[Verse 1]
Back in elementary, I was awarded honor roll
Having a bright future was what I was always told
But now I'm older and folders are filled with grades that are low
And scholarships are important because we don't have the dough
Only African American achieving academically
And just for that, black kids were never feelin' me
Attemptin' to fit in had always been a tendency
So I started slackin' and started actin' outrageously
Middle school came around and I found depression
Then aggression appeared because I feared confession
Didn't wanna admit I was sick of being an outcast
But still, I managed to outlast
Each and every single bully, it took me a while to find myself
Now there ain't a single mountain I can't climb myself
I'm at the peak and I'm peeking over these peeps
Who peeking right up me, peeking right up at me
[Hook x2]
Hold ya head up when it's rough, I know it's tough
With all the pain, gotta make a change when you've had enough
Abstain from things that'll leave
Permanent stains, never defame but break handcuffs
[Verse 2]
College is coming soon, I'm concerned about admission
Gotta apply to Charlotte for the early decision
Either that, UNCG or A&T
As long as I'm not residing in this community
Immunity has developed for any foolery
My character is not defined by my j**elry
It ain't cool to be generous, but I still am
Even when they reviewing me like a k** cam
k** Sam, that is what I stand for
Only way I'm staying strapped is with my Jansport
I don't bust caps, I bust raps
They snicker at this n***a who bigger than all caps
They lower the case for the lack of pigment in the skin
They don't want me to win unless I claim 'em as my kin
And as I begin breathe, they take the knife from the sheathe
And shank me from behind, I needa find a retreat
[Hook x2]