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the EARN

by yU

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1.
Now I aint gonna hold y'all long, gimme a second. To tell of the hell that I hold, use discretion When steppin in my shoes. Was always a quiet dude, Reign over my rivals, as I conceal the weapon I pull out a rhyme like a nine at crowds, busting Each line is a landmine. Look, but don't touch it Becuz if u do, then ur liable to get hit up My soul is whole, confident, holding my chin up I'm in a good place, man. Working, yup.. U know.. Still low key, wit no sleep, f*ck a pillow I feel no one can overcome, young, numb, bubblegum tongues come but get hung, i'm one with the sun So shining, that is an innate trait The yU is victorious again they say I put 'em in their place. Since the tapes, I've been rockin Game, I've got a balance. That's defense & offense, Warning!! I don't know what you heard But this year, the yU is out to EARN..
2.
First 01:53
02 First I look at it like its my first time, My first breath if air, My first glimpse at daylight, becomes a first stare Folks thirsting for what's found in my verses I'm a merchant with the product Pushing it like it's my first sale I'm building a foundation, wit the first nail My first win, that's the result of my first fail Storyies in first person, never 2nd or 3rd You live & you earn, my first album was first concern I was the first sperm to break thru Some get into this just to make the loot, but first you've got to pay ur dues A father for the first time, back in '03 My first child, first smile in a while that I showed teeth The song that I was on, I did for no fee, lowkey, nobody knows me style of an o.g. The first street that I lived on was Porter Avenue The rent's due on the first, so I does what I have to do Lowercase y first, then capital U My first time sippin was trippin off the absolute I learned, first get your own.. Nothing's handed. Understanding is planning, I'd be the first to tell yo *ss the truth Gimme the loot first, B-I, G's stack 'em high The last one to sleep on, Z is the letter after y I craft the rhyme first to match the beat attached to Since the first verse that I wrote, it felt natural I'm so glad I've got a home I can go back to While on earth, I put allah first.. That way I can't lose - Hook - You see the first nail holds the foundation in place I be the first one to peep you out if you was a snake We tell 'em first you've gotta earn your woth here on earth To be first is a gift and a curse, it's hard work being first..
3.
Bonafide // Overdue (free) 04:20
03 Bonafide Chorus - Now lemme hear u say Bonafide On the rhyme. Ears, got 'em open wide. U know the time, truth is what we gon provide For you, if u allow me to. Plus my name's yU.. Remainz Crew is up in this Better off now, we handle business I meant this. That's why I keep the sentance, vintage So u'll remember this down the line Say it with me one time, Bonafide - 1st verse - I need quiet. Peace of mind is a high to me, obviously Becuz I feel driven, like most high's guiding me Molding me. Showing me the steps cuz I was told to reach for the sky, so I do.. Everyday I'm going thru The day to day, melee for pay, they say, "Get it however u can, that's the American way.. Kill, steal, sword, shield. If u're chill than ur soft Why build? Just destroy, anyone can be bought.." Nahhh.. Not y, I've got pride, prove it all the time by my way of walking. I be the first to spark it City of Dark Chocolate, now.. add just a bit of French Vanilla It's a set-up, hard to keep you head up Fed up, we end up generation-Y It aint safe outside, to survive is my dayjob Pray hard, thank God change aint that far.. We raise the bar on that raw, Yup, that's the way we are.. Raw - Hook Bonafide. Nope, nahh, they can try to break my spirit.. I don't think its gonna work I've got my eyes on the prize, peace of mind allright, as long as I'm on earth I put my hands up high, (its allright) I'm bonafide with mine (its allright) Until my life expires (its allright) I'm bonafide with mine (its llright, yeahh) - 2nd verse - Now lemme see, jealousy, greed, lust, glutony, hate, envy, and doubt.. That aint the route that I'm about, I shout.. "Yeah" If u wit me, better be fast cuz in a flash your life can past. Throwing jabs, Shatan has no power over Michael Willingham I stand, stern, earning, learning, daily I'm determined yall Iming to leave the surface floor, the planet earth is small I'm trynna see it all, remainz are what we are called If u wanna be the boss, first u gotta be adults I can see your pulse, pumping, moving too fast Alotta folks be gettin bread, but what do u do with ur cash Making it rain, that is a trait of mother earth & the clouds We be so materialistic that it's hurting us now We go to work with a frown, bound, doing what we're allowed Fake smile. To the bosses feet, you bow down or your belly gon growl, economy is wild now.. How does laid off sound You've got a child, found out, u foul.. - Hook 2 - Now you can say whatcha say, That's fine, okay. I put my principles first. Go head & do whatcha do, imma be there soon. Don't even matter who's first at all. I put my hands up high, (its allright) I'm bonafide with mine (its allright) Until my life expires (its allright) I'm bonafide with mine (its llright, yeahh) (Repeat Chorus)
4.
