Back In The Day Verse 1 Today’s the last day of class yay! You’ve made it! To graduation! Congratulations! You’ve got a BS! In your BS! And uh PS It won’t relieve stress Now you’re mentally depressed With many regrets, Don’t you wish we had recess? Instead of worrying about student loans And who has the coolest clothes? Because back in the day we’d laugh and we’d play Spin the bottle in Batman PJs To be the guy that shorty liked She wasn’t a model, but we’d try to pick her up with corny lines Before-It’s story time! And nap time ended sooner the more we whined Now I replay the tape to pass time and it won’t rewind! We’re all down to our last dimes and rap rhymes As I ask why Can’t we go back to the way things used ta be? Because everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten How to read words, pictures, how I learned friendships Now I burn bridges as if an arson Sparking flames to the snakes in the garden Until burnt to cinders send the guard in Because these days, kids are marked men And their souls been done hardened If they aren’t then sold in a bargain Left all alone in the cold winter when they’re starving From all they’ve gotta gain, no, hungers not a game If there’s just one thing that I learned from all the pain Good thing that I learned many And I stomached the stomachs that weren’t empty In a sense it’s a kids innocence That makes childhood most precious Versus his adult lessons 94 till…

Humble Beginnings Intro [Dialing phone, Yawn] Hello, OMA residence. Speak Uhhh, hey Malik. How’s it going? Malik? Sir, I think you have the wrong number… Well, I was pretty sure this was the right number. Consider this a wakeup call. Don’t you remember me, Malik? That voice… Verse 1 Don’t you remember? How could you Forget the inner childhood who was behind you Each step of the way Malik? Seven of the days a week, Yeah, we messed up to say the least Every now and then, but now that you’ve let me down again Drowning in misery, history repeats by itself What must I do to remind you Of the times you needed my help? Surely, you didn’t get here all by yourself? Now did you? How can you turn your back And forget to observe that Simple principle to stay modest But now that your earnings have tripled, you can’t pay homage That ain’t being honest, a clean conscious Remembers where you came from because you can’t run Fast enough to escape from memory lane son, don’t you get it? It hurts to even ask; you may be leaving the past, but you’ll be back for a visit And don’t you forget it Chorus Hey me, it’s you, from the past alias, dude, Visiting you of the future to ask late me if I may, ok See if the present is a gift like they say, Maybe it’s true, but it ain’t the excuse for behaving shady as you Turn into the person you’re changing into – you’re friends, you’re family who made me, shaped me, from a baby to you Verse 2 Before you had friends, or followed fads, trends, And the latest fashions or V-necks, You were depressed, one of the rejects At recess you would read unless a bully messed With us, taking your glasses, it was a game For them, playing for practice, bonus points If they get a smashed lens, for us boys It’s eight or six lashes, back whelps from Dad’s black belt Where my back had swelled, my choice was To become numb and callous – cold shoulder as you grow colder With the world – o remember when you didn’t know how to get a girl? Getting turned down, now you’re sick of her? Since when did you get the nerve? Remember this kids a nerd So now that you get your clique yeah sure it’s easy To forget the insecurities, Huh, you’re a tease I was being facetious, the stronger of trees Are deepest rooted – never deceive the peeps Who believed in you, kid Verse 3 Back in the day we would be passing the daily Time together – that is amazing when I consider What has been happening lately, acting so strangely As if you blame me I remember when I was in the picture perfectly None this nonsense would’ve gone if you heard from me Some thought you were much worse to read comics – you weren’t a nerd to me I’m just nervously watching what I’m disturbed to see; A grave I’m burying deeper, if it weren’t for me And the family, my very friends, teachers, And librarians either, I barely would be the Man I am today, Man I cannot say Thanks enough when there are so many to count on And those you look down on, say thanks for nothing So what if they’ve seen you grow up and for what? Then we forget them? You want to be forgiven? Why? You told yourself to hold yourself high I wrote this oath myself I hope it helps, bye [You knew who you were, sounds crazy? It’s true, somewhere in there is the same me as you]

