[Chorus: Trife Da God (sample)] We love hip hop, and live a life of crime Felt like I've been robbed, gotta take what's rightfully mine So I'm staying on my job, yo, as far as the grinds Gotta put in that work every day and just (put it on the line) Strong mind still shine, young man in my prime Had to switch it up on 'em, had to change with the times Now the flows upgraded, got the labels in line And sold five, get ya money up b**h (put it on the line) [Trife Da God] You about to read the greatest book ever published The life and times of Trife Diesel, I give my heart to the public Peep how a young boy was discovered, follow me, y'all And bare witness as a n***a touch on these subjects The year was 1980, the summer was hot and hazy Reagan was president, and Nancy was the first lady Born to a Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, a healthy lad Wasn't poor, but, I didn't come from a wealthy pad Moms and dad still married, they both try'nna provide Two brothers and two sisters, I'm the youngest out of five Stapleton's where I reside, the north side of the Island Where try'nna survive was a challenge, my hood was flooded with violence And crack was the new epidemic, and by the early 90's
The recall law was pa**ed down by the Senate The Yankees just won a pennant, and Jordan was in his prime Now I'm living this life where I'm forced to (put it on the line) [Chorus] [Trife Da God] I'm on a journey, leaving no stone unturned For your concern brother, I work for all I earn Whether a crib in the p's, or a five mill mansion Showing my a** like a stripper on some high heels dancing Nowadays I'm showing expansion, controlling my team And f** a but-but, I'm try'nna get ahold of that phantom My pops taught me how to hustle and attend to your ventures Cuz a man is not a man if he ain't got no incentitive Dealing with money, then everything has a percentage Whether street or corporate office, try to keep a good image Note these j**els I had to swallow, them words I still follow Describe all, now me and this music, we such a good combo Every 'morning' like Alonzo, I was serving indiction Getting that money, fam, no matter the weather conditions So I learned that it's better to listen, play your position If you can't take the heat, then stay the hell out the kitchen [Chorus]