If U Down (free) 06:05
If U Down 1st verse The rain is pouring, pain is going on in my life. Reason I write, same reason why drinkers go buy a pint. Dark clouds attack the light that is within me Struggle is neverending, prayer is what some recommend me I'm 5'9, but when I rhyme.. Feel like I'm 10 feet tall Laying the law thru these bars, I put my life's cause Many be dumb downed clowns, see I don't like yall Hit 'em with the permanent pause, "what do YOU fight for" Your car, your chain.. Its all the same. You call it game, boring my brain.. The fraudulent way I can't feel what ur saying, cuz the balance is off Faking like u don't have a heart wit all the violence u talk I guess u can't crack a smile anymore, so I guess its gotta be war, 24/7 weapons gotta squeeze off, n*gga nahh That is a plan within a plan, my man.. Destruction is in demand, and Uncle Sam is a fan.. Yeah - Hook - Hearts frozen, why do we be on that cold sh*t, We used to be cultured, influenced by the vultures they've been scoping, analyzing with a motive Its.. like we've been tied up with an invisible rope and Them jails open, they get paid when they put month in-side, kinda currupt.. Its time for us to just expose them Its wild, especially when ur skintone's brown, but right now we boutta turn it around U wit me? Hit me if u down.. - 2nd verse - Of course I've walked with what my ancestors fought for Heart full of passion. Want more, start at ground floor, still.. Remain becuz of yall we make it sound raw.. I thank allah. For me to try to paint a song that is a cure till the pain is gone Fruits of my labor may be ripe, cuz I've been waiting for 'em Seems like a lifelong task, walking on this path Many be cheating, but my dad.. He was a honest man Plus bout his cash, getting it becuz he worked hard And to my moms, they call it labor, that was WORK yall Since birth, searched the earth for what I'm worth, money?? Is paperweight, cannot equate to what my life study Has told me, go beyond all the stars up in the sky The gift of rhymes, that is the place I chose to emphasize Just a sign maybe, my light is not fading I was born to shine greatly, on the rise trynna break free - (Repeat Hook) - 3rd verse - Hit me, if you're down & out.. Wilding's not the route u need to be taking N*ggaz be waiting to throw they hate in, frustration be incubating Inside, times are tense. So I write rhymes with sense Why, becuz it aint to many of yall that doing this My influences, came before they ruined this.. Foolishness, Ringtone, Computer Chip, Champ, I'm not new to this I prove what I say thru the way that I relay I don't break, standing time's test, and making that progress And I'm on my job. Yes, indeedy Yall greedy, while I got less make it sound monstrous Break it down in portion It all fits together, I remember my beginnings while I'm winning, cuz forgetting brings the ending close Folks forget, get on some brand new sh*t The movements, still in motion like Munch & Matthew & them Ups, I've had a few of 'em Downs, I've had to.. But whenever I think of my mission, I feel I have to ascend, fin.. - (Hook repeated)
5.
