J. Cole - The Warm Up Album Lyrics

Yeah
You ever prayed for something your whole life?
I mean, all you dreamed about was this one thing
I mean, you know it's coming
You have faith and all that
But sometimes, sometimes you second-guess yourself

That's human nature I suppose, second-guessing
When life seems to take you through more downs than ups
Seems like it gives you more losses than wins
But do you stand tall and be bold
Or do you fold?
Do you believe?
See, me, I came a long way
Way too far for me to stop now
Not that I would stop anyways, but
I'm so close, I can feel it
Can you feel it?

Warm up

Yeah, hey!
Yeah, hey!
Fayattenam, yeah!
Bitch!
Yeah!

I'm sipping liquor for the pain, pouring liquor for the slain
Nothing else can do the trick like hard liquor to the brain
Fall victim to the game, all this money we spent
In my mind trynna figure where these twenty G's went
Maybe I should slow it down, maybe take the pace slow
Second thought I think I need to speed it up and make more
Time to build, lego, in the Ville laid low,
Counting days still waiting on that shit I prayed for
Am I ungrateful? Want it all so quick
Feel a vibrate-hold up, I got a call, old bitch
How she get my new shit? I swear this city too small
Type of chick won't take her shirt off cause her tities too small
I could give a damn girl, lift up that pretty blue bra
Now I'm in it deep, seeing just how pretty you are
And that kitty go hard. Lord, I'm up in that,
Got that type of kitty cat that make a nigga double back
Type of shit that make a nigga wanna fall in love with that
At the door with a towel on and nothing under that, saying Welcome

Hey, yeah
Yeah, welcome
Yeah, yeah

I let these words flow out, like water from a sprout
Like rain from the clouds, rush the pain from the crowds
Cause these words go deep, from my soul when I speak
Then the flows hits the souls of all those that I reach
If I die 'fore I wake, hope my songs live on
Will they miss me when I'm gone? - And if so, for how long?
So much shit is on my brain, try hard to maintain
Sit and analysis my thought sometimes and wonder if I'm sane
Man, it's hard to trust friends, when the paranoia blends
With the marijuana, wonder would this high ever end
Swear I never smoke again, ya'll niggas blow the weed,
Let me take another shot, Men this liquor is all I need
Just to put me in the zone, so far away from home
Nobody truly know me got me feeling so alone
They wonder what's on my mind, what's lingering in my dome
I tell em ain't nothing wrong,
I deal with it on my own
I deal with it on my own

I deal with it on my own nigga
Ya'll welcome

Yeah!

Pussy my passion, never been a fan of flashing
Probably cause I never could so if I had it, never would.
Then I got my first lil taste of paper, and I splurged
I guess it's just the nigga urge,
This is the Boondocks, I swear yo I'm like Huey mixed with Riley
Thursday I be trynna save the world, and then on Friday I hit the club
Hoping that my dick get rubbed by some fat asses
Niggas get to scraping then you hear the gats blasting Damn!
Older niggas ain't got no problems with me
My momma told me to speak like you got a college degree
You see I can, but I won't, plus I'm saying what I won't
Plus this slang that I speak don't change that I'm deep
That's the throat, on a certified freak, while she choke?
As we headed to the crib, yes I let her give me head
So she don't remember where I live, my game is tight,
Baby no need to bring pajamas, you ain't staying the night
No disrespect, I just say it polite
I drop her off before I sleep, I be praying for life

Like Hov said it can I live? (Can I live)
Aye dear Lord, can I live? (Can I live)
Hey!

Now am I Living to get paid just slaves for a wage (all week)
I can't do no 9 to 5 told my momma (sorry)
I can't do no suit and tie, no I want the (glory)
If you knew me know my life is like a movie starring me
Pardon me, if it seems that I'm following my dreams
I ain't reading off the script that they picked (for me)
I ain't pissed, naw could'nt give a shit (hardly)
I be shitting on them niggas that was shitting on me
Will I live or will I die before they get to know me
If I go I know the ones that's pouring liquor for me
And I know the fake niggas really hating on me
Knew that I was bout to blow so they was waiting on me
But Oh-no, Lord
See I'm smarter then they know-oh-oh
So hold on, Lord, cause I ain't quite ready to go-oh oh

Can I live?

Somebody told me that it's only one shot,
So I'll be God damn, If I'm ever gonna stop
Promise to my momma I'm a make it to the top
So I'm a keep climbing to my heartbeat drop

Like the phone when she heard the news
Her sister on the other line talkin' to her shoes
The only son, what a thing to lose
More blacks singing more blues
More niggas pouring more brews
Poor dude he was young like 21,
Straight up out that city that I'm from
A real smart nigga, but his niggas they was dumb
He ain't even get a chance to run
Before it landed in his lung
God, breath nigga.
His partner screaming don't you *** leave nigga!
Took off his shirt trynna stop the bleeding nigga, don't you go!
But his life fading slow
Did I tell my mom I love her, do she know?
Did I tell my baby sorry from befo'
Won't get to see my son grow
Lord I ain't ready to go

Can I live?
Can I live?
Dear Lord, can I live?
Can I live? Yea

Yeah
Yeah
Yeah
Uh

Now I was dreamin' 'bout a deal at the age of thirteen
I was fiendin' for the mils, I ain't talkin' Burger King
Some of my niggas in the Ville, all they did was serve fiends
F*ck scales, I had skills, all day rehearsing
Them pretty boys had them gals, spent they time flirting
All they wanted was some waves like they f*cking surfing
Hold up now, don't get it twisted, I ain't hatin', do your thing
I was like a young Simba, couldn't wait to be the king
Now, a nigga is the prince
Hopped over the fence where the grass way greener
Look at shawty ass, way meaner
Somethin' like Serena mixed with Trina, have you seen her?
She fine enough to be Ms. Howard, word to Adina
My money like a senior, watch it graduate
Now it's time to eat, I'm lettin' all my niggas grab a plate
Gravitate to real shit, stay away from phonies
These niggas heard about me, now they actin' like they know me

Keep on sayin', "Where you goin', nigga?"
Shit, it ain't no tellin', huh, yeah
"Ayy, where you goin', nigga?"
Ayy, it ain't no tellin', yeah
They keep on sayin', "Where you goin', nigga?" Goin', nigga
Ayy, it ain't no tellin', yeah
Can't tell you where I'm goin', just know I won't stop
Goodbye to the bottom, hello to the top, uh

Pardon the interruption
A proper introduction is necessary when your shit is legendary, man
Greedy niggas wouldn't let me in the cafeterian
'Cause they ain't believe, suddenly they Presbyterian
The hoes is librarians, they lookin' me up
She got a jones like Marion, she lickin' me up
Then we cut, look how she say my name
I got her moanin', "J. Cole," they used to say, "Jermaine"
I never change, I'm like a corpse in a coffin, six feet, shit's deep
I was low, just a dollar and some hope fixed me
'Cause I was broke, plus the weed that I would smoke would make it worser
Lord, please let my problems disappear like Ron Mercer
I'm a star, Converses
Conversin' with them girls with them curves like cursive
They open like curtains
'Cause my shit is unheard of like curses on the radio
Same bitches used to play me, though

Now, they yellin', "Where you goin', nigga?"
Shit, it ain't no tellin', huh, yeah
"Ayy, where you goin', nigga?"
Shit, it ain't no tellin', yeah
They keep on sayin', "Where you goin', nigga?" Goin', nigga
It ain't no tellin', yeah
I can't tell you where I'm goin', just know I won't stop
Goodbye to the bottom (yeah), hello to the top, yeah

