[Intro] Backseat dreams in a two-door Seatbelt stuck, but we still soar Mama praying that I get home I was out there tryna get known (yeah) [Verse 1] Lunch card empty, but my head full Writing rhymes on the bus, that was dead pull Cousin hit my phone, said he just lost ten Said the judge gave a number, not a second chance again Sirens sang over every conversation Helicopters tracing our imagination We learned math using rent and the light bill Counted every blessing, counted every white pill Uncle on the couch, talking ’bout his old team How they had the park locked, then they lost steam I saw kingdoms built right on quicksand Saw a handshake mean more than a wristband [Chorus] From the cracks in the pavement, we rose up slow Every “no” that they gave us made the roots just grow Got gas money and battle scars, that’s my chain I carry every street, every name, every pain We bend, we don’t break We bend, we don’t break Put my loyalty on faith, not fame I carry every street, every name, every pain [Verse 2] Homie caught a case just for saving face All he wanted was some credit in a faithless place Now his daughter draw hearts in the visiting room While the clock play tunes ’bout forbidden youth Teacher said I’d be gone by the summer Said my grades look cold, heart getting number I was scribbling a plan in the margins Turn my whole hood’s losses into margins Funerals on Fridays, hoodies on the pews Black suits blending in with the church shoes We don’t cry long, we just grit jaw ’Cause the kids still need dinner when you miss calls Still split plates when the rent late Still hug tight when the world hate I seen killers leave flowers on the blocks they stained Even wolves need grace when they walk through rain [Chorus] From the cracks in the pavement, we rose up slow Every “no” that they gave us made the roots just grow Got gas money and battle scars, that’s my chain I carry every street, every name, every pain We bend, we don’t break We bend, we don’t break Put my loyalty on faith, not fame I carry every street, every name, every pain [Bridge] Who gon’ speak when the cameras fade? (who?) When the headline cool, when they look away? Do you love me when the numbers ain’t a thing? When the plate half-empty but we still sing? (still sing) I been broke, but I never been fake Lost sleep, but I never lost faith If the world get cold, I’ma light that flame With the stories that they tried to erase from my name [Chorus] From the cracks in the pavement, we rose up slow Every “no” that they gave us made the roots just grow Got gas money and battle scars, that’s my chain I carry every street, every name, every pain We bend, we don’t break We bend, we don’t break Put my loyalty on faith, not fame I carry every street, every name, every pain

rap, Laid-back melodic G-funk bounce at 92 BPM, rubbery bassline and sunlit synth leads; male vocals with storytelling focus. Verses ride behind the beat with dusty rimshots and warm Rhodes chords; hooks open up with stacked vocals, talkbox-style harmonies, and wide pads. Subtle choir swells and filtered strings add drama in the back half, with a short synth solo vamping under the bridge to keep the groove alive while the vocal reflects., emotional, tone, funk, deep, poetic, hip-hop

Gas Money & Battle Scars