europe with twenty and seen plenty
I have traveled to Europe with only a little success, but still gained valuable experience
And if any tried to clown, they did so when we wasn't around
Detractors insult my music when they believe I am not listening
Town, inspiration through the nation grew the hating
My success has inspired others to hate and criticize my music
And who's relating? Fools ain't facing what I hasten
Those who dislike my music don't understand the passion and dedication I put into it
Adjacent to a vacant space and time, and so I climb
Despite the challenges I face, I continue to progress
And it's not sublime, I drop the dime and it serves as a reminder
There are difficulties along my journey, but I keep pushing forward
I've seen them coming often, and some may have one-liners who's finer
I have encountered many competitors, some with catchy one-liners
I treat my love like a designer, thorough as hell to make it swell
I value my music and take great care to ensure its quality
Swole', we roll dice daily never knowing
My life is unpredictable, with challenges and uncertainties
End of life maybe the outcome, I'm showing
Although my future is uncertain, I continue to work hard and pursue my goals
How I deal with my struggle, turn to bubble
I cope with my struggles by focusing on my music career
Even if my hustle isn't paying like your hustle
My music career may not be as lucrative as others', but it is what I love
It's just a struggle baby
I acknowledge that life is full of struggles
It's just a struggle mistress
I recognize the challenges and difficulties I face
It's just a struggle homie
My friends also experience struggles in life
It's just a struggle sister
Women also experience challenges and difficulties in life
Contributed by Bentley B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Skipntosh
It’s just a struggle baby, it’ll all work out. Words my mother told me, and they were true, no doubt.
@isaiahvelasquez8436
Damn man so much memories when I was kid.. RIP MOMMA I'll meet you soon
@jaysilver2021
This is one of the songs that MADE ME!
@edgarfriendly9462
Saved me Brethren
@indyvinylz
awesome song !! got all the older LLCrew music on wax,... still need some Cds and tapes.. uhb.. etc.. ahh, would love to get my hands on these gems !!
@kazha28
I missed the old Days
@SRTHEMIMOPAR
It's a struggle with fraudulent baked joetato
@jessegarrett4992
They didn’t know grouch and they should
@kincamell2
Thank You
@sincitylv24
We as fans need to get this music way out there more than it is or has been
No one makes shit this real any more !!
Absolutely fuckin. Love his music
Nothing is as chill and real as this