When I was young, I felt like I was born for this sh**
Lately, I do admit, I'm getting bored of this sh**
Rapping just doesn't fulfill me like it used to before
And I don't plan to be a rapper, dawg, I plan to be more
Rhyming just doesn't excite me like it used to when I started
And I guess that over time, me and my pen slowly departed
I struggle now, coming up with songs when it used to come to me as a natural response
And people say that you should always follow your dreams
But in reality, I never planned to be an emcee
Some people ask me, "Ay, yo Lino, how did you start rapping?"
And I don't really know how, dawg, it sorta kinda happened
But I do know why, though. It was to escape reality
To help me feel better when the whole world was mad at me
It's like trying to leave your girl cos it won't work, and you know it
But you can't cos you love her even though you know it's hopeless
(That's my relation with this hip-hop sh**)
(Your music motivates me throughout the whole f**ing day. I'm just telling you, keep making music, keep being humble with your homies, and just keep representing Koreatown)
When I was young, I never thought I'd quit doing graf, until I figured out I was better at making these tracks
And that took me like six years to figure out, but I did
And so I quit it with the spray paint, and started to spit
And now I've figured out I'm better at other things than this rapping sh**
And maybe try to make a f**ing album, what's been stopping me?
I wouldn't be here without support from my homies
If it wasn't for my crew I probably wouldn't be flowin'
If it weren't for Infameezy, you probably wouldn't know me
If it wasn't for EQ, I'd never drop 'Headphones Only'
I'm really thankful that they opened these doors
But most of all, I'm really thankful for their love and support
I'm really thankful for the fans that were there from the start
And I mean that sh** sincerely from the depths of my heart
Cos if it wasn't for your ears, my music would be so lonely
Cos outside of being a rapper, my life is actually boring
(All I have to say is, keep making music, Lino. Never give up, it inspires many people.)
And then I think about the love that you give me
And the joy you might get when you hear me start spitting
And I get inspired right when I'm about to burst
I was done with this song, but then you inspired this verse
I do this sh** for those that saw me climb on this
My day one ever since that Paid Dues Contest
I've come a long way, I've had a little help, though
I hate when rappers say that they did all themselves, bro
Like who was there, man? Who listened to your sh**?
Your fans and your peers, that's why you always show respect
And lowkey, I'm really not that popping in the game
But I guarantee your favorite local rapper knows my name
They might be in their prime, but that won't always be the case
Someone young will always come and straight take away that reign
I just hope to be remembered even after I decay
And hope to leave my legacy here in the city of L.A
As one of K-Town's finest