I left the city for a minute, but it's still on my back
Told my niggas, "Ayy, I'm finna put the Ville on the map"
"I'll be back, and I'm comin' with a deal and a plaque"
'Cause I'm ill, bitch, they couldn't make a pill for the rap
Pourin' liquor for my niggas that was killed, send 'em back
Came home, shit is real, niggas still in the trap
Hold up now, don't get it twisted, if you slang, do your thing
Me, I'm like a young Simba, I can't wait to be the king, witness the dream
Straight out that Carolina water, I was brought up
In the city where the skinny niggas tryna be the ballers
Ain't no fathers, but the skinny niggas tryna hit they daughters
Sneakin' in her crib, but her mama never caught us
What they taught us?
Man, them bad bitches only want the ballers and starters
We hoopin', now the hoes wanna guard us
Uh, okay, so play D, know what I mean?
And I, I, I'll put you on the team
Man, this life is but a dream and I need a fast car
Bad broads, fast forward, passport, I'm a f*ckin' rap star

"Ayy, where you goin', nigga?"
Shit, it ain't no tellin', yeah
They say this life is but a dream, well, I need a fast car
Bad broads, fast forward, passport, I'm a f*ckin' rap star
"Ayy, where you goin', nigga?"
Yeah, it ain't no tellin'

"That was the warm up, that was the warm up
Baby aight, Elite, for real, one take, dawg
And I'm up outta here one, yup, yeah"

Lord, please forgive me for my sinning
I ain't saying that I'm finished
But I'm praying in advance
Cause the way her eyes glance like
They playing in my pants yeah, ball game
I swear the hoes wasn't in
My plans when a nigga
Took the chance and came to the big city
My beat machine the only f*cking
Thing I had with me like Bobby had Whitney
We was cooking up crack
But them fifteen credit's had
A nigga off track picture that
Best rapper since Lil Wayne in classes
The best bachelor since Bruce
Wayne with his bachelor's
But mastered this rap shit
You hear the words coming
From my lips bastards
I never crack, I got that Chapstick
I practiced till that shit
Made perfect and served
It to the people on a silver platter
Now where's the ladder?
Cause either you gonna whine or you
Climb I chose the latter
Know you haters is pissed
Hold your bladder though
'Fore you get tossed like a forward lateral
We never tattle, let God handle that
Or let the mob handle that
No Soprano, half black
Half white I'm a piano
I'm an animal, my video on Discovery Channel
I'm a beast when my shit hit's the streets
These niggas cease to exist
Like a beach in a tsunami
You'll find me in the 'Ville
In the state of NC
Bitch, if I ain't back home, I'm up in NYC
'Bout that money prob-ly like
A f*cking robbery but I ain't jacking
I'm chasing dreams sort of like jeans, boy
I ain't slacking
I'm chasing dreams sort of like jeans, boy
I ain't slacking
Hey, take a hard look at my drive nigga
No hacking on my shit
I'm straight smacking niggas
Straight tagging niggas
Yo, I freestyle and f*ck you niggas
Ya'll be wilding and I'm out

Uh, yeah

Yeah, uh
I had this little bad thing something like them Tens,
She gave a nigga made brain something like the wiz
But you see the sad things f*ckin with her is,
Is the chick ain't even have brains, dummy like a bitch so I try to show her,
About the world and about just who we really are
And where we've come and how we still have to go really far,
Like baby look at how we lived broke on the boulevard
But all she ever want me to do is unhook her bra
Then all I really want is for her to go down low
Before you know it she wet enough to get drowned slow
And all that deep shit I was previously down for
Replaced by freak shit I am currently down for
You see I peeped it pussy is power
That proud feeling we get knowing that pussy is ours
And how it, feels to feel that feeling you feeling when you be drilling that shit
Got her saying you be killing that shit
And all the pain the world cause she be healing that shit
And naw that ain't your girl dog you be feeling that shit
And you just wanna tell her everything she might need
But in the mean time it's lights please

Lights please, lights please, turn of the lights
For now everything just seem so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
Feeling like things goin be alright

Lights please, lights please, turn of the lights
For now everything just seem so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
Feeling like things goin be alright

Yeah uh
So now we in a hotel mirrors on the sealing
She said she wanna blow L's I hear her and I'm willing
But every time I smoke well a nigga mind gone,
So that every word I spoke well I'm tryna put her on but she couldn't hear me,
I told her all about how we have been living a lie
And that they love to see us all go to prison and die
Like baby look at how they show us on the tv screen,
But all she ever want me to do is unzip her jeans,
And all I really want is for her to get on top,
Before you know it she workin jerkin it nonstop
And all that neck shit I was previously talking
Is now that wet shit that I'm currently lost in
And while that sweat drip I am reminded
All the times my brother told me that pussy is blinded
I'm finding, the more I grow the more ya'll seem to stay the same,
Don't even know the rules but yet ya'll tryna play the game
And ain't a shame, for how niggas blame ho's for giving birth
To a baby that took two to make coward nigga you a fake
How u goin look in your sons face and turn back
Then go start another family dog, what type a shit is that
She said it's okay, rub my head and told me to relax
Laid a nigga down proper like she was recording tracks,
Said I know you wanna change the world but for the night please
Just reach over and hit the lights please

Lights please, lights please, turn of the lights
For now everything just seem so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
Feeling like things goin be alright

Lights please, lights please, turn of the lights
For now everything just seem so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
Feeling like things goin be alright

I'm out for presidents to represent me, yeah
I'm out for presidents to represent me, yeah (Yeah)
I'm out for presidents to represent me, yeah (Fayettenam)
I'm out for dead presidents f*ckin' to represent me

Uh, these niggas is playing Russian roulette with a full clip, foolish
My crew is fooless naw we don't dance all we do is stay two steps ahead
Make the hoes get loose like a noose neck - Instead
While these dudes beg for head, they got the game twisted,
Heavy traffic in this rap shit, look how my lane shifted,
Elevated my game, lifted my name, now these lame niggas could never get it
Like that bad bitch you wanted but could never hit it
Clever with it, my flow like a devil spit it and heaven sent it
So high if I dropped I would fall for 11 minutes
So yea, I operate on a higher plain, my thoughts take a higher train
It's dope, then you should know the suppliers name
It's J. Cole, set of horns and a halo
And all these Jose Consacos wanna text-us like Waco
It's hard to remain faithful niggas be throwing hate yo
I'm in a league of my own so what the f*ck would I play for!?
Some next niggas almost slide in but didn't fit in
Naw I ain't Maury Povich but who the f*ck is you kid-in?
These big weight niggas throwing their bid in
Try not to show stress, I guess the flow is protested like a sit in
I told my niggas we would get in but that ain't even half the battle
Stay behind like a shadow or you catapult
Not if I had a ladder or not even if I had a rope
I'd climb that motherf*cker to the top and never let it go!

I'm out for presidents to represent me (Yeah uh)
I'm out for presidents to represent me nigga!
I'm out for president to represent me, yea!
I'm out for dead f*ckin presidents to represent me! (Warm up!)
I'm out for presidents to represent me (Yeah, Warm up!)
I'm out for presidents to represent me (yeah, Warm up!)
I'm out for presidents to represent me (This is, the Warm up!)
I'm out for dead f*ckin presidents to represent me!

Ay, look heaven or hell you choose, freedom or jail, you lose
I can't stop em as hot as the devils shoes
Overcame a low life status to blow like Gladys
Ahead of my time like I live my whole life backwards
I'm nothing like these hoe-like rappers
My whole life practice to be the one
What's it like to be Lebron
They calling you the saviour, so much pressure but you deal with it
The weight of the world on your shoulders but you still lift it
I'll with it for real, lil nigga from Ville that real niggas can feel
Nobody taught us how to cook still niggas a grill, no Foreman,
Try not to call them ladies Bs but them hoes swarmin
Now honey, Ay is it destiny or is it money your feelin
Heard rumors of a deal and now you thinkin a million
Pardon my paranoid mind but I'm starin in the mirror
Livin in fear that things a never be the same
No one left for me to blame but myself cause I asked for this
Headed for fame but in my brain, hey can I last in this?
Ay five years I'll probably laugh at this
Try not to let it wear me out like a bad bitch with fashion sense
I keep it fresh while these whack niggas rehash and shit
Jackin styles you know, ski mask and shit
I'm pass these niggas, they trynna do it how these other niggas did it
I'm trynna live it how no other niggas ever lived it!