Love’s Grasp Introduction They say played cards right ain't hard, try it Although it ain't alright for laid hearts tied to the table, ok? That's fatal, they make you pay, And since this is senseless, it's best to come to our senses Or they'll regret it because it's better to never love Than to ever love in lost Ms. Just promise you'll never fall in love All it was? Was wanting too bad what you had, But they won’t want you back... Verse 1 I had a crush once, my bad, but just once Was I jabbed, sucker punched by a tad of what love does I’m snagged up because I had the one brush Amongst the wondrous, now that I’m stabbed, the blood runs Out my back because some fucks might blab of dumb fucks Such as us, brains stuffed, mashed, mush, Pain, but half hushed What you heard is the sound of my word After word gets around turning it down By the time I’ve reached you, who’s concerned with it now? I am…I am…I am… Yeah, but who the hell am I? Bad ass attitude, but frail inside Binded in a spell and blinded Can’t look anyone else in my eyes as if You could tell that I’ve – Chorus Just fell a flight of stairs into love’s grasp…love’s grasp I just fell a flight of stairs into love’s grasp… Just fell a flight of stairs into love’s grasp…love’s grasp I just fell a flight of stairs into love’s grasp… Verse 2 But tell me who cares if you’re crush crashed Your joy ride? I’m so dumb, I’m no one Avoid my hurt face, erase her gaze for all of your days I’m a sucker, why? Because I never make it to first base in the first place and you weren’t phased Where the hell do we got to head from here? There some telling me not to shed a tear To act like I’m good shit… And I should get over it Blood could get colder with broken heart, certainly Open on surgery, oh, an emergency? Will she heal me from what I’ve been feeling? It’s silly really so we’ll be stupid, huh? That’s my two cents up cash Being a nuisance sucks ass The little things will be doing for love such as when I must have – Verse 3 Men are meant to grow colder With a cold shoulder And recently insides been eating me alive With confusion, disillusion It’s best when midsections intestines in question To yield then, go with your gut feeling Pain, everyone deals with differently But healing just isn’t for me Some reel in fish in the sea But I’m still been wishing to keep one Until then, bit and release I’ve still been getting to see Without a fuck and a care Abandoning the love in the air Bad lungs expanding, for once I can see this can’t mean a damn thing If we were before, we ain’t anymore The truth is a hard pill to swallow, so I take placebos But now, I can’t say anymore, because I –

If I Were You This is what I would do if I were you This is what I would do if I were you This is what I would do if I were you This is what I would do… Verse 1 In life, there are fights you lose and you win And if I lived twice through you to do it again I’d do it a bit different and root from within Instead of a manner behooving to men you like to please And find what means most to you which may not mean much to most of you Who only do what you're told to do From sources unknown so how do you know which roads to choose with forks in the road? If I were you nobody would tell me how to live my life And in hindsight what if I'm right? Then I can't see a reason why not to be who I've got to be That's all you have in this life, use your passion to guide you Like flashing a light through the darkness Passing just right through your present and future hardships Isn't that what you’d do if you were honest? Chorus If I were you, I’d live my life just to inspire you I’d tell you if I secretly admired you I wouldn't let the day be ruined just by your mood But I’d be thankful for the weather whether skies were blue Or gray, I wouldn't pray they were a lighter hue But that's just me telling you what I would do I guess that's why I'm me and why you’re you I guess that's why I'm me and why you’re you Verse 2 If I were you, I wouldn't complain or gripe about my weight or height My age or type, my face your eyes, but savor life After all, beauty is but a state of mind If I were you, I wouldn't hate your life But if I were you, I wouldn't be afraid to die At any place or time – it’s hard to say goodbye, so make sure that you take your time If I were you, I couldn't make it to the top, but hate the climb so I can't just whine If I were you, I’d know what to say for myself As I delve inside of me, I would be the man I want to be rather than try to be If I were you, I wouldn't be asking why are we required to reach higher Or if it’s only based on desire, but like I said, that's just me if I were… Verse 3 If I were you, I’d keep my past life in the past If I were you I’d live everyday like it’s your last If I were you, I’d keep my eyes on the prize, but still realize the price that it has And if I got invited to smash, I'd act as if it were the first time I'd get some ass Appreciate the little things that I get to have Never take them for granted, because once they're taken, or vanish, you might get them back You might not, you know life is like that Who knows why it's like that, but I've had my share of life’s bads, goods, ups, and downs But I'm proud to uplift myself from the ground Because if I were you, I’d live life to the fullest expectancy If I were you, I’d see right through the bullshit – especially Since we write the rules of our own destiny I’d find the greatness inside of you, but wouldn't think less of me If I were you…

