Drug Dealin' Just To Get By

Kanye West's 'Drug Dealin' Just To Get By' is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals growing up in impoverished neighborhoods. The song delves into the harsh realities of life where drug dealing becomes a means of survival. The chorus, 'Drug dealin just to get by, Stackin money til it gets sky high,' encapsulates the desperation and determination to rise above dire circumstances. The line 'We wasn't s'posed to make it past 25, The joke's on you we still alive' highlights the resilience and defiance of those who have been written off by society.

In the verses, Kanye reflects on his own experiences and observations. He speaks of looking up to the 'dope man' as a child, the only adult who seemed to have financial stability. This figure represents a flawed role model, but one that is often the only visible path to success in such environments. The lyrics 'This dope money here is little Tre's scholarship' poignantly illustrate how drug money is sometimes seen as the only way to afford education or a better future. The song also touches on the lack of opportunities and systemic barriers that force individuals into illegal activities, as seen in the lines 'Cuz ain't no tuition fa havin no ambition, An ain't no lones fa sittin yo ass at home.'

Kanye's narrative extends to those working low-wage jobs who still find themselves hustling on the side to make ends meet. The second verse addresses the struggles of working-class individuals who can't survive on minimum wage alone. The lyrics 'The second verse is for my dogs workin 9 - 5, That still hustle cuz a nigga cain't shine off 6.55' shed light on the economic pressures that drive people to seek alternative means of income. The song is a powerful commentary on the socio-economic conditions that perpetuate cycles of poverty and crime, and it underscores the resilience and resourcefulness of those who navigate these challenges daily.

'We don't care what people say' serves as a defiant anthem for those who have been marginalized and judged by society. It is a declaration of self-worth and survival, despite the odds. Kanye West uses his platform to give voice to the voiceless, shedding light on the systemic issues that contribute to the struggles of many in urban communities.