Grew up in the city, life wasn't pretty Hustling on corners, my crew and fifty Cold nights, bright lights, dreams of the dough Rivals shooting shots, evading five-oh Hunger in my belly, ambition in my veins Concrete jungle, feeling the chains Momma tried to warn me, said there's more out there But all I ever knew was this life of despair Lost in these streets, heavy burdens I wear Every night I lay down, whispering a prayer Lord, if the streets take me 'fore the dawn's break Keep my soul, for these mistakes I did make Seen my brothers fall, seen them rise again Loyalty's the code, till the very end Gangsta's paradise, where we write the rules Cash, power, respect; that's the hustle's tools Dealing with the deals, trying not to get caught Chasing paper, evading the thoughts Of a life lost, or a soul sold But in the game's grip, man, it's a hard hold Lost in these streets, dreams turning to nightmares Eyes to the sky, hoping someone up there cares Lord, if this night's the last I partake Guide my spirit, my soul please take Tales of the hood, not just sorrow and pain Moments of joy, love, and gain But the shadows lurk, the danger's real Every hustler knows, that cold steel feel Diamonds and gold, symbols of the grind Every step I take, legacy I leave behind Trust's a luxury, betrayal's cheap In the world of the wolves, gotta play for keeps But in quiet moments, I reflect on the cost All the lives lost, all the souls tossed To the wind, but I hope for redemption A street hustler's confession, no pretension Lost in the hustle, surrounded by warfare Eyes closed tight, as I say my street prayer Lord, when the sirens sing, and the lights fade Remember my heart, not just the path I played In this urban saga, dreams and despair All I ask lord, is that you hear my prayer From these asphalt veins, to the throne up high Hear the cries of a gangsta, as I touch the sky