I'm out for dead f*ckin presidents to represent me!
Dead f*ckin presidents to represent me!
I'm out for dead f*ckin presidents to represent me!
Dead f*ckin presidents to represent me! (The Warm up)
I'm out for f*cking presidents to represent me! (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
I'm out for f*cking presidents to represent me! (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
I'm out for f*cking presidents to represent me! (The Warm up! Hey!)
I'm out for f*cking presidents to represent me! (Fayattenaaaam! nigga yea!)
I'm out for f*cking presidents to represent me! (Carolina all day!)
I'm out for f*cking presidents to represent me! (Yea!)
I'm out for dead f*ckin presidents to represent me!
Aye!

Ha! Yeah!
Yeah! (Yeah!)
Yeah! (Carolina stand up)
One two one two
I'm good to go ya'll
Yeah! (Fayettenam)
Yeah! (Haha)

I woke up early in the mornin' hoes blowin up my phone
Ain't use to small talkin' when they know I'm Tryna bone, f*ck em'
I'll holla later man, right now my mind else where
My moms health care, get her out this hell here
A lot of niggas fail, but frail niggas won't prevail here
We seen it all man niggas can't even spell scared
A fresh prince but yo my city ain't no Bel-Air
F*ck if you would sell, I'm worried bout my welfare
So farewell to them broke days and bonjour to the most paid
Soon as my dough straight, I throw the wifey in some dolce
And put some chains on my niggas like own slaves, I get up!
Look out the window hope the sun shining down on a nigga outhere front lining
I hit the streets and see them boys out here locking up some older head
So god damn homey hold ya head (And hold ya head)

I get up!
I see the clouds from my window
I pray the sun gon' shine this way
And where I go as the wind blow
Momma ya son gon' find his way
And if I gotta crawl I'm a make to the end though
Up to the top if climb my way
And tell em' I'm a rise I'm on my...
Headed for the sky I'm on my way

Yeah!
Paint a picture and show the deaf what it's like to listen
And speak the words and tell a blind man what he missin'
For all my niggas doin' time man up in prison
Thought you had to resort to crime man f*ck the system
We raisin' babies up in hades where it ain't' no hope
Ain't no fathers don't take no scholarship to slang no dope
Politicians hollerin' bout' problems but I ain't gon' vote
He talk bout change still we floatin' in the same ol' boat
So tell me how I'm suppose to feel when the president spoke
When he ain't neva had to struggle ain't neva been broke
Ain't even roll through the ghetto ain't neva been close
Trustin' this government like trustin' the devil in oath
A rebel with quotes, I get up!
Life style of the young black and reckless
A generation of niggas strapped and askin' questions
Like tell me why ain't got shit
I let this liquor fill my liver with them toxic, as I sip

I get up!
I see the clouds from my window
I pray the sun gon' shine this way
And where I go as the wind blow
Momma ya son gon' find his way
And if I gotta crawl I'm a make to the end though
Up to the top if climb my way
And tell em' I'm a rise I'm on my...
Headed for the sky I'm on my way

Yeah
To all my niggas paper chasin', I pray for your patience
Just keep the faith that you gon' make it one day you'll be cakin'
Takin' this shit one step at a time, that real shit is stuck in my mind
But to that bullshit I'm deaf and I'm blind
Destined to shine I'm a find a way
Cause hey, dammit them jobs out there ain't tryna pay
I pray, granted 9 to 5 is how you survive
I ain't tryna survive, I'm tryna throw my momma in rides
I'm a provide for my seed I'm the soil
I teach em' bout' loyalty
I teach em' that his skin black like oil that's for royalty
I show em' all the things that my pops was neva showin' me
Treat em' like a growin' tree with this poetry, I get up!
And show the sons how to lead not to follow
The present is our gift but our seeds got tommorow
So please niggas raise your kids
And help em' overcome that bullshit they daze us with
I blaze the shit

I get up!
I see the clouds from my window
I pray the sun gon' shine this way
And where I go as the wind blow
Momma ya son gon' find his way
And if I gotta crawl I'm a make to the end though
Up to the top if climb my way
And tell em' I'm a rise I'm on my...
Headed for the sky I'm on my way

Yea, like I said man,
Ya'll niggas need to be out there and smoking something man
You know what I'm saying?

Yea,
It's Cole, won't lie,
Won't stop to the race is won
Niggas who be rapping how real they are,
Usually turn out to be the fakest ones
Carolina where I made it from,
Cold world no blanket son
Girls fast how Jamaican run,
Puffin on the city where the Lakers from,
L-A, L-A, la la, so high everything is a ha ha from me
Dreamin of the days of a Drop 500
And a bad bitch that will go to Popeyes for me
You can never tell me that I'm not hungry,
If you ever felt what's inside my tummy
My mom wanting out, is my time running out?
Is the Lord up top with a stop watch for me?
Hope not... hope not... hope nothope not

My world is empty without you babe (Yeah)
My world is empty without you (I'm just tryna make it, my nigga)

Yea yea
A wise nigga told me don't chase that cash
Follow your heart you'll make that fast
Does a stripper love to shake that ass
Or does she wise to erase that past?
Got a nigga in her face just gassed
Like, baby girl why you take this path?
Stack in his hand trynna make that last,
All she thinking bout is how to take his last
Rub tities in his face and laugh,
Hotta try not to look fake in fact
A little more money like a few more 20s
And you let that nigga grab your naked ass?
Okay hes gone now, roll her eyes when he whispers in her ear,
This ain't the life for you baby let me take you out of here cause

My world is empty without you babe (She like, nigga yeah right)
My world is empty without you (Do you know how much mutha f*cking money I'm making?)

Yea my nigga sit back blow in the air
Only getting high cause we close to the hell
Niggas trynna like like Hova but well,
We broke and that doe coming slow as a snail
Hustle hard til there no inhale
Hit the block like a postman with mail
My brother got knocked now the hold him in cells
My mom broke but she posted the bail
Someway, some how niggas feelin like the sun down even when the sun up!
Hear the sound out the window of the gun bust
And you wonder why niggas keep the gun tucked
But, this how niggas was brung up
A mother just trynna raise her sun up
Til a stray bullet got his lungs struck
And the Governor could'ntgive one f*ck while she sangin

My world is empty without you babe (Damn, told ya'll niggas Cold World, No Blanket)
My world is empty without you (Tough luck, yea)

Yeah! Uh!
Yeah, you gotta look,
You gotta follow me, what I'm doin' rite here mayne
Like when I say this shit is crazy,
I don't mean it's crazy like crazy
I just mean crazy like it's f*ckin', it's actually crazy,
Nah'mean
Yeah!

Seems like I always had crushes on chicks I couldn't have
And then I end up f*cking with someone I shouldn't have
See, in my mind, it's like I'm perfect for her, I gotta show her
But sadly, in reality, dog, I don't even know her
But still somehow she got my mind infatuated
Absolutely fascinated with the thoughts of what she might be like
Time after time after time I had to wait, is-
Is fate procrastinating?
I can take it 'cause I might be right, 'cause it's

This is the girl of my dreams, yeah
Ay, is she good as what she seems?
Uh, or am I lying to myself?
Uh, ay should I try and get some help?
Yeah, this is the girl of my dreams
Is she good as what she seems?
Or am I lying to myself?
Ay, should I try and get some help?

