In elementary I used crayons even chalk

I learned to count money before I could read and talk

And my mama told me son you need to shine

I couldn't stand at the back I had to lead the line

I use to make good grades but I talked in class

In middle school I was late when I walked in class

If the teacher ran an errand I taught the class

And what I didn't know I was about to ask

And just because I played ball I got easy grades

And when I turned 13 I got even fades

Everybody wearing Air Macs Ree's and J's

But all my parents cared about was B's and A's

In high school I picked up my pen and pad

I had dreams of pulling up in a Benz or Jag

I had to get it on my own I couldn't depend on dad

I had to grow up too fast but then I'm glad

Because the stuff I know now I wouldn't believe it

The main goals that I set I wouldn't achieve it

I'd probably be locked up or running the streets

I'd probably wouldn't have platinum in front of my teeth

I'd probably still be mocking trying to earn a dollar

I'd probably be in the hood selling sherm or powder

But instead I'm making bread legal dough

Going to church and staying away from these evil hoes

You only got one life you better do what you can

Cause when you turn thirteen you are a man

And I can't be broke so I'ma rock the crowd

It's up to me I gotta make my mama proud

You only got one life you better do what you can

Cause when you turn thirteen you are a man

And I can't be broke so I'ma rock the crowd

It's up to me I gotta make my mama proud

There's a place called heaven and a place called hell

There's a place called freedom and a place called jail

And if you go to jail they gone treat you bad

Take your commissary and beat you bad

So I'm staying out of trouble I'm chasing my dream

I know you see your little boy on t v screens

I'm blowing up your little boy making it happen

I'm not selling dope mama I'm making it rapping

So when you go to sleep at night you know I'm safe

Cause in Houston everyday somebody catching a case

Like yesterday my partner went to jail

And he ain't coming home until he fifty seven

He nineteen so you do the math

I got smart man I choose to rap

So when I grow up my kids can have a good life

That's all I wrote y'all have good night

You only got one life you better do what you can

Cause when you turn thirteen you are a man

And I can't be broke so I'ma rock the crowd 150967,-18)

It's up to me I gotta make my mama proud

You only got one life you better do what you can

Cause when you turn thirteen you are a man

And I can't be broke so I'ma rock the crowd

It's up to me I gotta make my mama proud