Kids coming up from the alleys not like the valleys

Southtown San Diego rats out here in Cali

So Cal with the crew to show 'em how

you like me now, with the sound straight underground

Putt'n it down, lift up this jewel that i have found

and pass it around, flowing against the crowd

hip-hop hardknox rhy'm soon as the tune drops

negative small talks, homie start kick'n rocks

and take it down the blocks where it belongs

a demo of songs but they wouldn't put me on

thought i was gone, too late, but who's to say

my pockets are empty and i got dues to pay



(B section)

to the tic toc you don't stop

to the tic toc you don't quit, hit it

(Chorus)

Freestyle, freak with the flava it's sure the shot

floss up the Ave. when the shot gets hot

still pay'n dues and knock 'em out the box



that's how it is homie like it or not

it's bad enough late bills keep stacking up

no one ever told me that it would cost this much

so buckle up and come along for the ride

catching the vibes nd staying true to my tribe

i got mad love for the ones that still around

knew you'd be down from the get-go here and now

you make me proud from the diapers to the grave

no masquerade, stayed the same like in the day

one day when we all get saved

we're gonna change the world no matter what they say

and stay real playing what we feel

i'll keep praying for you while you shoot to thrill



(B section)

(Chorus)



(Bridge)

it's been a long time

it's been a long time com'n

hated by many and loved by less

hold the thresh, resurrected here in the West

clinch the fist; dismiss the stereotype myths

loose lips sink ships, then plead the fifth

you hated this, no reason you hated this

if you only knew you'd be the first to enlist

we come in love cause its just how we does

fit the frame staying the same as it ever was



(B section)

(chorus)

(Bridge