LYRICS: 1st verse Maybe I do fall into the same footsteps as pops Turned the hands of the clock back To Lakewood Street now, that's where he would be found 30 years ago Let's take a journey, here we go To Suitland, Maryland. That's where the Willingham's stay That's my fathers last name, He pretty much looks the same Back in the days he was 16 & doing his thing Construction, making money with his hands.. That's my dad He kept a lil ride, sumthin nice to drive slow in Playing "Mind Blowing", 8track stereo and Him and moms went to Suitland High, she was superfly Plus his sister's best friend so, they began to get close I found a picture from the year before I was born, corner half torn.. Mom & pops hands joined Eye to eye, why do I.. Not remember all that And I closed my eyes, and thru dreams I go back there.. Yeahh - Hook - Hey, come on.. Ride with me, and take a trip, thru the time machine Years away, away from today I'm traveling back, to how I became And going way back, to back in the days Of when we used to speak, but now the times have changed Hey come on, ride with me now, thru the time machine.. - 2nd Verse I found another picture too From the year 1980, I was goin on two. It was me, my aunt Toya, alotta joy around christmas Opening my gifts & the colors slowly drifting away Fading, just like a memory from a while back Looking siced in the picture, got some toys and a cowboy hat Neppy's house was off of Porter Ave I couldn't touch less it was mine, see I was taught to ask Or moms would whoop my *ss, respect, gonna need that. Believe that She dropped the bottomline, leaving no room for feedback And u could see that in them other pictures too When I was a little dude Me & moms would hit the zoo up Before the yU, it was Mikey/ Mike Jr. The world is a labyrinth, so don't let it lose ya If the sun was outside, you don't need no flash Perfect lighting for this flick, that was taken in the past, let's goooo.. - (Repeat Hook 2x) - 3rd Verse The last picture I hold, goes for all of those who never seen their folks when they were close Those days are long gone, but I am the result Of a bond that wasn't solid, so they drifted apart Moms thing was her art, and pops was good with his hands Innate traits I had to take from the blend that yall had, daaag.. Lookin at these pictures makes me wonder what if.. But if anything had changed my destiny might switch too My daughter is that proof, time done passed by Some people that u see, it could be for the last time Flipping, thru a dusty, brown leather photo album Showing my daughter pictures from back when I was young I'm trading places with my pops in the drivers seat Her eyes are wide, their reminding me of me So add another branch, to my family tree Just roll wit me, lemme take u thru the time machine.. - (Hook Repeats 2x)
6.
Write On 04:14
1st Verse (yU) So many things on the brain, just to hang the ink drips on the page, I feel priveledged to say That a song saved me from dying Them times I try to keep in mind We're affecting peoples life thru rhymes Rapping, thoughts jotted on a napkin Balled it up, found a month later in my other jacket Tone raspy, cuz I've got a cold Words written powerful, my handwriting but still, I don't know If I wrote it, and if so what was I going thru then Written in pen, I use pencil.. But then again.. Sometimes you use whatever u got, Aint nothin wrong, I done used Neiori's crayons for songs yall play all day long We make wrong right again Dive in headfirst to write a verse tighter than the last one I wrote And I'll pass on the smoke, sippin aloe vera juice from a can You quote me, write on.. - 2nd Verse (Imani Bilal) Love, hate, sunshine, rain Art will always remain the remedy for pain As thoughts scribe themselves on walls of my brain I claim my story and spit it To make the seeds think Sitting backwards in empty pastures as I bleed ink and sink in it This is what happens when I empty my self into myself This is what happens when Life's hands offer no help and then I Drift into a translucent dream That is my only reality Gladly folding the alphabet in such dimensions that One sentence becomes an entire world The universe is in you, Believe that, and see what the pen do, write on.. - 3rd Verse (yU) And I done seen a whole lot, so For me , I've found a way to let thoughts go And I might talk slow, I write songs Speak from the heart, & not the skull Got soul, inscripted in each scroll that I scribble in Chizeling what I meant within the width of the paper's lines I try to take my time wit it Rhyming like I'm venting, this is my opinion I am sending. Thru song, its everliving Won't forget it.. Blending with rhythm. When spitting, I relay vision Folks listen. Like a solstice who chose THIS, over chilling Ready & willing, write or wrong, turn it to song, calm as a seance The lights stay on Without the use of electric, the candles lit Glowing like tips of incents, the ashes drift Feeding my habit again, I grabbed a pen. Start imagining Thoughts gathering, patterns on my notepad I write on...