Apathetic and Preoccupied Chorus I’m apathetic I’m half-pathetic I have a headache lost my soul when My heart was broken I lack a medic Hypothetically, I shouldn’t be a-live But that’s just another thing I haven’t realized I’m apathetic I’m half-pathetic I have a headache lost my soul when My heart was broken I lack a medic Hypothetically, I shouldn’t be a-live But that’s just another thing I haven’t realized Verse 1 Huh? Why w-what’d you say? Uhuh, Yeah, I’d love to stay And chit-chat for sure But I’ve gotta get back ta work Just try not ta look at me as a jerk Malik’s not gonna lie but he’s occupied His buddies all decide not to like rap, But that all that he’s got in life So he’s cast off aside and forgot in time Verse 2 I think about my friend’s climb Is this on his mind like it is mine? For the 10th time, no bro you will not get signed Its not rocket science you do not spit rhymes Don’t take it the wrong way-it’s just been a long day I don’t mean to be a ass hole, it’s hard ta just They expect me ta make A’s maintain grades When our brain waves aint even on the same page? Verse 3 I’m being pulled every which way With no escape from my mistakes but this switchblade So please just let me just stay In peace as my soul empties and I’m going to pieces Falling apart with no adhesive Here to adhere to all you see is My rear view indecently if You feel like a million bucks I feel like 15 cents What do I have to live for If I’m not doing what I love I just don’t know…

Human Chorus What it means to be human, What it means to be human, What it means to be human, What it means… What it means to be human What it means to be human… What it means Verse 1 Don’t worry, I come in peace Where am I from? I’m from Mommies Just like you I look just like you too Ehh…close enough, how’ve you been holding up? I may not show it but, I have potent love for all of you Who may never been told enough growing up Afraid to open up, but sure enough I love all of you just like grown men love Their families is that something you can’t believe? No? Then why do you say I can’t come clean? They say it’s insanity, I’m just trying to plant the seed For humanity and water it foster it With love and care like Mother Earth and Father did But all there is are tampered streams Take a gander, see? Land or sea And are we man or beasts? And for me? I’m a human being lover before a tree hugger So why am I asking all these questions? Well, because no one is answering Verse 2 I once thought I was lost in a world of my own, a lonely one You’re not alone or the only one The more I see, the more I realize I don’t need four eyes to see that you’re like me What a discovery, neither of us like the pain or suffering of life But hey, another thing is the joys and delights you enjoy in your life For a second Until a second party destroys it in five from the choices in mind But haven’t we all had it rough? Then that’s enough Going at each other’s throats with bats and slugs And perhaps give love Maybe that is what… [Adlib]

Sweet Tooth Chorus You might just see me in a crisis eating wishing life was easy As I’m receiving diabetes from drinking diet sweet tea At least I’ll have sweet dreams if I die while sleeping No cries, no weeping, just know this soul is finally free Verse 1 Her name is Candy she’s world famous and she’s my addiction We go together like addition To even the odds Two peas in a pod Cuz she’s a sweet pea and life saver Sweetie brings me stride, layers and Twinkies Wink wink, That’s why I date her, I’ve savored Her 35 flavors from our first ice breaker Stars burst, I was hooked line-and-sinker Nothing gets my chick-o-stick that hard Like getting my break of that kit kat bar Verse 2 When you eat a senorita red hot tamale Lick her like a lolli Because she’s tart-sweet tart and eat her face Because she does taste like zebra cakes Now my sweet heart is beating at Chester Cheetah’s pace She’s not an airhead, she’s a smartie who needs a after the pizza party? Before we depart she asks me are we Staying for the night for what? Is that why your buzzed? I know I sure was well, did you like the rush? Verse 3 Mom may say “Look you’re crazy!” but on pay day I’m cutie pie’s sugar daddy she answers “Honey I don’t need 100 grand or money, just sugar babies” Hmmm…not many women said that they’d give me lemonhead Her tongue calls for gum balls now, but not later Without reading its ingredients I whip out the jawbreaker Sour patch kids she steps out her package Extra sexy “Ready daddy” now whatchamacallit is In her belly jelly? “ wow that’s whopper I guess I’ve gotta sweet tooth for sugar walls “Uh, uh, uh, uhhhh, umm, sooo good Soo much better When I’m putting “this is me spoonin with puddin, when I’m putting the spoonin She puts out what I put in Snicker, but she’s my Almond joy

