Things I've Been Through

Ooh yeah (uh-huh)
I just wanna thank y'all for takin' the time to listen
I appreciate that

Yo, regular TV to cable from bouncin' label to label
Just tryin' to get the horse outta the stable (yeah)
Was once part of a dynasty, well, least I was tryin' to be
Think it was the time in my life when I was findin' me
Sittin' in the spot with the dimes
Willin' to do anything just to be a Bad Boy at the time (that's right)
Then I rolled the dices, nah, the money didn't add up
But just that whole experience, it was priceless (priceless)

No free rides to the bank
On top of that was the untimely demise of Frank (B.I.)
Then the 'No Way Out' tour, we was smokin' outdoor
Made eighty stacks off Cee-Lo that's without tour
Videotaped it all, I still watch it now
I traveled the world, learned how to rock a crowd (yeah)
It ain't much, but it beats poor things that I've been through
Is all I can speak for

I can only speak for the things that I've been through
I can only speak for the things that I've been through

Now I'm on Ruff Ryder, Interscope
Same shit partnership, joint venture 50-50, same split
Jimmy put that money up (yeah), two singles off of 'We Are The Streets'
Then after that seemed like he was done with us (finished)
But it wasn't over yet, Styles had a plan from the jump
Which was to come out with my solo
Next thing's a little better (uh-huh)
These the niggas that I been doin' it with forever (my niggas)
So I'm like whatever (whatever)

The first album dropped, promotion was hella
Every stage I rocked, the performance was stellar (yeah)
Had the whole world ready to ride or die for me (ride or die)
And I wasn't platinum, I was just side money
X was bringin' in the mullah (dawg)
I was in the hood in the kitchen with the digital ruler
I can't tell you 'bout the evil that men do (uh-uh)
I can only speak for the things that I've been through

I can only speak for the things that I've been through
I can only speak for the things that I've been through

As far as the LOX, we all fine (we good), cellar is all wine
Selfish for me to say Roc-A-fella is all mine
'Cause it ain't, I'm just a another employee that's on line
Tryin' to get my act together and do it one more time (yeah)
21 gun salute with all nines
And I know it's on me to make sure that we all shine
Gotta fall back, let the weed contact your mind
Can find bullshit in any contract you sign (anything)

But if you from the streets though, it's plenty of loopholes to eat yo'
Once they let you in you're supposed to keep doe (get it)
But I can't give you the formula, I'm on it though (I'm on it)
Expect the worst, the outcome is enormous, though (enormous)
Stay humble, still keep your heat for insurance though
Things that I've been through to get it weren't normal, yo
Yeah, but this is what my heart beats for
Things that I've been through is all that I can speak for

I can only speak for the things that I've been through
I can only speak for