7.
Even If Even if I fail at first, I'm still.. 1st Verse The Willingham, last name first and Mic, when I hold one of them.. Its closed curtains To motivate many is a brovas whole purpose Try to take 'em high, opposite of below surface Alotta soul, plus I write them solid gold verses Learned this before I turned 6, no one is perfect Sometimes I wonder is it all even worth it Frustrated. Pain, still hurting. I'm working, researching.. A breakbeat surgeon I hate fake people make me wanna start cursing I can't stand bull, like a brovas half turkish I'm sure, yup.. Got damn certain I landed on this planet determined to put work in Aint nobody give me nothin cuz I earned it Mom & pops own, and over the years I've learned that - Hook Even if I failed at first I'm still gonna try, And I gotta- Build over time The grind, I am- Still on mine Ahhhhhhhhh - 2nd verse Aiiight, yell it out..plus I gotta tell 'em bout All the times I aint have a dime and I was feeling doubt In my chest, yes, so depressed and I was in a drought Got a whole lot of ideas, but I'm trynna get 'em out -lemme tell ya A failure, nahh.. I break barriers raw So how I carry it is serious yall I might appear to be small, but step to 'em and u'll see I've channeled my chi, just like the master Bruce Lee Hands moving in slowmo, trained in the dojo Remainz is the emmo.. So eventually we get month In for the long haul so in life, We keep the tempo, simple So let's g-o- and let them know, you know I know that - Hook(repeat) - 3rd Verse Lemme tell you- Exactly what I'm all about and Fam, now where would I be if I was witout them Somewhere strugglin & hustlin hard I put my trust in God, besides that I fear nothing Up against tremendous odds, but I know.. That nothing comes easy, its called survival Why should I be tired fo, when gials are unnacomplished Just living and walkin wit a purpose. Prospering off what I've learned I gotta earn my crown then The bread'll keep piling, I'm determined, brown and I'm proud as the lion & the pack he was down with My drive, experienced like it was mileage The earth is round, I go beyond where the clouds is I'm trynna rock crowds somewhere up in the thousands Been down, since up was outta range Alotta pain, gotta gain, not a game, alotta ways, I became A modern king humble of today see I take speach seriously, cuz your words reach The whole world if u're doing it right We make a difference, my mission, upliftment, u wit it? Cool.. Let's get it, I'll be willing to the finish Very vintage and I carry lyrics, strength in every sentance Studying this like a college and U'll never catch me following or borrowing, I've got to send.. this one out..
8.