Yeah, yeah
Oh shit, she passed me on the boulevard
Ay, tell me is it stalking if I follow her
Like all the way home without her knowing
Nah, nigga, I'm just curious where she stay at
Besides when I'm with her, this gon' be the spot we lay at
And maybe I'll just drive by occassionally
And if one day I happen to see her outside, she wave to me,
Imagine what she'll say to me
This ain't no time to be afraid no more
It's time for bravery
No matter if my homies think I'm crazy

This the girl of my dreams
Hey, ay is she good as what she seems?
Uh, or am I lying to myself?
Uh, ay should I try and get some help?
Yeah, this is the girl of my dreams
Ay, is she good as what she seems?
Or am I lying to myself?
Ay, should I try and get some help?

Yeah, yeah, look
I spot her walking in the mall, okay, it's time to grow some balls
If she really gon' be yours, oh my god, I'm walking towards her
My mind screaming stop, but my legs keep walking forward
Straighten up your face, nigga, she see you coming for her
My heartbeat racing, and my hands keep shaking
Say something, you shy motherf*cker, she's waiting,
"Wassup girl, don't mean to interrupt
But in the city I done met a lot of women
But you from my dreams, ay will you come true?
I know about a show that we can catch,
Some R&B and rap, ay you should come thru"
She said, "uh, I love too, except I don't like rap
Besides, if I went with you, then I don't really think my man would like that"
Damn! Man,
Okay, you say you got a man,
I mean, I definitely understand, I'm happy for you, really am,
I couldn't have been the only fan in the world Of a girl like you
I mean, you're beautiful, and I'm sure he's a very nice dude
It ain't no biggie, well I'm sure that I'm gon' see you around the city
Only thing I ask if shit don't work out for y'all, don't forget me
And don't act like a stranger when you see me on the scene
I came up with a world-class scheme to get

The girl of my dreams
Uh, ay is she good as what she seems?
Uh, or am I lying to myself?
Or should I try and get some help?
This is the girl of my dreams
Ay is she good as what she seems?
Or am I lying to myself?
Ay should I try and get some help?

Yeah, yeah
So I find out the nigga name, know exactly where he stayin'
Find out when he leave for work, hold up nigga, is you sane?
I'm a follow in my car; I'm a cut in front of his
Run him right into the wall, maybe even off the bridge
I give her a little time, then console her while she crying
She gon' take that as a sign; finally she will be mine
I'll be king, and she'll be queen when I hit her with ring
At the wedding, who gon' sing?

This the girl of my dreams
Is she good as what she seems?
Or am I lying to myself?
Ay should I try and get some help?
Ay, this is the girl of my dreams
Is she good as what she seems?
Or am I lying to myself?
Think I should I try and get some help?

Haha
Yeah
Aye!

Yep
Da dump dump
This is the....warm up

Ok I roll up, hold up, look at how I showed up
I blowed up had a hole up in my pocket now its sowed up
They feenin for that crack, you know that rock, I got that product
You niggas tryna stop it betta load up
I hang my coat up
Ah I'm goin be here for a while so I smile hatas
I'm on that green like a flower like a alligator
Now or laters, I'm serving niggas Imma sound waiter
Just tell me what you want, I bring that back an hour later
Look how how I cater, dog what you fraid of, nothing
They talking gangsta, without no data, they frontin
Jackie chan, jean claude van dam straight stuntin,
I wish a nigga would say something
Imma carolina nigga boy I got it on my back
Piggyback style I aint talkin bout no tat
And Imma rep the ville in every city that im at
And I guareente I'm bring home plaques
Shout out to my brother zach
And my mother
I love you
Yea, look,
Aint that about a bitch this nigga on his own his dick
They say I'm like the human body I produce my own shit
And I toot my own horn, a star when I was born
My name aint james, my word is bond
Yeah
Shout out to cannibus had a similar line ninety-eight ninety-nine
Damn them was the times
Nevermind dwelling in the past, your listening to the future
Them flows get tighter, them hoes get looser
Then they wanna suduce you like medusa be cool
I said "I got a girl", she told me "me too"
So that must mean you want a nigga to eat that seafood (shit)
Baby dont be foolish, but call her I'll watch her do it
You know

And this is only the warm up

Hey, hey, yea, yea,
Got a dolla and a dream
Yea
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
Yea
I got a dolla and a dream, hey
[clears throat]

Ay, I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
Niggas hatin' but I love them even though they trynna scheme
But I'm past that, a niggas stock is raising like the Nastec
They same I'm the future but yet I'm giving niggas flashbacks
Of better days, when you ain't have to settle for whatever played
I represent the struggle nigga I say what they never say
Whenever they, spit that bullshit they spittin,
This that pool pit I'm hittin niggas with the gospel
Hostile with them hoes, I got a dolla in my pocket, plus a dream
Yea you laughing my nigga but everything ain't what it seems
What it means to know your momma or your father on that pipe
On that hard white, I'll tell you what them scars like
I'm speaking through these bars like a nigga in the jail
Tired of sifting through my mails I feel like Cartwright, bills
Forreal, a nigga I'll
Just let me do the talking men I know how niggas feel

I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems

Yeah
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
Every lady ain't no hoe, and every bitch ya'll ain't no queen
Every nigga ain't no dog, and every nigga ain't no king
Shit be happening for a reason, everything is everything
Every nigga can't dunk, so white man can jump
They shooting niggas fo' they even tell em put their hands up!
Crooked cops, got a nigga scared to drive
Probably thinking that I'm slanging man I see it in their eyes
But inside of my pocket is a dolla plus a dream
Yea you swear your girl is faithful everything ain't what it seems
See I seen how she glance and look away like she want it
I ain't saying I'm a f*ck her but I could if I wanted
Know it hurts that she flirts with a nigga this is worst
I bet if I was to hit it man, I wouldn't be the first
This is church, this is gospel
Spit it like I get from the Bible, for your survival

I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
I got a dolla and a dream
Yeah I got a dolla and a dream

Check it
Ay Salle, I know I ain't been answering your calls,
But shit, let me explain-
It's because times been hard, been runnin around trynna find a job
I hear my phone ringing in the morning, 9 o'clock
And it's you, can't even front I press ignore
I still got cha letters laying in my dresser draw
You telling me about all the things you did for me
When I was broke, you sent me doe and that was big for me
See you was there every year when I needed you,
And you were so quick to give I had to be with you
Remember when I used to call you on your phone line
I knew it was official when my momma cosigned
But in no time, a nigga graduated
I hit the real world, baby girl I'm sad to say it
But I was using you, you gave a nigga major stacks
And I know one day in my heart one day that I'm gon pay you back"
I got a dolla and a dream
Everything ain't what it seems

I feel like we should just, you know
Keep the world in suspense no longer (yeah)
And you know, just put J. Cole on the spot (yeah)
Woo
Yeah, is there any way you can turn me up? Yeah, yeah
We got Roc Nation's first artist in here, J. Cole (yeah, hey)
On the spot
Yeah, there's no way to turn me up?
You got that?
If not, it's all good
Yeah
Hey, hey, hey

