Wanna-Be Gangstas

Lyrics

[Intro] Yeah, keep that front at home. [Verse 1] You rent that mean mug, tags still on the vest, Talk tough at the market, then you check who’s impressed. Big talk, fake walk, borrowed chain on your chest, You ain’t built for the heat, you just dress for the press. Posted by the corner like the block owes you rent, Every threat you toss out gets a laugh, not consent. Your crew goes quiet when the real folks pass, All that hard-ass theater don’t make you a badass. [Chorus] Wanna-be gangstas get popped like a lie in the sun, Run your mouth, play a role, now the whole act’s done. You can bark all night, but the truth comes fast— Don’t bring that fake-ass game where the real ones pass. Wanna-be gangstas get popped from the scene, Big claims, little heart, all costume, no mean. [Verse 2] You brag on a story that you heard from a friend, Change the names, add a car, make yourself the hard end. Then a siren cuts the air and you freeze at the sound, All that bass in your voice can’t keep your hands down. Your tough-guy scripture falls apart in the rain, You’re a kid playing king with a cardboard chain. I’ve seen real grief leave a mark no one shows, So quit selling that violence like it’s something you chose. [Chorus] Wanna-be gangstas get popped like a lie in the sun, Run your mouth, play a role, now the whole act’s done. You can bark all night, but the truth comes fast— Don’t bring that fake-ass game where the real ones pass. Wanna-be gangstas get popped from the scene, Big claims, little heart, all costume, no mean. [Bridge] No crown for the loudest, no prize for the threat, You can still turn around; you ain’t finished yet. Drop the act, call your people, let the cheap talk end, Being here tomorrow beats pretending again. [Verse 3] Now you’re out in the daylight, no mask, no show, Got a job, got a plan, got a long way to go. The block keeps its memory, the names stay true, Respect ain’t a costume you can buy brand new. So if you’re all front, better cut that shit loose, There’s a life past the pose, there’s a better use. [Final Chorus] Wanna-be gangstas get popped like a lie in the sun, Run your mouth, play a role, now the whole act’s done. You can bark all night, but the truth comes fast— Don’t bring that fake-ass game where the real ones pass. Wanna-be gangstas get popped from the scene, Big claims, little heart, all costume, no mean. [Outro] Drop the act. Keep your head. That’s how you make it home instead.