Life In The Fast Lane Chorus Because In life you get no do over’s Living in that fast life might get you pulled over And you don’t see me in a racecar Don’t space out on me homie easy with that space bar Because In life you get no do over’s Living in that fast life might get you pulled over And you don’t see me in a racecar Don’t space out on me homie easy with that space bar Verse 1 And you’ll be off to a great start It aint hard I can’t tell you how many Started good then stray far Now, nobody knows where they are Shot twice, but not dice, and the aint stars But deep beneath the graveyard and dead instead When they made sharp turns misled Intelligent yet they aren’t learned In street smarts to be smart enough to STOP AT THE LIGHT!!! When red, pyramid schemes and give head to get bread As if they haven’t all lost it, sold their souls for a small profit They say money speaks for itself, but it’s small talk shit Verse 2 I’m not making this up life’s crazy enough, anything else maybe the snuff As fast as I can tell might as well get as high as hell Until I lose all sight and smell But what if I’m in jail? Inside a cell? Can I get bail? Connive and tell On all my friends? If not, I’m in deep doo-doo You’d better not peep, you do koo-koo peeps are going to stick it to you Sheesh! Who knew speed threw you for a loop-de loop? (At least I got high)Whoop-di-woo Now you’ve provoked sirens I won’t tell you how to live your life it just sounds the most like sense So my friends don’t end up with a revoked license since Verse 3 Tires might burn with a wide turn At the intersection in a second your whole life turned For the worst it’s a lesson I’ve learned What’s worse? No gas - gas yourself up but you can’t reverse your past Mirrors broke, glass resolved to burn rubber drove fast Who says In life “If you weren’t first then you’re so last”? Ricky Bobby’s legacy isn’t in this and if it is Then we all need to set a speeding limit at least wear a helmet Or prepare to deal with the consequences For those who ask for instruction I’m a witness to mishaps of those who did laps On the path of destruction I’ve suffered headaches DANGER SIGNS UP AHEAD, WAIT!!!

Ride Like Mine Verse 1 Cruising down the street my Jeep when it’s cold When all of a sudden smoke then rose So I get out that bitch thinking it's finna explode But no, I’m just holding up traffic; If I stay any longer all the folks behind me are not going to have it So I go in the back then pry the door open holding it up with pliers I should have applied the WD 40 [Sigh] It’s 3:40; I told my friends I'd be there at 3 to hang out I drove my Jeep Cherokee carefully but it's too far a drive to Shane’s house It's late now I picture them laughing Go ahead and just laugh “Who cares if that thing has enough gas, Can that ratchet have painted piece of crap make it to the gas station?” Chorus You know that you want…don’t you want… Don't you want like mine? You know that you want…don’t you want… Don't you want like mine? Verse 2 Have you ever had your tires slashed? Not because the ride or riders were white or black But just because no one likes your ass? Well, I sure have – twice at that, And I never managed to find out if they knifed or stabbed it to do the damage Bonfire at Port Aransas? I’d better pass if that's where sand is Sometimes, I just can't stand it But as much as I say this, I shouldn't take these things for granted Who cares if it's high maintenance? I don't really care, I'll go anywhere I need to go in my vehicle Even with a broken bass and broken brakes going 18 Slowing safely until I'm going 5 on Ocean Drive And I still got a freaking ticket for an indecent lemon Verse 3 Some days I'm amazed that it even passed inspection In the first place well, except the fashion section And the fact that the doors don't unlock leaves bad impressions – Try the right side instead of the left or whatever But I'm going to drive no questions asked, that's my prize possession I've learned a prideful lesson about my Jeep with 3 different rims I treat it a gem because one man's trash is another man's treasure But as soon as I get some cash, I'm going to find something much damn better – Something that at least carries four because my Jeep has been through enough shit But until then, fuck it - even though my wheels barely roll I'm blaring both of my stereos rolling through the neighborhood very slow Until the whole area code points and yells, “Yo, there he goes!” Say hello to my black Jeep - she's the only one I've got But not for long… Say hello to my black Jeep - she's the only one I've got But not for long… Say hello to my black Jeep - she's the only one I've got But not for long… Say hello to my black Jeep - she's the only one I've got But not for long…