I bet they never seen him comin' like a blind bitch you f*ckin' from behind
It's the motherf*ckin' don, bitch, I'm f*ckin' up rewind buttons
My shit is jumpin' like the prom
Fayettenam on my back like some scratches from your lady
On your mattress where they gave me that
I bet niggas can't wait to pay me back
While they relax, I stay in tip-top shape
And I stay up on my toes like some gym socks, flip-flops
Tell them haters to rehab, kick rocks (woo)
Game tight like Ziploc
Half Black, other half white like Kid Rock
Tried to tell it to a cizz-op
Thought it would work, it did not
He told me, "Nigga, stizz-op, you know you is not"
Wrote the ticket and rizz-ocked
F*ck, this is for hip-hop, gassed up like a quick stop
Done lit a fire under my ass, nigga, my shit hot
Even if you squatted over volcanoes, nigga, your shit not
I'm raw, but I kid not, your shit flop
I give props to the legends
Praise God, but I give not to the reverends
Lookin' up to the Heavens like, "Where did all my blessings go?"
You chase a dream, but then you stop, guess you'll never know (woo)
I got a show for you to watch, here's an episode, professional
Set to blow any minute now, many women smile
Look, the lights and the action and the cameras be callin'
You niggas gotta log in, bitch, you fantasy ballin'
I snuck up like I planned to be, this ain't random, we called it
Like once they get a hit of this, they hooked like that Twitter shit
Thought I get a deal and head straight to the dealership
But lookin' at my deal, I probably can't afford benefits
Medical, dental shit
Left, but I always came back like a rent-a-whip
Dirty-ass game, dawg, I could run a kennel with
All these bitch niggas who don't lift a finger
Yet they wanna ride in a limo with
Me, I switch the tempo on 'em sort of like Timbo on 'em
Start talkin' that we shit, I pause, Nintendo on 'em
Start talkin' that beef shit, I turn to Kimbo on 'em
I got no words for these niggas, I'm instrumental on 'em, yeah (woo)
And I'll still keep goin', keep flowin' (J. Cole)

Yeah, J. Cole (woo)
I don't think he's done, man, we, we need more (yeah)
I feel like he's not done (yeah), I feel like he's not done

Yeah yeah yeah
Elite Elite Elite... Elite
Ya know

Yeah, yeah
Slim nigga, lyrically on my limbs
Bigga then a nigga hittin' the gym
Regular benchpressin' the bar,
Ten steps up from ya'll, you could follow my lead,
If you shoot for the stars, I guess you aimin' at me
But please hold your applause
Ya'll holdin' up the wall goddammit I'm on the flo'
Good Lord, can't you see me gettin' down on a ho
And she drop it so low she sittin down on the flo'
I never pound with the flo, at times I wonder
Aye when they listen to my shit man can they hear my hunger
Or will these hatin' ass rappers try to steal my thunder
Aye this is big shit poppin', you gon' need a plunger
To take me under, niggas in trouble
You lookin' at Lebron James of the game
I could do anything that you name
I could blaze any rapper in the game that you bring
Pour gasoline on the brain, got the flame for that
So you hatin' niggas refrain from that
A little bitter cause yo game is whack
I'll let Elite breathe, yeah
I'll let Elite breathe, yeah

Aye you ain't gotta cry, don't worry 'bout me
I know it won't be long 'fore you know about me
My head's to the sky and I'm on my grind
I'm reachin' for the clouds, tryna take what's mine
Take what's mine
Hey, hey

A dolla and a dream, that's all a nigga got
So, if it's 'bout that C.R.E.A.M, then I'm all up in the spot
I'm just warmin' up, I'm hot but naw I ain't flashin'
I never gave a f*ck about no high-end fashion
And maybe I was too broke, maybe I'm just too dope
To rap about that regular shit, or bag a regular bitch
These niggas talkin' like they on the next level and shit
But Cole's flow so cold, swear the devil get sick
How do you want it? So sick I make you mentally vomit
These rappers askin' for beats and they ain't even fit to be on it
I see 'em writin' about rappers, I should be sick to my stomach
Because they talk 'bout the future but didn't mention me on it
So now I'm back in the kitchen, cookin' I'm meant to be one of the greatest
No niggas seein' me, this century us and you hate it
Look how I played it, other niggas was jaded
Under-appreciated, now Carolina is rated
I let Elite breathe, yeah
Hey, uh uh uh
I let Elite breathe, yeah

Aye you ain't gotta cry, don't worry 'bout me
I know it won't be long 'fore you know about me
My head's to the sky and I'm on my grind
I'm reachin' for the clouds, tryna take what's mine
Take what's mine
Hey, hey

LA, NC, NY, the Chi
Yeah, hey, yeah

I wake up, hop out the shower, spray cologne on while I'm dressin'
They hollering 'bout recession so my niggas out here stressin'
But, bitch, I'm live and breathin', so to me, that there's a blessin'
See life is like a test that I ain't never got no F in
Steppin' out today
I gotta leave the crib, mama stressin' out, I pray
That ain't nobody gon' pull the weapon out and spray
'Cause I don't got no strap
And ever since we hit depression, niggas don't know how to act, in fact
There goes some niggas there, hatin', I feel the stare
Me verse you shinin', that's like a diamond and silverware
Let y'all feel the glare, I gotta go now
I'm ridin' through the city with the windows rolled down, shorty hollered
So I pulled up beside her, I'm frontin', "What's your name?"
She told me, "Boy, you know me, don't play no games
Now, look, they say you're blowin' up, hey, is it true?" Fired up
I say, "Girl, they wasn't kiddin' like they tubes tied up"

I'm hollerin', "Hey"
Good God, what a day
I gotta say it feels good to get away
Where ain't nobody stressin' over shit they gotta pay
Ayy, tell me what's work without play?
All my niggas hollerin', "Hey"
Good God, what a day
Hey, baby girl, tell me can you get away?
Where ain't nobody hollerin' 'bout the problems of the world
It's just me and my favorite girl
Now all around, they holler

Okay, so word been spreadin'
That I done jetted to New York, I was up there doin' my thing
So now, some folks I used to know is hollerin' out, "J. Cole"
I gotta chuckle 'cause I know they used to say Jermaine, so who changed?
What's in a name, though, when niggas can't hang on your shoestrings?
The flow insane, plus I got that flamethrow, that Liu Kang
Even in the winter, we bring feelings of summer, Suzanne
We get them hooked like T-Pain, and scoop them hoes like loose change
Can you blame me? I'm just a boy straight out the Ville
These wanksta-ass niggas gettin' played out for real
You actin' like you trill, nigga, you bet' not
You talkin' out your ass, you finna get your head rocked
This is where they shootin' sideways, boys gettin' blazed
Can't afford to fly, so we get high to get away
Now come here, ladies, see we tryna get you loose, pour it up
Take this juice, we gon' mix it with this Goose, don't throw it up

I'm hollerin', "Hey"
Good God, what a day
I gotta say it feels good to get away
Where ain't nobody stressin' over shit they gotta pay
Ayy, tell me what's work without play?
All my niggas hollerin', "Hey"
Good God, what a day
Hey, baby girl, tell me can you get away?
Where ain't nobody hollerin' 'bout the problems of the world
It's just me and my favorite girl
Now all around, they holler

Yeah
Hey
Yeah
Hey
Yeah

Yea,
We fresh off-mutherf*ckin South Beach
Yea, uh,

Sometimes play the villan, sometimes play the hero
Sometimes I be dealer, sometimes I be primo
Sometimes I be feeling, I got a big ego
Other times a nigga swim a round like Nemo
Uh, small fish in a big ass pond
Pushed around like a mower on a big ass lawn
I get my weight up, inflat up
And make these old niggas open the gate up
At the mansions that they laid up in
Like, Hello my name is Cole" - I'm walking right up in and well known
Don't give a f*ck it you gon hate it man, hey fellow
Either you follow me or swallow me bitch
And I done hit to many hoes to ever pause that shit
Now since I just seen my face up in the XXL
A few chicks want to text let's chill-how obvious
Girls from all over the world is my hobby
And I got a chic who stay in DC like a lobbyist
My old chick from Rawley that I still like to parley with
Just to hear that accent, now come and get that back bent
The moans turn to screams, I can feel her climaxing
Now if you faking that baby you need to try acting
Hollywood shit, had a nigga feeling like the milkman
Deliver that due to body good dick
Feeling like I got game that Karate could'nt kick,
Therefore I'm bagging things that you probably wouldn't get, what up!
I'm a talk until you tell me shut up
Uh, and we can walk the beach until the sun up
Huh, I ain't gon lie I'm trynna get some cut up!
Ay, so what up!
Hey, you heard that huh?
Oh you ain't heard of me well I prefer that!
Uh, I text my number to you did you get that?
Huh, well when you lonely baby you can hit back
And I'll fix that
Tell me is you with that, hey,
Ay tell me is you with that
Ay tell em is you with that
Yea, ay baby is you with that! Yea