the EARN 04:20
theEARN A goal in mind, then I aim.. shoot Nothing I can't do. No matter what we make due Some others act like they wanna participate too.. End up flaking out, but yet I've got no reason to hate you Actually, thank you. The reason my strength grew Because I am faithful, and don't worry about what THEY do My life story's a fact & not a fable When able, I can't bull sh*t. Bills on the table I guess I'm paying dues.. Glad that I made it thru Others more straight than you, don't let it phaze you Material things do not make or break you. Life is pleasure & pain. Win, and yes.. I may lose But I'm in a great mood, thankful I aint thru Life is a dance, when ur born.. Becuz it takes two It aint a game dude.. In real life destiny faces you & I've got things to do, truee - Hook - They're gonna give me what I'm worth, nothing less I work hard, plus my bond is my word.. U heard -theEARN No regrets, breaking a sweat its just another lesson learned I'm on the verge -theEARN Life's full of twists & turns, ur grip's gotta be firm. Their gonna try to discourage u from -theEARN Feeling that burn after doing my reps, I benchpress stress. So yes, the word's -theEARN - 2nd verse I start a rhyme from the bottom line This heart of mine is out for more than just a dollar sign I'm on the grind, fortified to see my daughters eyes Bright & lit up, tighten it up to get it organized Cuz nowdays, fathers be dying.. Living shorter lives Mature wit mine, so I'll constantly be on the rise Eyes stay wider than the hips on a black woman. Endless supply on these raps, another batch coming I was recording last night, where was u at?? Clubbing Having fun, but in the end ask what you got from it Not becoming, I done seen too many hot summers Youngins got hot tempers & stubborn, so their not budging Look at ur watch cousin.. U know what time it is So use the mind behind your ears if ur trynna win One in the same, if your aim is up So tell the kings that we coming so their reign is up, theEARN - Hook(repeat) - Steady, ready for any- thing and I sing.. The song of a peion, with the heart of a king Acknowlegding what I've seen Too many times my eyes blink I've got hope like a gambler, plus I got stamina Half of a whole, searching for the rest of my lifetime To ease the mind, that is the reason I write rhymes If I sounded like you, then I would put the mic down That isn't my lifestyle, or how I'm feeling right now. So why would I say it, if its not true.. Being sumthin that u aint, and that is not cool I rock the truth like its a jewel from Jacob.. Your boy Recording songs like sex, and I'm taping the joint Making noise is what yall do, I'm making points Sharp wit the art of hip hop, giving change a voice Put my face on the coin, profiling I see yall folks wilding, cuz u've got no talent.. EARN - (Hook)
9.
Verse Money's a funny thing. I have become a fiend for that color green And need 'll make a brova want to come up with a scheme Some say that's all they need and once u balling then ur free All u can see is getting mo of her Emotional when she aint showing up In ur account, bounced to the next n*ggaz wallet. Think about it. Big problems, reason why the banks robbing us Businesses fought for her, now their overcharging us Talk to a girl, & let her know that u riding that bus 50/50 chance after that she won't respond to him at all.. U laughin? Sh**t, u better not be. Feel like nothing can stop me, with cheddar start gettin cocky A million 'll make yo *ss the man like Dibiase Flossing often, big sh*t talking, Don't think about it. Saw it, bought it. Can afford it, work hard. Then get rewarded. Bills sorted, fives, tens, twenties, Fifty dollar bills, hundreds Even if u wiped ur ass wit it, somebody'd still want it The feel of money'll make a bamma act real cruddy Matta fact, snatch u out your Cadillac Seville.. Lucky To still be living, filthy presidential figures printed on the bill faces They used to fill slaveships, gracious And I'm the bad guy if I'm saying it.. But don't blame me, powers that be.. U can blame them - Hook(repeat-2x) I said dollar, dollar.. Everybodies trynna hollar at you.. Becuz when your not in my wallet there's a problem. So do I need u? I do..
10.
11.
