Don't
Trae feat. Jadakiss Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Think I'm talkin' about some money?
This one of my common peeves ain't it
Damn Diddy leave some for the rest of us
Nigga you don't hustle you don't eat
You don't hustle you don't eat nigga
Hustle harder
Ain't gon' never hustle hard as me
Think I do this for the money?
I do it just for

Waited for luck it never landed (Nah)
Stuck on your block forever stranded (Yea)
I live by the 10 crack commandments
Either you earn respect or you demand it
It's the liquors vs the reefers
It's the angels versus the reaper
You might not know but it gets deeper
You heard my name on the last verse of Ether
You gotta come to the hood if you want to reach us
I'll lay you down in the earth right underneath us
Same town just the poor parts
'Cause the beggers will disappear when the war starts
I'm still out here dog I got war scars
You know me I'm from the bottom where the floor starts
When you're street smart, money's your report card
I got the deck now I can pull a boss card (Top 5)

Just listen, just listen
I'm giving you the blueprint to get it out here
And you don't wanna do what it takes
You wanna stay on your Instagram all day
Take motherfuckin' selfies
And you ain't hustlin' hard, bitch

Yeah, by any means whatever it takes
More or less life or death whatever the case
Its all about your stamina its never the race
Re the bank back up if ever you ace
Hate so official they try offending you
When you die they don't miss you they just remember you
I sat down with the devil and did an interview
I shot rounds with the rebels I'm with the criminals
I put an end to you I save all the small talk for the interludes
I ain't finna loose I'm in a winning mood
I'm with the winning dudes we good in every hood
My niggas been approved
Too much air nigga they gonna pop your inner tube
The work A1 yea nigga and it moves
40s of coke in the sports bar
I'm still shining like the north star




You just another nigga lost pa
I got the deck now I can pull a boss card (Top 5)

Overall Meaning

In the first paragraph of the song "Don't," Trae and Jadakiss address the concept of hustling and the drive to succeed in a competitive environment. The lyrics emphasize the importance of putting in the work to achieve success, with lines like "Nigga you don't hustle you don't eat, you don't hustle you don't eat nigga." They critique the actions of others who may not be putting in the same level of effort, mentioning Diddy and the need for everyone to put in the work to achieve their goals. The chorus repeatedly stresses the need to hustle harder and highlights the determination and perseverance required to make it in a world where success is not handed out easily.


In the second paragraph, the lyrics delve into the realities of life in a challenging environment, where luck may not always be on your side and one can feel stuck in difficult situations. References to the "10 crack commandments" and the dichotomy between earning respect and demanding it speak to the harsh realities of street life and the choices individuals have to make in order to survive and thrive. The imagery of the liquors versus the reefers, and the angels versus the reaper, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complex and dangerous nature of the streets. The reference to Ether and the mention of war scars further emphasize the struggles and conflicts that shape the lives of those living in tough neighborhoods.


In the third paragraph, Jadakiss provides a raw and candid reflection on the harsh realities of the streets and the mindset needed to navigate such environments. He emphasizes the importance of being street smart and the value of money as a measure of success in that world. The reference to pulling a boss card suggests a sense of empowerment and control over one's circumstances, and the lyrics serve as a warning to those who may not be willing to put in the necessary work to succeed. The mention of selfies and Instagram alludes to the distractions and superficial pursuits that can derail one's path to success, contrasting with the gritty and relentless nature of true hustlers.


In the final paragraph, the lyrics continue to explore the themes of resilience, survival, and the determination to overcome obstacles. Jadakiss speaks to the necessity of doing whatever it takes to succeed, even in the face of life or death situations. The references to encounters with the devil and rebels symbolize the constant struggles and challenges faced in such environments, while the emphasis on being with winning individuals and approved by the streets reinforces the idea of surrounding oneself with the right people to achieve success. The imagery of shining like the north star and pulling a boss card signify a sense of accomplishment and authority in one's own right, serving as a reminder of the journey and sacrifices made along the way to reach the top.


