Came up of them corners No handouts
No favor Mama working doubles
Pop stuck with the neighbors Old shoes torn jeans
But a hungry mind Dreaming bout them days
I can leave pain behind OG told me stay solid
Never switch sides So I kept my circle small
And my hustle aligned From the block
We let them sirens sing every night
We learn to fight a star, ain't no other life
Respect the struggle, it made me who I am
Built me from the dirt, turned a boy to a man
Respect the hustle, that grind don't lie
Every scar, every loss, put strength in my eyes
Respect the struggle,
gave me my name
Taught me to love the pain, embrace the gain
Downs cold nights,
still I had a dream Pocket full of hope,
yet a broke boy scheme
Flippin' chains just to keep food on the plate Never folded,
even when the world showed hate
Seen friends fade,
some locked,
some gone But I stood on my own,
yeah I held my throne
That pain in my chest,
it's my drive,
my spark The reason I still shine when the world go dark
You don't know pain till your lights go out Till
the fridge stay empty and you filled with doubt
But I thank God for them lessons,
every tear,
every bruise Cause the struggle built the king that'll never lose
Now it's marble floors,
but I still walk humble Remember them
days where the stomach would rumble
Still ride through the block,
show love to my people Throw hope to the youth,
keep it real,
stay legal
This life ain't sweet,
but it's ours,
no cap From the gutter to the stage,
put my hood on the map
I tell them with pride while I tighten my belt
Respect the struggle cause it gave me wealth
Respect the struggle,
respect the pain Every loss,
every fight brought strength to my name
I'll never forget where I came from,
dear Respect the struggle,
that's why I'm here
Respect the struggle,
respect the pain Every loss,
every fight brought strength to my name
I'll never forget where I came from,
dear Respect the struggle,
that's why I'm here