I Believe (free) 03:38
I Believe 1st verse - I Believe.. That everything happens at its own pace. That's why the letter y in my name, is lowercase Showing that growth, come from young & up and coming. Summoned by the ones before me.. To continue the story of A warrior wit a blade that's sharpened Starving, heart hardened but still marching I am a writer with a lighter walking in infinite darkness We gotta keep the flame lit, while they talkin the same sh.. My aura's of the ancients, I can't sit Its against nature for me to be just complacent Since I see it, then I must strive to be it.. Right?? I draw from dreams. Cuz they're talking to me at night Loud and clear, and I never bow to fear.. greater Thoughts I have right now, happen some years later The weird way the universe works, trust is the crust of life's pie, I succeed becuz I.. Believe - Hook(repeat-2x) - Now people if u're wit me say, "uhh hugh" And people if u're wit me say, "uhh hugh" U gotta keep ya head up "uhh hugh" And it all 'll get better, I believe - 2nd Verse Aiiight, u got a goal in mind. Now that's a good start. Let people know what u're crafting, they'll pull it apart And say it needs some of this, and a lil bit of that Before u put the finishing touch, their giving it the axe And start chopping down a young tree That's why my ideas are unseen, cuz haters live amongst me Obviously, they aint seeing it from the same angle Hear what u saying, take notes But still it won't change you That criticism is a good thing, But a sense of self worth is a trait that's sure to make king Of a peasant who thought that he's worth less than They estimating to play God, but F- them Your concern is to claim what u've earned Live and learn as the tables turn Your bond is your word Now whether you stick to it's up to you Hopefully, you'll be on ur deen Becuz I Believe.. - (Hook-2x) - 3rd Verse Either believe or be left While alive I strive, so to stop is like death What I rep, is taking slow steps to the top tier That way I know that that growth is just how I got there Not scared, powerful words that my pops said Holding my head, eyes red, grateful I've got tears To even let loose to fall to the cement 50 percent dreaming, the other half.. is leading Thru motion, not hoping It happens thru action.. The passion dictates the pace Aint no relaxing here No fear, so serious, I'm trynna go there Code red, I'm on edge, to get my soul fed So rare, I zone yeah, like I don't care Tone clear when folks hear me when I'm on air Mo prepared, I'm focused, no joke & wit potency gotsta be becuz I believe - (Hook-repeat 2x)
12.
Blind 04:25
Blind I feel my way around & let the sound lead. My ears are sensitive to all of my surroundings I'm challenged, as far as sight is concerned Listening deeply, to every movement that's heard. Your words.. I can feel if they're real or not Your heart speaks louder than your lips will.. And my walk Is faith driven, I'm assisted by a canine The world is in a rush, but I gotta take time To hear what my life is telling me I hear sound in color. Visually, I may never see But instead of me having regrets about the way that I was born, I don't let that stress me out What I found was a strength in my weakness I'm seeing things most folks aint peeping So its kinda like an even exchange And when I talk, folks tell me that they see what I'm saying becuz.. - Hook I may not say nothing, but u better believe that I'm listening To the sound of your vibration with my mind Now you may use your eyes to see But I just let my senses lead me to destinations They say that I'm blind Wo...ohh.. Oh.. ohhhh - 2nd verse He's got 20/20 vision and all that He's lookin for a love, sumthin he can fall back on Eyes wide when he's walking thru the city like he aint got a pretty wife at home Cooking every night But he's the type that gets bored and moves on fast And got the nerve to wonder why now he's doing bad Had a good thing, a queen.. Making him a king True, but his view was coming straight from his ding-a-ling Sippin a Yueng Ling, slow.. Eyes closed now Its been a while, still remember how her voice sounds Too many choices'll distort your visioning Blind to the fact, steady looking, pivoting But everybody else seen it None of them new girls meant as much as she did Its funny how you had everything that u was trying to find And they say that I'm the one that's blind?? Hugh man.. - Hook - Flavor Flav said it best, Blind to the fact Acting like we know sumthin, pride's got us sidetracked Why's that? I don't know.. Wish a brova knew Why we isolate ourselves, too stubborn to buck a U Sometimes, living in ur own mind Can be your sickness Communication is light, so don't forget this World's a test. Dark days.. We make brighter by believing The soul is all seeing If freedom was a place, than I'm already there.. Everybody wants to shine, they're blinded by the glare How can I fear anything that I can't see Myself being limited becuz I was born free, dreams are forseen I'm living in one, nothing's impossible Obstacles, don't exist, I see none Even in darkness the heart is a ball of light You feel it out, cuz the words of the song go like - Hook
13.