Yeah, hey, look

When she talks, she's so close-minded
All she wanna do is shop, she's so clothes-minded
Wanna cop the latest 'fore them other hoes find it
Material girl yet somehow I don't mind it
Probably 'cause she so fine, it'll blow your mind
She black and Pocahontas, laid back and blow that chronic
Ass so fat, wanna tatt my logo on it
So any other nigga that a tap will know it's mine
I put in work overtime
Let me cut, mow the lawn, guarantee I blow your mind
She tried to play me 'til she learned I wrote a rhyme
That's that nigga from the Ville that I heard that Hova signed
The rap form Lebron, oh, girl, that boy the bomb
No chain around his neck, but better watch out for the charm
You're not my daughter, um, but you can be my baby
Summertime, wintertime, any time, we looking for them ladies

Yeah, ayy with your fat-ass booty and your pretty-ass weave
Yeah, now I ain't tricking, but I got a couple tricks under my sleeve
Yeah, now clap your hands one time if you know you look good
Yeah, now if you from the suburbs or the hood (yeah, ayy, look)

She said, "I got a man," well, baby, I don't give a f*ck
See, me, I understand and I ain't tryna split you up
Okay, give me your number and later I'ma hit you up
If you sleep, I'll get you up, ride over and pick you up
If it's clean, I'll lick you up, yeah, do you research
I'll rock that ass to sleep and have you sleeping in my T-shirt
Just came home from getting my South Beach on
You know I ran the streets like a dog without a leash on
She tryna get her freak on, come hop up on this ski jet
You scared of that water or you just scared to get your weave wet?
Barely got your feet wet, yes, I know where we headed
Tryna see you throw it back, let's check your reflexes
Good, Lord, didn't know what I was in for
You could be my cuddy buddy, baby, what are friends for?
I speed up the tempo, them other niggas lazy
Can't f*ck with nothin' younger than the '80s
I'm grown and I'm looking for some ladies

Ladies, yeah, with your fat-ass booty and your pretty-ass weave
Yeah, it ain't no tricking, but I got a couple tricks under my sleeve
Hey, and clap your hands one time if you know you look good
Yeah, look, now if you from the suburbs or the hood
I'm lookin' for some

Hey, girl, what's your name?
Oh, wow, you look so nice
I know your man is satisfied
And, young lady, what's your name?
Oh, wow, I know your man is pleased all the way down to his knees
And what's your name?
Tell me, I know your man is worried
About where you are tonight, huh?
Well, ladies, all of you ladies
All over the world
I want you to help me sing this, here we go

Ladies
Beautiful ladies
Oh, ladies
All you ladies
Beautiful ladies

(Make your pants on fire) uh, yeah
(Liar)
Yeah
(take you higher)
Let me warm up, man, let me warm up, man (inspire)
I gotta warm up, man
Yeah, Elite, what up?
Yeah, Warm Up
Yeah, look

Niggas wanna know the formula for success
Shit, but I studied for this test
Ayy, nigga, I'm better than the rest, you just rest, boy, please
Me, I'm tryna stretch my treasure chest, like some double D breasts
So a nigga on a quest, no question
So I tell 'em birds, "No nesting"
Laying in my bed, hope to lay a nigga egg
No, you'll never hatch mine
Baby, you don't match mine
I'm tryna shine like the bat sign when it's crime
And the gats flyin' up in Gotham, watch 'em
Far from a thug, but I'll drop one
Far from a scrub, but I'll mop 'em
Watch 'em, better leave 'em alone like Stockton
When he retired
Shit, your shit is fire, boy, stop
I don't buy it, boycott, stop lying
Your shit is not hot, man, if niggas not buying
It's not rocket science
But the way I rock, it help me build up my alliance
These niggas ain't playing in New York like the Giants, ha
A little line to show love to the city that got no love
Don't want to see a nigga grow, rather see a nigga holed-up
That's cold-blooded, well, never to fail
If you can make it here, you can make it from Heaven or Hell
I'm just a little nigga straight out the 'Ville
Always been sick, probably never get well
And no time soon, step to a nigga get four times two
Good the way I spit it, leave your mind blew with more rhymes due
Nigga, you tryin' who?
Shit, nigga, you trying me?
Bitch, I'm better than all them niggas you tryna be
Shit, nigga, you trying me?
Bitch, I'm better than all them niggas you tryna be

Look, it's no time to chill, I'm tryna get mills
It's no time to chill, I'm tryna build
Bitch, it's no time to chill, I'm tryna get mills
It's no time to chill, I'm tryna build
Bitch, it's no time to chill, I'm tryna get mills
It's no time to chill, I'm tryna build
Bitch, it's no time to chill, I'm tryna get mills
It's no time to chill, nigga, yeah

Yeah
Keep followin' me
Keep callin' me
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah, ayy

Believe in God like the sun up in the sky
Science can tell us how (but), it can't tell us why
I seen a baby cry then seconds later, she laughs
The beauty of life, the pain never lasts
The rain always pass, the sun don't always shine (yeah)
When it's gone, I'm lonely, but when it's there, I'm fine
I hate the wintertime because the nights come quicker
The light make them whites think I'm a nice young nigga
But at night, they think twice and walk a little faster
It's funny, hundred years ago, I'd have called this nigga Master
How the tables turn, but still the fire burnin', uh
I feel the heat, the world is a dryer turnin', turnin'
I'm lookin' for some higher learnin', learnin'
Girl, you what I desire, yearnin', yearnin'
You say I'm easily distracted
I think the problem is I'm easily attracted
By the dark side, the temptation got me questionin' where my heart lies
I'm tryna separate myself like apartheid, but ayy, the liquor keep swallowin'
I swear I walk with God, but the Devil keep followin', followin'
I say the Devil keep followin', followin'
I say the Devil keep followin', followin'
I say the Devil keep followin'

Uh
Feel like I'm ridin' on a chartered plane of broken-hearted pain
Turbulence is constant, my pilot has gone insane
If I can find a parachute to parasail
Maybe these parasites of paranoia won't prevail
Character dope as hell
But where is my parallel sweetheart? Deep thoughts
Lost in my brain, so I sleep hard nights with no progress
Mane, I'm thinkin' like I'll probably find a Loch Ness
In the projects before I find this
Object of my love, this object of my heart
Guitar strings is strum in search of my counterpart
Bound to start drinkin' and smokin', sink in this ocean
Leapin' through the badness, hopin' I'm reachin' for closeness
Feel like the Devil keep followin' me
Feel like the Devil keep followin' me
Uh

Yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yup (for my niggas, ayy, hold me down)
(Uh, this to my ladies)
(Hold me down)
Yeah (hold me down)
Ayy

