Grew Up A Screw Up
Young Jeezy & Ludacris Lyrics

I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
I had a rough upbringing which caused me to make poor choices in life.

Got introduced to the game, to the game then fuckin' blew up.
I was introduced to the streets and hustling, and quickly became successful in that lifestyle.

Whether gettin' money legally or illegally
I had to make money by any means necessary, whether it was through legal or illegal methods.

We gotta do what we gotta do to survive man!
I had to do what I could to survive, even if it meant breaking the law.

Ever since I was an embryo, waitin' to shape up and ship out
From the moment I was conceived, I knew I had to prepare myself to enter the world and succeed.

Somethin' in my brain said, "Wake up and kick out!"
My instincts and drive pushed me to rise up and break free from the limitations around me.

Roberta and Wayne stayed up and flipped out
My parents were shocked and overwhelmed when they saw the potential in me.

'Cause when I came, I was draped up and dripped out
I was born looking fresh and stylish, with clothing that showed off my family's wealth.

Snip the umbilical, spit the government chip out
As soon as I was born, I left behind the limitations and constraints of the system.

Peace out, A-Town gone and then I dipped out
I left my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia to pursue my dreams elsewhere.

And, oh my gosh, the Osh Kosh was picked out
Even as a baby, my parents had me dressed in the best, most fashionable clothes.

I slipped in, even my baby stroller was tricked out
My luxury and style was evident from the very beginning, even in my baby gear.

Somebody get him, the lil' nigga's out of control
People around me couldn't contain my ambition and energy, which sometimes came across as wild and unpredictable.

Put a lil' bit of rum in my bottle; I'll dream about diamonds and gold
Even as a baby, I had expensive tastes and dreamed of wealth and luxury.

Gold, gold, to grow from an infant to toddler was effervescent
Growing up with money and privilege was a sparkling, exciting experience.

The essence of adolescence got my body feelin' fresh'n
As I grew older, my youthful vitality and energy made me feel invincible.

And it was a blessin' to rhyme and start reppin'
I found a talent for rapping, which was a gift and an opportunity to rise up in the world.

I was the best in my section with flows harder than erections
I was confident in my skills and knew I was better than everyone else in my neighborhood.

Still the best, but now I'm grown with more range than a tec's
Even now as an adult, I know I'm still the best rapper around and have expanded my abilities.

And I'm a heavyweight; you niggaz is lighter than my complexion
Compared to me, other rappers are weak and insubstantial.

C.T., know what it is, 'bout 17-5
My crew and I know the ins and outs of the drug trade, including the price of cocaine per ounce.

Homey fronted me a sip, shit, I made it a bird
Someone gave me a sample of a drug, and I turned it into a larger profit.

That's seventeen and a half, all I need is the word
I have access to large quantities of cocaine, but need a buyer to make a deal.

Say, the ice is cool but them pots is hot
Jewelry is nice to have, but the real money is in selling drugs.

You better cook slow but that money come fast
It takes time to properly prepare drugs for sale, but the profits are worth it.

I got what you need; I hope you brought all the cash
I have the drugs that people want, but they need to be prepared to pay a high price.

You know the kid pimpin' all over the world
I have a reputation for being a successful hustler both locally and internationally.

A hundred carats got me all over your girl
I have expensive jewelry and use it to attract attention from women.

Yeah, five freaks and my Gucci duffle bag
I roll with a group of women who are eager to spend time with me.

A corporate thug; I run with a Playaz Circle
I have a professional business persona, but I still run with a successful crew of hustlers.

I got a Field Mob that'll disturb your peace
I am connected to a group that is capable of causing trouble and violence when necessary.

Blowin' Sean Jay, all we do is smoke
My crew and I enjoy smoking weed together.

Finish countin' my bread, and I was gettin' some head
After finishing a drug deal and counting my money, someone was giving me oral sex.

When I came into the game, they ain't do nothin' but doubt me
At the beginning of my career, people didn't have faith in my abilities.

Now the whole game's changed and it ain't nothin' without me
Now, the rap industry relies on my success to stay relevant.

Pickin' up my sloppy seconds as they reach for the crown
Other rappers are trying to copy my style and take advantage of the success I've created.

Only reason you on that song is 'cause I turned that down
Other rappers are only featured on songs because I passed on them.

I went from Hot Wheels to big wheels, Hyundais to Bentleys
I've risen from poverty to incredible wealth and success.

And five course meals, no more Popeye's and Blimpie's
I've gone from eating cheap fast food to enjoying extravagant, high-end meals.

From alright to handsome, from one room to mansions
I've transformed from being just okay-looking to being incredibly attractive, and have moved from living in one-room apartments to owning lavish mansions.

From hangin' on the block to throwin' parties in the Hamptons
I've gone from spending time on the streets to throwing luxurious parties in wealthy communities.

From broke as a joke to rich as a bitch, I bought a
I went from being completely broke to having immense wealth, which allowed me to buy

Plane and a boat and six other whips, no Marta
I now own multiple modes of transportation, including a private plane and boat.

From dice on the curb to stackin' up chips, but harder
I used to spend time gambling on the streets, but now I'm focused on accumulating wealth through hustling and investing.

From birds on my nerves to chicks on my dick!
I used to be frustrated with women, but now I have many women interested in me.

Guard your women, dog
I'm so desirable to women that other men need to watch out for their partners around me.

Went from a kiss on the cheek to doin' the nasty
I've gone from being innocent and polite with women to engaging in sexual activity.

Reach your hand up in the air, and you can play with the stars
With hard work and ambition, anyone can achieve success and greatness.

It's not the hand that you're dealt, but how you're playin' your cards, boy!
Your background or starting position doesn't determine your success - it's about how you make use of what you have and make your own opportunities.