[Chorus]
I live the life of a thug
Sold many of drugs
Whatever you name it, I've done
Laid a few cats down
I'm on some new shit now
I tell you whatever you name it, I've done
Live the life of a hustla
Keepin' it gangsta
Whatever you name it, I've done
I been all around the world
Met all kinds of girls
I tell you whatever you name it, I've done

[Verse 1]
Coming up I had it bad
I never knew my dad
Only memories, a picture in a frame
He passed away when I was two
There was nothing they could do
And all I know is that they said he was the ladies man
Momma kept pressing on
Her boys kept her strong
We didn't need for much
She did it all alone
She kept her head up high
Till the day she died
Told me to never give up
Do what I gotta, to survive

I been uptown, played many games, hurt by many girls
Been all around, looking for love, but no one to trust
I been locked down with the big boys
See I changed now
The high school diploma made my momma proud

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]
In and out of jail since 12
A juvenile so no bail
Most of my summer days, spent em' away
They gave me a B and E, first degree robbery, criminal mischief
Prosecution's on my heels now
I tried to straighting up too
I got hit by deja vu
A 9 to 5 couldn't find it
My only option was to block it
I been shot at, stabbed
You don't know the half
I was a real ass cat
Taking a look back
The life of a thug

I been uptown, played many games, hurt by many girls
Been all around, looking for love, but no one to trust
I been locked down with the big boys
See I changed now
The high school diploma made my momma proud

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
I been through so much
Didn't know who to trust
I could only count on me
Out in playing in these streets
Had to change up my hustle
Had to live with the struggle
Taking a dozen a blow
It's been a long time coming but I came up
And I gotta thank the Lord
Cause he gave me enough
Anything more than that I wouldn't be where I'm at
Anything less I confess
Look at me now
I'm at my best

[Chorus]

Writer : GAMBLE, KENNY / HUFF, LEON / HOAGLAND, JAHEIM / HOGGES, WESLEY ALLEN
Copyright : Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.