Delay -hook It seems like folks now want it right away They need to slow it down, and ride the wave To act out of haste, the price we pay What's destined 'll come, with slight delay.. slight delay You do stupid sh*t when u move too a fast Take a minute to think, and get ya foot off the gas Each and everyone wanna have some fun You're living under the sun, goals we gotta get done - (yU verse) We're living in a world where.. We stay in first gear Aint nobody there, earpiece in they ear At all times, why.. It should be a crime They desensitize you & I for a dime When u see your brotherman Don't nobody say hi, no more What for, got alot going on Yeah right.. Plus just another red light, sitting still up in traffic, stagnant Madness A thin line between not having, and lavish If I can't earn it, then f*ck I'll grab it Learned it from America, home of the Slaves Lies legalized if the right price paid, paid Paid off the sweat u losing.. Blessing or a lesson.. Just an illusion And we wonder why we're losing Pause for a second, and let the world keep moving.. - Hook - XO verse Like I'm a diamond, I'm shining yall Like I'm a sun, I bring light to yall Can you imagine me taking a loss Retaliate before taking it all Its been a week, dog.. U taking long U think imma let them escape with our Dough when I crept on thru Let 'em know I'm a pro, so I couldn't wait two.. More minutes, so n*ggaz know how precious every moment is Don't delay, build up the momentum Cuz the block gonna talk if we don't get them Like Barrack, when I talk.. They all listen Shhhh..listen to 'em laugh when we keep losing Keep proving ourself wrong, we cruising Road to redemption, so we keep moving.. Keep, keep moving - Hook - Oddisee verse Good things come to those who wait, hugh.. I'm trynna escape from, the bottom.. That bass drum Haste I make from, mistakes done reguardless Gotta take from that waste dump the garbage Turning treasure endeavors to try to sever me And cleverly and steadily, heavily making progress I'm one step ahead of me so I'll never be slow, never be loafing I'll never be close to sumthin that I wanted but confronted wit walls If I aint climbing, I aint walking, man its nothing to crawl More important. Man, its nothing to fall Cuz a brother's bouncing back like I'm dunking a ball Resilience is brilliance, trust me. Its real in the field, hit hard.. n*gga, rugby.. Nothing to guard you from the ugly, truth What u want me to say, take time.. delay.. - hook
14.
Fast Money 01:52
Fast Money Verse Do anything. For that (fast money) Its a fact, what folks do for stacks of that (fast money) Rob & steal, some even 'll kill for that (Fast money) And you know they don't wanna go to school & study.. They want (Fast money) You've gotta be determined if u want to earn it, that (Fast money) Becuz as soon as you make it, they trynna take it, that (Fast money) Said, I mean taxes.. "Brother what is that sh*t", that's (Fast Money) They wanna take it from me, but don't do sh*t for me.. That (Fast money) U've better gimme dat..
15.
Better Man 02:52
Better Man 1st Verse Now it may take a minute to get it, but when it comes.. We'll split in half They say that we tend to talk slow, but we listen fast 1-9-7-8-er straight is what we gonna be This is how it sounds when me and Zak let our soul speak Rhythm is a language, back & forth.. Sway motion Daily, we've been upgrading. Waiting for an opening Both feet forward, keep the dope beat going Plus our tones speak boldly, hopefully earn the trophy, For what we stand for, really can't go wrong Born year of the horse, songs tend to mirror our thoughts We was taught, to be sincere at an early age We went against the grain, so the brainwash done rinsed away And we never switched just to fit up in their folder On beats Zak's more fonky as he gets older Potent like, Ammonia.. But we don't brag We're just perfecting our craft, so in the end we'll be a better man - Hook - Do yall even understand Sometimes love is all we have We done learned from our past, mom & pops cleared a path So one day they'll encourage their sons to be a better man - 2nd Verse U've gotta have that de-votion That's what its called when you're earning your worth While I'm on this earth, many times I've been burnt That had to happen though Cuz if it didn't I would never grow Set up for the better, head is up high when I'm feeling low But I never let it show Go back then edit the present Shaping the future by, raising my youth up Bread, we gotta scoop up The rent I pay is too much Due first every new month or else they trynna sue us But nahh.. I paid 'em off, keep the cable on Grind take up most of your time, see what I'm aiming for Fast forward to more, soar but sure Gotta sharpen my sword, talking to yall thru song. Move on To what I'm destined. Best, and nothin less than. I took what I had, then expand.. Meaning I stretched it Planned, then I invested. Take care of my fam. I'm doing all that I can, so in the end I'll be a better man - Hook Our ancestors from the past They stood for more than just the cash We've gotta give all that we have, pass wealth around So the generations later have their chance to be a better man - Duff Vocals Gotta be a better.. What u say now Gotta be a better man, yeah.. Each and every day.. Gotta be a better.. All my life, say Gotta be a better man, yeah.. Gonna do what's right, say Gotta be a better Said I'm trying Gotta be a better man, yeah Said I'm trying Gotta be a better Gotta be a better man..
