Criminal
The Roots Lyrics

Monday they predict the storm
The media creates fear and panic by constantly predicting negative events

Tuesday they predict the bad
The media continues to spread negativity and focus on bad news

Wednesday they cover the grass
The media distracts people from real issues by focusing on superficial matters

And I can see it's all about cash
The media's main motivation is financial gain

And they got the nerve to hunt down my ass
They have the audacity to unjustly target and pursue me

And treat me like a criminal
They unfairly label and mistreat me as if I am a criminal

Look, it is what it is
Accepting the reality of the situation

Because of what it was
The current circumstances are a result of past actions

I did what I did
I made choices and took actions that led to the current situation

Cause it does what it does
Because the consequences of my actions are inevitable

I don't put nothin' above
I prioritize important things in my life

What I am, what I love
My identity and the things that bring me joy

My family, my blood
The importance of my family and heritage

My city and my hood
The loyalty and connection I feel towards my community

Hater for the greater good
I face criticism and negativity for the betterment of others

I'm back from Hollywood
Returning from a place of fame and success

And I ain't changed a lick
I have remained true to myself and my principles

Though, I know I probably should
Despite knowing that some changes might be necessary

But, what I'm doin' is not a good look
My current actions or choices may not be perceived positively by others

I never did it by the good book, as a lifetime crook
I have always operated outside conventional norms, often engaging in illegal activities

All the petty crime took a toll on me
Engaging in small-scale criminal acts has negatively affected me

I look around at my homies that's gettin' old on me
Seeing my friends and acquaintances aging and facing the consequences of their actions

But still somethin' gotta hold on me
Despite the negative impact, I feel a strong attachment or connection to this lifestyle

Maybe it's faith
Perhaps there is a predetermined destiny or higher power guiding me

If it's comin', yo I'm willing to wait
If a positive change or opportunity is on the horizon, I am patient and willing to wait for it

I'm not runnin', I done ran through the mud
I have faced and experienced various hardships and challenges

I done scrambled and such
I have engaged in desperate or unconventional actions to survive

I done robbed an odd job and gambled enough
I have resorted to theft and risky behaviors to make a living

Till I'm put up in handcuffs
Until I am arrested or caught for my illegal activities

And pissin' in a cup
Undergoing drug tests or being under surveillance for potential drug use

If there's a God, I don't know if he listenin' or what
Expressing doubt or uncertainty about the existence or attentiveness of a higher power

And that's how it go
Accepting the harsh reality of the situation

Get treated like a criminal
Being unfairly judged and treated as a criminal

If crime is all you know
If you are accustomed to a life of crime

Get greeted like a nigga
Being met with hostility and racial discrimination

If a nigga saw your show
If someone with prejudice or bias witnessed your success or talent

A public enemy, to send a eye in the scope
Considered a threat or danger, attracting unwanted attention

My city like a island where you can't find a boat
Feeling isolated and trapped in a place where opportunities are scarce

Have you wishin' for a raft
Longing for a means of escape or a better chance at success

And prayin' that hope flows
Hoping for positive change and new opportunities

Some real f'ing things going down low so
There are serious and detrimental issues happening beneath the surface

Who lookin' for a chair and some real strong rope
Those who are desperate or willing to resort to extreme measures to end their suffering

Just to end it all here
Considering suicide as a way to escape the struggles and hardships

Screamin' 'fuck the mayor'
Expressing anger and frustration towards those in power who are perceived as indifferent or corrupt

He see the faces at the bottom of the welfare
The government officials witness the suffering and poverty of those reliant on welfare systems

They act like I'm somethin' to fear
People treat and perceive me as a threat or source of fear

Trapped in urban warfare
Living in an environment characterized by violence, crime, and struggle

And pullin' triggers at a college career
Engaging in violence and criminal activities instead of pursuing education and better opportunities

Can't ignore the call of the wild
Feeling compelled to engage in reckless and dangerous behavior

That's drawin' 'em near
Being attracted or drawn to the allure of a dangerous lifestyle

Try to make fast money last long some years
Attempting to sustain a lavish lifestyle by acquiring quick wealth, but the consequences eventually catch up

Try to laugh it off
Trying to dismiss or downplay the seriousness of the situation

Still couldn't lose the tears
Despite attempting to find humor or resilience, the pain and sadness remain

To the rules, I will not adhere
Refusing to conform or obey societal norms and regulations

Break the law, yeah
Deliberately and knowingly engaging in illegal activities

Who wanna challenge mine?
Who is brave enough or foolish enough to challenge my abilities or authority?

I'm sick of St. Valentine
Feeling tired and disillusioned with love and romance

I did the violent crimes
Acknowledging their participation in violent criminal activities

That's why I got this style of rhyme
The violent experiences and lifestyle have shaped and influenced their artistic expression

Seek repentance to spittin' them sentences
Using music as a form of self-reflection and repentance for their past actions

To senseless experience is the difference
Contrasting their senseless actions in the past to their current experience of seeking redemption

You can't convince this
Others cannot change their perspective or beliefs

In a crime sense, niggas is infants
In terms of engaging in criminal activities, others are inexperienced or naive

I'm like a senior citizen
Having lived a longer life full of criminality and hardship, they consider themselves experienced and wise

Still livin' but gettin' benefits
Despite their past actions, they are still alive and able to enjoy certain privileges or advantages

Put emphasis on hittin' my nemesis in high percentages
Focusing on seeking revenge against their enemies with a high success rate

Crooked ass cops is the reason for my belligerence
Corrupt police officers have provoked their aggressive behavior

And it gets deeper than that
The situation is more complex and profound than initially apparent

Remember nights I used to sleep wit a gat
Recalling the times they slept with a gun for protection

With a package of crack under my sneaker strap
Carrying illegal drugs concealed in their shoes

D's sneak attack and raid me
The police conducted surprise attacks and raids on them

It took a week for that
They were subjected to legal proceedings and investigations for a week

Beat the rat, but you're sayin' 'look, he think he the mack'
Despite avoiding being caught or turning in others, they are still criticized and viewed with superiority by others

Fuck yall!
Expressing anger and defiance towards their critics and detractors

Niggas who thinkin' they might try us
Those who believe they can intimidate or challenge them

Watch us inside riots
Observing and potentially fearing their involvement in violent protests or uprisings

Blue cars and light fires
Referring to police cars and the fires set during riots or protests

We already been knocked, scrutinized
They have already experienced arrest and intense scrutiny from authorities

Plus, cops rush to brutalize us
Police officers quickly resort to violence and mistreatment against them

America's polluted by lust
The country is corrupted by excessive desire and greed

Who could I trust?
Expressing doubts about others' trustworthiness and reliability

If I can't trust you, then I might touch you
If others betray or deceive them, they may resort to violence or retaliation

If I ain't got love for you
If they don't have genuine affection or loyalty towards someone

Then fuck you!
Expressing strong disdain or contempt towards those they do not feel connected to

If I ain't got love for you
If they don't have genuine affection or loyalty towards someone

Then fuck you!
Expressing strong disdain or contempt towards those they do not feel connected to