"Soul Survivor" lyrics - PETE ROCK

From the basics and warm weather places
Dedicated to the brothers that never made it
Cut short in they prime read life between the lines
Photographed by rhymes yo it's hard times
All across the nation cold points of frustration
Created hot joints of illustration
Concentrate while stakes are high falling victim to the lie
Keep a sharp eye
There's a steady supply of hate in the air
To them cats who stare the ice grill with the glare
But everything is fair in the city
The sheisty the shifty, 'cause I'm the epitome
Of a raw deal now carry a sword and shield
And walk with a force field for real
I overcame the odds and got the hell out of dodge
Soul Survivor of the war and master in charge

Everyday I see the same ol' things
But my true and real live nigga keep on risin
And it's a shame but business never changes
And my crew knows what to do they're soul surviving
And if I die...

I watched the whole world from the side of my eye
I seen a lot of cats die and evil men lie
On the road to riches in pursuit of my wishes
It's a close call between friends and snitches
On the low the game brought moments of pain
Strong emotions plus the hardships of fame
No need to live forever just keep some type of cheddar
A buttersoft leather to rock in cold weather
Times are mad real official like the seal
A new deal, try to understand what I feel
My word to the wise it's where ya heart lies
Keep your biz straight far from family ties
I'm the illest soldier that represents the culture
Dignified by words like fresh, fly and ultra
Champion heroics and passionate poets
Flashback to the future let itself focus

Everyday I see the same ol' things
But my beautiful black sisters keep on rising
And it's a shame but business never changes
And my crew knows what to do they're soul surviving
And if I die...

Still in the Basement for four years arranging
Lyrics and beats my first love engagement
It's outstanding the boy wonder's back in the world
By popular demanding on top commanding
My own destiny go ahead and try to test me
I been living right so expect no less G
Got positive reaction and affirmative action
The Soul Survivor guaranteed satisfaction

Everyday I see the same ol' things
But my true and real live people keep on risin
And it's a shame but business never changes
And my crew knows what to do they're soul surviving
And if I die...

And if I die before I wake I pray Go god my soul to take
My crew knows what to do they're soul surviving
And if I die before I wake I pray to God my soul to take
My crew knows what to do they're soul surviving