16.
17.
Highlights of Life 2 1st Verse I'm making today wonderful Grateful for things old, and plus the new For what I have, and what I've gotta get And for my frame of mind, I aint trying to sit U say what, what time is it?? Time to find that strength that's inside to lift The bar so high that I can throw it up No matter how much I learn, I'll never know enuff And every morning is a fortune Cuz often, bodies are laid up in a coffin I'd like to see the day we all win Celebrate, take time before it all ends If soul is a hole, I fall all in Listening to the wind while I am walking, By, a prime example of my vibe I aint tripping off time right now, I'm feeling like - Hook I'm glad I can say I Found a highlight My ideas now can fly That's in my life Thru songs I spread the word What I believe in Inspired by what I heard Gave me reason So I guess I'm gonna create Keep on building No matter how long it takes Time reveals that If u reach for the highest heights There's a highlight Success is only right In all of our life - 2nd Verse The past is a good friend of.. mine, reminds me of when I used to chill outside So many times.. Plenty lows & highs and Sometimes I close my eyes to peep where I've been. I'm from a place called Suitland, Maryland, reaching the world with the music Now as a child, I used to play the french horn Who knew that later on I would write songs Rhyming, striving, surviving, climbing up Ladders, no matter the heights Cuz in God we trust Whether planes, trains, or bus We're still in motion Crossed the ocean, performing with my close friends Thankful that I aint thru Many greats, I look up to them salute Every interview when they question my influence I had to speak on the cats that inspired me to do this - Hook - Bridge Chant - 3rd verse At the end of the day, see I stay Finding my own tone A leader like stroll, quite incite-ful You know thateverything shimmering ain't gold And nothing comes free, u've gotta get it on your own How many gon, claim to put our city on We grown, so we've gotta come up with many goals Though plenty would envy how I gets busy Genuinely I'm sending light thru a song whenever the mic is on I invite the globe, to my place of birth Though disfunctional, we're making it work.. And I learnt That aint nobody gonna do it for you And not every friend's gonna be loyal You let pride win, then it destroys you Is this for the crew, or are you doing you?? Some questions that I ask, while I write Just looking at my life pointing out the highlights - Hook

about

yU first gained acclaim as 1/3 of the Washington DC group Diamond District along with Oddisee and XO. Then he continued to garner success with his solo debut Before Taxes which was named to the Best of 2010 List by HipHopDX, Al Lindstrom, and Above Ground Mag.. yU then sharpened his skills through performances on a European tour and appearances at CMJ, SXSW, A3C, and the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festi val. yU is back with his sophomore project The Earn a progression that is as fluid, lyrical, and thought provoking as his critically acclaimed debut. His new album, The Earn, is a timely meditation on the struggle to advance, set afire by yU's potent wordplay.

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released December 13, 2011

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yU Washington, D.C.

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