Meant for More Verse 1 The struggle is real – I don't know if I have enough muscles to do deal with the pain When I'm feeling the strain, but I'll keep moving towards the light at the end of the tunnel Until it's a train, still switching lanes until I can say that my meal ticket came If I get a record deal will it change? The stress just continues to build on my brain I wouldn't doubt it if you're feeling the same – Like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place Lost in the car chase, living the fast life without options or hard breaks or stopping at our pace Only pain and misfortune – my eyes no longer conceal the flame when it's scorching; It's more than I can handle, trying to lead by example When I'm more than this when in reality, I’m poor as piss Chorus We’re meant for more; If we could just get our feet near or in the door We could end the wars, heal the sick, and defend the poor Until then we'll just have to endure Verse 2 All I can do now is suck it up, But the problem with that is it fucking sucks And as if all of that shit wasn't enough Now I practice to give up because I have to live up To define my name, grab the future by the reins just like a chain Because slicing veins isn't the only way your life can change I won't try to deny the claims at times I writhe in pain – It's a crying shame, sometimes more than I can take Living as if life's a game until signed or famous Anxious to be the greatest MC attempting to make ends meet But in the end, it may just end me, maybe it ain't what’s in me But us, because it takes convincing when nobody else believes in me – not even me Verse 3 I've been blessed with the drive inside which I used to give lessons to guys Despite you seeing insightfully if I fully live life through “we” Then I'm to see what I view seen in my vision it’s my mission to see The world edified through peace And if I prove each and every one of you wrong from sunup to dawn, so what then? I'm strong when I make the world struggles my own So you won't rely on your muscles alone You wouldn't see light at the end of the tunnel but hope You wouldn't be strangled in the struggle or choked Even if your beginnings are humble or broke, there's a reason you do what you do you I'm sure all of the hustlers know they're not stuck by their ways But work nights or stay late to see brighter days So whatever it is, I hope that you find your way

Heroes & Villains It's scary to get denied everywhere you go Except area 51 lifes a bitch, but I married her 69ed And carried her if the times get tough With the might of 25,000 ordinary but wimpy lives I don't give up even if Superman rarely was lifting my Burdens, must have had a swift demise By the hands of kryptonite but the real mystery is Verse 1 Where are Batman and Nightwing when I need them to kill Mr. Freeze And fight kingpins like penguin, striking them, found that damn clown with his pants down I can't count how often that come in handy, but you probably don't understand me; Most folks think, “Can he be considered family when he hasn't even noted a plan B?” All they see is a boy who grow up from a baby which Became discontent – a dissident But I think maybe that I go by two different alias around descendant of aliens That origin may begin to explain why yours truly came With mutant blood coursing through his veins But they tell me that the truth is vain Chorus Life doesn't always go in 2 colors But shades of grey are also which true colors If someone could only pave the way or take the pain away Then maybe they could save the day Life doesn't always go in 2 colors But shades of grey are also which true colors If someone could only pave the way or take the pain away Then maybe they could save the day Verse 2 What if Banner hit a homer instead of just first base for a shortstop? And Hulk smashed Betty on the first date? I'll bet hear from Thunderbolt Ross who’d strike thee like lightning Despite being puny human, not Norse God Why can't I be guided by the father that Thor’s got So I wouldn't wander on my course, lost Maybe then, I could open opportunity’s door knobs What if Spider-man lead us across the entire land And sleight of hands weren’t high in demand Firebrands weren’t silenced lambs by the hands of Iron Man Ain’t it ironic Ain’t shit like comics? Patriotic folks lacking the character of Captain America Just burst and they bury you Punish the criminals just as a sentinel, Avengers Assemble ayo, fuck this shit, it’s some bull Verse 3 Protagonist and antagonist causes effects and catalyst Ain't that a bitch? I'm drowning in the sea responsibilities, help Batman, give me your utility belt But why would he help a schmuck like me If he just didn't give a fuck like me? The Robin Hoods I see are robbing hoods nightly – Law abiding citizens, all but blindly Yet, then again, where would I be if I stop looking for a sign Realizing there's more to life than being on the border line If I did like high standards to live by Then I wouldn’t stoop to their level If you are a dare-devil I challenge you to stand up Like the Supermen and women you are Because average humans don't get too far