Ayy, if my heart stop pumpin' tomorrow, don't feel no sorrow (nah)
'Cause life is hard mentally (yeah) and everything is meant to be
Sometimes, I ask myself, if I was gone, who would remember me?
It's hard to tell, oh well, sit back and sip this Hennessy
Now lately, it's been hard to tell my friends 'part from my enemies
'Cause plenty niggas show me love, but in they hearts, they envy me, why?
I'm just a nigga from around the way
Told my mama I'll make it happen and I found a way
Pour out some liquor for my niggas at the crossroads (rest in peace)
And may the Lord give guidance to the lost souls
I know that deep inside, these niggas know it's more to life
Than mackin' hoes and stacking dough, man, I'm sorta like
A nigga who done seen greener grass
So when they think they ballin' like the Dream Team
My nigga, I done seen meaner cash
And I'm tryna get it, follow me, nigga, I'm on the prowl (yeah)
Headed to the top, you watchin' me, nigga?
Then hold it down

Hold it down, if you need to holla at me
Don't hesitate to call, it ain't a problem
I can be there, I'll ride for you, lie for you (yeah)
I know you'd do the same, I would die for you
So hold me down
When the times is hard, I'll be around (I'll be around, nigga)
Yeah, so hold it down
And it don't matter how far, I'll be around (yeah)
Yeah, I'll hold it down

You was my nigga from the younger days
We grew up, I went to school, you went the other way (my nigga)
But still my brother, man, I'm sitting, reminiscing on (yeah)
All of them bitches we was trippin' over kissin' on
Or at the skatin' rink, you tryna bag some new hoes
And If I needed gear, you let me hold your new clothes
And vice-a-versa, man
But now that life is worser, man, a nigga slow cakin' (man)
I'm broke tryna chase a dream, you just got probation and I'm stressed
Your little sister pregnant, what's next?
Oh shit, my mama doin' drugs, at times, it's hard to feel blessed
In this madness, I holla at my nigga in the sadness
Remember when your mama tried to beat you with that bat? Shit
Remember your chick Nina? Man, that ass was the fattest (damn)
Remember my crush on Sabrina? Yo, she still the baddest
I'm just glad that I can holla at you, it's been a while
And 'til the next time I hear from you, ayy, hold it down

Hold it down, if you need to holla at me
Don't hesitate to call, it ain't a problem
I can be there, I'll ride for you, lie for you (yeah)
I know you'd do the same, I would die for you
So hold it down
And when the times is hard, I'll be around (yeah, I'll be around)
Yeah, so hold me down (yeah)
And it don't matter how far, I'll be around (yeah)
Yeah, I'll hold it down

Ayy, these is tough times, baby, but we'll make it through
You know I'm headed for the top, I swear I'm takin' you
Just hold a nigga down through this bad weather
The rain fallin', ain't ballin', but I have better
A woman with an ass and a strong mind, it's been a long time (yeah)
Sometimes, you on your bullshit, sometimes, I'm on mine
Will I have a hard time to stay committed?
Or do I only want your voice moanin' when I hit it?
Man, only God knows
I know deep in your heart, you don't want me to be no star, though
There's groupies after every show, you scared I'm f*ckin' every ho
And, girl, I ain't gon' lie and say I won't, 'cause, shit, you never know
But may the Lord give me strength, I love you more than anything
The future mother of my kids (hey)
The love is real and if we ever part, God forbid
I love you still, so when I'm on the road, don't trip
You know I'm down for you
Keep it tight and don't slip and hold it down for me

Hold it down, if you need to holla at me
Don't hesitate to call, it ain't a problem (yeah, yeah, yeah)
I can be there, I'll ride for you, lie for you (yeah, for all my niggas)
I know you'd do the same, I would die for you (yeah)
And hold me down
When the times is hard, I'll be around (call me when you need me)
Yeah, so hold me down
And it don't matter how far, I'll be around (yeah, yeah)
Yeah, I'll hold it down (call me when you need me)

Ayy, call me when you need me
Uh, call me when you need me (I'll hold it down)
Call me when you need me
I, I (I'll hold it down)

Yeah, Warm Up
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la, la-la-la
Ayy, yeah
Fayettenam

Now I am (here's to the Roc)
Hey, and they ask and they ask and they ask and I tell 'em
Mr. Fayettenam, ay (Mr. Roc-a-fella)
Wave your glasses, your glasses
Your glasses to the sky and
(Here's to the Roc) yeah, Warm Up
This is the last call for alcohol
This is The Warm Up (Mr. Roc-a-fella)
Warm Up, yeah, look

Now to the few niggas out there who heard my last shit
Which, if I must say so myself, that was a classic
I never been the type to ride my own coat-tail
But it's obvious I'm here to stay, a f*ckin' hotel
I came up, I warmed up, the next up, I blow up
If you ain't peep the trend by now, with each rap, I go up
Look, all he wanted was a deal, so when he got it, he just faded
But tell me what's a deal when you wanna be the greatest?
So, Jay, I appreciate it, hell of a steppin' stone
Wonder if he see it in my eyes, I'm tryna get the throne
Wonder if the people know how many nights I spent alone
Makin' beats, writin' rhymes, thinkin' deep, fightin' time
Gettin' better, but wasn't gettin' younger
And all that time can make the most confident nigga wonder
But never doubted or allowed that shit to phase me, yo
Just switched my thoughts up like the stations on the radio

Nigga, now I am (here's to the Roc)
Yeah, yeah, and they ask and they ask and they ask and I tell 'em
Mr. Fayettenam (Mr. Roc-a-fella)
Wave your glasses, your glasses
Your glasses to the sky and
Ayy, I'm just gettin' warmed up, my nigga (here's to the Roc)
Hey, this the last call for alcohol
This is The Warm Up, yeah (Mr. Roc-a-fella)
So get your back up off the wall, yeah

Now may I never slip up or let my grip up
I know my girl be prayin', "Lord, just keep his pants zipped up"
"Now if some groupie bitch is on his dick, then make it stiff up"
"At least give the nigga common sense to wrap his dick up"
Toast, let's lift up our glasses and sip up
We fly past, they look up, they don't last, they give up
They don't blast, we clip up
Then empty and indeed, we hit the target, yes
These niggas think they the shit and they ain't even farted yet
Style incomplete like a garbage-ass quarterback
My offense is for real
Ayy, f*ck sacked, niggas gettin' coffined in the Ville
Way too often and it feels wrong
New York niggas f*ck with me, I got 'em singin' Ville songs
Guess it's only right because we grew up singin' they shit
Big shit, Mase shit, Nas shit, Jay shit
Time for a Carolina nigga to take his place with the greats
A slim nigga makin' bold statements, uh
"Ayy, J. Cole, how you do that there?"
"I hear you're blowin' up, my nigga," I'm like, "True that," yeah
In NY, but smile every time I flew back there
That Carolina, Fayettenam, oh yeah, my crew back there
I go home, been so long, they sayin', "You back here?"
It took a turn for the worse, boy, don't move back here
Don't do that, yo, who that? He rep the Ville when he spit it
Told you he'd be back with a record deal and he did it, nigga
F*ck spinnin' on my pivot, homie
I'm finna travel 'til the refs blow the whistle on me
I got a whole f*ckin' city that's just sittin' on me
But yet, it fits on my back, my state is sittin' on that
Will I drop? I think not, I get up while they stop
Like the sleeves on tank tops, they ain't give it all they got
So they flop, so, hey, watch how I'm finna take they spot
Now I'm startin' and they not, let me show you how to stay hot
I play not, man, I'm killin' 'em, even your idols feelin' 'em, dawg
The same nigga used to chill in the mall
While they was still in the mall, I was up there spillin' my rap
The hero fightin' villains just to put the Ville on the map

Now I am (here's to the Roc)
Yeah, yeah, and they ask and they ask and they ask and I tell 'em
Mr. Fayettenam (Mr. Roc-a-fella)
Wave your glasses, your glasses
Your glasses to the sky and
(Here's to the Roc)
Hey, yeah, this the last call for alcohol
This is the f*ckin' Warm Up, yeah (Mr. Roc-a-fella)
Get your ass up off the wall, yeah

