HOOK (Choir-style, with layered harmonies & stomp/clap beat): Shoutout to the ones who switched them lanes on me Left me in the dark, but God kept His name on me Wasn’t no love when I was stuck in them alleys Now it’s self-worth over handouts in the valleys I ain't even mad — rejection made me tough Polished by the pressure, now I'm diamond in the rough They spin back quick once the glow too bright But I learned how to fight in the absence of light VERSE 1 Guard my peace like 79th on a late night Tried to dim my light, but I shine with divine might Cooked my own plate, didn’t beg for no seat Broke bread with real ones, now we feast in the street Humble beginnings, I was raised by the ave Heard sirens for lullabies, still learned how to laugh Used to chase love like it owed me rent Now I charge full price just to breathe in my scent From 63rd to King, tables turned like wheels No favors from the fake—I just climbed them hills South Shore prayers, Roseland pain Every NO was the echo that built my lane --- CHORUS (with Gospel choir + drums, organ build): Pain don’t last when the South Side sings We survive storms, we birth kings and queens They only love you when your name in stone But I was chosen by the block, not cloned I move through the city like it owe me back Empire built from scratch, no pity, just facts Loyalty? Rare. I pick heart over hype I’m that diamond they slept on—cut through spite VERSE 2 Truth hit heavy like them church pew scars Still I sing through the fire like I know who we are Speak life in the cipher, hope in my verse I don’t curse the pain—I just flip it in reverse No shame in my shine, no fear in my walk Every tear watered dreams they tried to chalk Gave ‘em love with an open hand, got stabbed Now I show grace, but I don’t double back From Englewood to Bronzeville, I been that root Grew through concrete with no silver spoon If they ain't ride when I was broke with pride They can't sit now while my angels slide BRIDGE (melodic R&B/gospel fusion): They ain't see the grind, only the glow Wanna claim my peace, but never held my lows Built in the dark, now I shine like dawn South Side soldier with a crown from God OUTRO (spoken word over choir and soft keys): Diamonds on my soul, not just on my chain Every NO I ever heard built up this name From Rejection Row to Kingdom Flow South Side raised me—now the whole world gon’ know

SOUTH SIDE DIAMOND HUSTLE