Church In Allys

I used to sit at the back of the bus on my way to new Lynn
Had a book full of rhymes back then when
MP three's was running off them batteries
I was the only one doing it, tells you the passion was real
Every time I started rapping, I forgot I was hungry for a meal
Adrenaline running through my veins, feel the pain when I spoke
I stayed down for the come up, now my catalogue making dough
Coming straight out of housing, with the roof cracked

Got happy when I walked in the crib and smelled the chicken backs
Now I'm on my game, I ain't talking about monopoly
I'm working my way to get my fam some property
In a real way, this ain't no Hollywood, I ain't acting
Mirror what they fear I'm here, 'cause, what's happening?

You a product of your environment, or a product of your own?
Do you let them speak for you? You the one that set the tone, 'cause
I know my loved ones coming through, watching over me from a bird's-eye view
And you ain't gotta tell me I'm the truth, I already know
Ever since a youngin' in the booth, I just let it go
Sometimes I gotta pop out and show new ears
Way before them melodic flows, bars ringing they ears
Get gunned down, then them sirens sing, lullabies, mamas cry

Northwest, east side, south side, homicide
Blessed if you got a good paying nine to five
To survive, my brother's taking the risk outside, stay on point

You ain't gotta tell me (You ain't gotta tell me) I'm the truth, I already know
I already know, uh-huh
I went from rags to riches
You ain't gotta tell me I'm the truth, I already know
I already know, I made this beat, by the way, 'cause
I went from rags to riches

I started from the bottom, now I'm counting my blessing
Pressure made diamonds, now I shine through the stress
Told them I was built for the storm, no guessing
Thank you for the pain, every loss was a lesson
What else?
Them doors wasn't open, I had to put it in motion
Kick it down, go in, did it without 'em, now I'm posted
See my haters get toasted, neighborhood

The culture tatted in my flesh, every scar got a name
Every loss made a mark, but a spark the flame
Went from planing them plays in alleyways, stomachs on tilt
Now I'm raising my seeds on them foundations I built
But still I walk in the echoes of the ones I missed
Look to the sky like I know you got something to do with this
Man, it's crazy how it pans out
At school I wasn't shit, now I'm the hottest in my city, and I'm about to go legit

Can't forget them cold nights, I used to bleed for a change
Now the cheques got commas, first class in a plane
Wish I could talk to the younger me and tell him he doing smooth
Every stage is a sermon to the troubled youth
But still

Don't look up to me
Look up to yah
The only One that's gon' set you free

Came from the bottom, now I'm counting my blessing
Pressure made diamonds, now I shine through the stress
Told them I was built for the storm, no guessing
Thank you for the pain, every loss was a lesson
What else?
Them doors wasn't open, I had to put it in motion
Kick it down, go in, did it without, and I'm now I'm posted
See my haters get toasted

Oh, I thank you
Oh, I thank you
Oh, I thank you
Oh, I thank you

You ain't gotta tell me I'm the truth, I already know
You ain't gotta tell me I'm the truth, I already know