Yeah, man, so, shit, this was The Warm Up
Um, what can I say, what can I say?
If you heard The Come Up, you know what that was about
Just a lil' nigga from North Carolina, man
Fayettenam, to be exact
Moved to NYC
Um, you know, chasin' the dream
I used college, if y'all niggas don't know
I used college as like the tool to get to New York
That's all I really had
I ain't have no family up here or nothin' like that
I came up here on a scholarship, nigga went to college
And the, and the whole time
I ain't even think I was gon' have to finish college
I just thought, you know, I'd be signed by like my freshman year
So I wouldn't have to finish college
But it didn't happen like that, obviously
Nigga graduated, um, and things started fallin' into place
I got way more focused, I dropped The Come Up
And I look at The Come Up like niggas
Like, like how kinda how when I was in high school
Just picture this, The Warm Up is about a nigga
Who did not make the team when he tried out
And I know it's a lotta niggas out there that know that feeling, man
You try out, you, you think you deserve to be on the team
And you go that day to look at the cut list
You wake up, you know, you can't even sleep
You just like, "Damn, I'm gon' make the team tomorrow"
"I did my thing in tryouts"
You go to the list
All the niggas is lookin' at they names on the list
Some niggas is like, "Aw shit, I see my name, I'm good, I'm good"
"nigga, I'm good, I see my name"
And you lookin' for your name
And you kinda playin' the back
Tryna wait 'til niggas clear out 'cause you not sure
And you go to the list and, and your name ain't there
Like, and you like, "How the f*ck did I not make this team?"
"I'm better than him, I'm better than him, I'm better than him"
So a lotta niggas either quit or some niggas'll go harder
So that's how I kinda took the rap shit when I put out The Come Up
'Cause ever since I was like fifteen, I thought I was supposed to be signed
But it didn't, you know, obviously, shit, everything happens for a reason
So, shit, fast forward to The Warm Up
This is just me, like, you know
Bein' that nigga that's practicin' and makin' sure it's no way
It's undeniable that when I go to tryouts
There's no way the f*ckin' coach is passin' up on me, my nigga
So that's what this whole mixtape was about and, lo and behold, you know
As I'm finishin' up the mixtape, the deal come
You know? Thank God, I'm blessed, everything happens for a reason
And it couldn't have been with a more f*ckin'
With a better f*ckin' squad, nigga, I got
You, you know the niggas I got on my squad
If you, if you listen to this, then you might've heard
Who I signed with, I ain't even gon' blast it off like that
Shout out to, you know, Mark Pitts, definitely
You know? Shout out my nigga Mike Rooney
My nigga E, shout out my whole f*ckin' crew, man
That's what The Warm Up is about, man
Rj, what's good? Mike Shaw, my nigga Mez, Mez held me down, nigga
More than anybody in the f*ckin', in the whole crew, honestly
You know what I'm sayin'? So, shit, let's get it, man
We got a lotta shit comin' for '09, for '010, '011, '0-goddamn-35
That's all I got, man, that's The Warm Up, man, I made the team
So when you go from makin' the team, now what you gotta do, nigga? You gotta start
You gotta be a starter, you gotta make it to college
You gotta make it from college to the league, nigga
Trust me, I ain't get no f*ckin' deal and relax, man
I feel like I ain't made it yet, period, nigga
And that's all I really gotta say, yo, it's The Warm Up
Thank you for listenin', man
Yeah
Ced Y, what up?
Nervous Reck, what up?
Barbed Wire, what up?
Just let me give a couple shout outs, um, shit (um, my nigga A-Rob)
Kirk Lightburn, what up? (My nigga Lee, drunk-ass nigga Jams)
Ah, Sha Money, what up, man? (Shout out to Mimi)
Lotta respect (yeah)
G-unit, Hov, it's all love, my nigga
Tony Yayo showed love, Lloyd Banks showed love, nigga
I was gettin' love from G-Unit niggas, dawg (Say, Uncle)
Who would've thought? (Who'd I forget? Oh, Omen, Omen, what up, my nigga? Omen)
Know what I'm sayin'? Shout out my mother, my brother, man
I'm just gon' talk until the beat run out, man (yeah, BBGUN)
You know?
Yo, how do you get this beat goin' for so f*ckin' long? (By any means, Eris)
This shit's been supposed to fade out
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, uh-uh-uh-uh

Yeah
Uh, yeah
One, two, one, two, one, two, uh
One, two, one, two, one, two, uh
Yeah
Uh
Yeah
Uh

Ms. High Profile, caught you shoppin' on Canal (yeah)
I guess it makes sense, it seems phony as your style
Your hair and your nails just as phony as your smile
Fake eyelashes, you drew your eyebrows
It make a brother ask do you pride yourself?
Your makeup like a mask, tryna hide yourself
It seems on the outside, you thinkin' you the shit (uh-huh)
But it's a soul that's inside that you ain't even knew exist
So you so out of touch that the world mistreat you
Rich niggas f*ck you and broke niggas beat you
Hope that this'll reach you and you understand
That your value ain't determined by another man
'Cause right now, you let them brothers get the upper hand
And you just tell 'em go deep like Cunningham
And you just let 'em OD like Len Bias
And that pussy so good, he let his friends try it

Losin' your balance, yeah, uh
Losin' your balance, yeah, uh
Losin' your balance
Girl, you losin' your balance, uh, yeah
Don't slip, yeah, and don't fall, uh
Just get a grip, my nigga, hold on, uh
Don't lose your balance (yeah, uh)
Don't lose your balance (uh)

I look around at my city, this is Sinville
That boy eleven years old and can inhale
Sometimes, I ride around wonderin' if we in Hell
And why do cops love to throw a nigga in jail?
I'm 'bout to lose it, I just had another friend killed (damn)
Over some bullshit, this cycle's like a windmill
I had a convo with my soul, I asked it, "When will
This shit change?" It said, "Boy, just use them pen skills"
And so I write this for my niggas on the corner
Love you 'cause you my brother, so I feel I got to warn you
This shit ain't set up for a young brother to advance
On that note, you niggas playin' right into they hands, damn
Better get yourself some goals (uh-huh), you niggas better dream (yeah)
I know the hood raised you, but it's bigger better things
And for those that passed, I need a moment of silence, shh, yeah

And don't be losin' your balance, uh
Don't be losin' your balance
Don't be losin' your balance
My nigga, don't be losin' your balance, uh, yeah
So don't slip, uh, and don't fall, uh
Just get a grip, my nigga, hold on (yeah)
Don't lose your balance (uh)
Don't lose your balance (yeah)

Uh, I got a thing for this lil' mama
She do it to me, plus her brain is for real, I'm a
Sucker for love, I guess
Won't catch her up in the club 'cause she ain't into that (nah)
Kind of chick that rather rent a flick and get intimate
Say she never f*ck with thug niggas, only gentlemen
And, yeah, that ass is fat, but what's better is her intellect (uh-huh)
Other men'll sweat her when we walk past
Can't even blame 'em, did the same when I saw the ass
Matched with the thin waist, brown with a slim face
Love the conversation and the kicks was like a sensei
Now she got me chillin' with her all around the clock
My homies beefin' 'cause I never come around a lot
Keep on tellin' me I changed and things ain't the same
And ever since she came around, I never wanna hang (uh)
They tell me that it's foul how a chick'll make me switch
But, man, I can't help it, dawg, her mind got me whipped

I think I'm losin' my balance, uh
I think I'm losin' my balance, yeah
She got me losin' my balance, uh
She got me losin' my balance, yeah
But I, I won't slip, nah, I won't fall, uh
Just get a grip and hold on, uh
Losin' my balance, uh
Losin' my balance