Win or Lose Verse 1 Success isn't half as nice as advertised – that’s bad advice What you need to know to achieve your goals ain't really that unbelievable Life is a give-and-take; I don't take shit or give fucks But most of you get stuck then give up How can you feel like shit and still like it? If I live your life then what will I get in return? I've never been concerned with the rap game, the cash, fame Or even leaving a legacy for my last name I’ll sleep in peace when this planet has changed Easier said than done, shit But with that said I've done it Because I’m the shit – why fight it? You’ve studied history – I write it And time flies when having fun But you haven't won until asking us: Chorus Are you a winner, or a loser? Because beggars can't be choosers In order for you to win, Somebody has to lose I hate the games that we play, but that's the rules Verse 2 You win some, you lose some, but that doesn't mean you were a loser Refuse to give up, and you'll have a future People pleasers seem to think I'm hallucinating Because I'm asking for too much I just want the world, the moon, the stars Ask and you shall receive, then the world will soon be ours Nothing comes out of my mouth without meaning it I need this shit, and I’ll allow nothing between me and it, so be a dick Tell me not to dream, to quit But I’ll reward those who believe in it Because you're the one who gave me a kick in the rear When I was prepared to throw in the towel Didn't kick me when I was down But rid me of the force holding me down Which was me, the only thing now I can do is succeed because seeing my dream Shatterer like shat turds Is getting on my last nerve I paint my pain with bad words so I guess it’s back to the blackboard Well, any last words? When you’re new, you don't realize winners used to be beginners too It’s your mood since winners have a bigger view than quitters do So instead of bitter feuds No matter how much I get refused, I'm still letting loose

Farewell Verse 1 I'm still learning to let go so let's go Recollect those memories and stories we had together To piece back together, the good, ugly, bad, whatever you might find In between the pages, ages of misdemeanor in Marina have been redeemed But you’d never know what it meant to me, the beginning of ascending up high In any way you can think of when we were friendlier Getting together took little effort like “f- it” and didn't ignore friends Like you've never met her or him before then One man's trash is another man's treasure – a fortune But fortunately, since we've taken leave we haven't forgotten That quality time wasn't for nothing Chorus I’m saying farewell, I can’t take you home… Verse 2 I reminisce on memories which isn’t easy When yours is hit or miss But it’s a risk I’d take again with you As long as I make a friend or two… Like Tran, Itana, Shane, Nguyen, Boru, Pam and Carla, Frank, Stephan, and Drew, Dan, D-Money, Cody, Ramzi, Andrew, Dennis, Mark and Ms. Carden too, Darcy Houton, Aaron, Pat, Ian, GQ Marley, Lucas, Hunter, Matthew, Christian, Ryan, Byron, Nick, Ben, Ivan, Brian, Caleb, Jacob, DJ Freyna, Christina, Enoch, Senet, Mom and Dad, Donovan, George, Dave, Rainey, Stormy, Clayton, Jorge, Rayon, did I say Sean? Desean Ana, Tamara, and Samantha, Gabby, and lastly, but not least, Avi Verse 3 I miss you all, but sometimes, you’ve got to just move on That doesn't mean it's time to lose bonds Only that it's time to write some new songs so that you have news stories to tell Because if you tell the same stories over and over, overtime, it becomes boring as hell And don't forget that you ain’t won if you forget where you came from Caught up by the hang ups and forget about the little people told you to stay tough When you could have gave up from the lovers to the haters To the movers to the shakers, those who believed in the dream The doubters, and everything in between It just seems that a friendship can be the greatest of things And just enjoy the ride Don’t be so busy living that is destroys your life