Line by Line Meaning

Think I'm talkin' about some money?
Are you assuming I only care about financial gain?


This one of my common peeves ain't it
This is a common annoyance for me, isn't it


Damn Diddy leave some for the rest of us
Hey Diddy, leave some opportunities for the rest of us


Nigga you don't hustle you don't eat
If you don't work hard, you won't succeed


You don't hustle you don't eat nigga
Working hard is essential for success, my friend


Hustle harder
Increase your efforts and work ethic


Ain't gon' never hustle hard as me
No one can outwork me


Think I do this for the money?
Do you believe my motivations are solely financial?


I do it just for
I do it for other reasons beyond money


Waited for luck it never landed (Nah)
I didn't rely on luck, as it never came my way


Stuck on your block forever stranded (Yea)
Remaining in your neighborhood without progress or escape


I live by the 10 crack commandments
I abide by the rules of the street dealing game


Either you earn respect or you demand it
Respect must be earned through actions, not just demanded


It's the liquors vs the reefers
A comparison between wealth and struggle


It's the angels versus the reaper
A battle between good and evil, life and death


You might not know but it gets deeper
There's more to the situation than meets the eye


You heard my name on the last verse of Ether
My reputation precedes me, even in difficult situations


You gotta come to the hood if you want to reach us
To truly understand us, you have to come to our neighborhood


I'll lay you down in the earth right underneath us
You'll end up buried below us if you cross us


Same town just the poor parts
We come from the same city but different circumstances


Cause the beggars will disappear when the war starts
Those who rely on others will vanish when adversity strikes


I'm still out here dog I got war scars
I've experienced hardships and struggles in the streets


You know me I'm from the bottom where the floor starts
I come from the lowest point, at the beginning of the struggle


When you're street smart, money's your report card
Success in the streets is measured by financial gain


I got the deck now I can pull a boss card (Top 5)
I'm in control now and can make powerful moves


Just listen, just listen
Pay attention to my advice and guidance


I'm giving you the blueprint to get it out here
I'm providing you with a plan for success in this environment


And you don't wanna do what it takes
You're not willing to put in the necessary effort


You wanna stay on your Instagram all day
You prefer to waste time on social media rather than work


Take motherfuckin' selfies
Obsessing over self-promotion instead of actual progress


And you ain't hustlin' hard, bitch
You're not putting in the required work, so don't complain


Yeah, by any means whatever it takes
I'll do whatever is necessary to succeed


More or less life or death whatever the case
Success is a matter of survival, no matter the circumstances


Its all about your stamina its never the race
Endurance and persistence matter more than speed


Re the bank back up if ever you ace
Keep your resources secure in case you come out ahead


Hate so official they try offending you
People show their hatred by trying to provoke you


When you die they don't miss you they just remember you
Your legacy lives on, even if you're not appreciated


I sat down with the devil and did an interview
I've faced evil head-on and emerged victorious


I shot rounds with the rebels I'm with the criminals
I've lived a dangerous life, associating with outlaws


I put an end to you I save all the small talk for the interludes
I'm not interested in meaningless conversations


I ain't finna loose I'm in a winning mood
I refuse to lose, I'm focused on victory


I'm with the winning dudes we good in every hood
I'm aligned with successful individuals respected in all neighborhoods


My niggas been approved
My associates have earned their place in this environment


Too much air nigga they gonna pop your inner tube
If you're full of hot air, you'll burst like an inflatable tube


The work A1 yea nigga and it moves
Our efforts are top-notch and produce results


40s of coke in the sports bar
Illegal activities are taking place in plain sight


I'm still shining like the north star
I'm still standing out brightly despite challenges


You just another nigga lost pa
You're just another person struggling to find their way


I got the deck now I can pull a boss card (Top 5)
I'm in control now and can make powerful moves




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Anthem Entertainment
Written by: Jason Phillips, Sean Combs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mmaoverboxing9940

i cant find the lyrics to this anywhere!!

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