Early morning in my old hood

Cracked sidewalks where the dreamers stood

Mama told me keep my head up high

But the system got a different guy

Backpack full of demo tapes

Bodega lights and subway gates

Told myself I’d make it out

Now they asking what I’m all about

Lights too bright but I ain’t blind

Every no just means rewind

They don’t know the half of it

Watch me turn this zero lit

I been low I been high

Same dreams under same sky

They don’t build us they deny

But we multiply we fly

I been broke I been gold

Same story getting old

They don’t see us they control

But we own this we unfold

Studio with no AC

Writing rhymes that set me free

Paparazzi with they fake smile

While I’m stacking every mile

Used to sleep on couches now

Every city knows my sound

From the projects to the throne

Built this empire on my own

Same doubts same fears

Same tears through the years

Same hustle different gears

Same vision crystal clear

I been low I been high

Same dreams under same sky

They don’t build us they deny

But we multiply we fly

I been broke I been gold

Same story getting old

They don’t see us they control

But we own this we unfold