Cut My Teeth

[Hook 1: Rakaa Iriscience (Evidence)] The strong prey upon the weak This is where I learned to stand on my own feet So much I see (On the streets of Venice Beach is where I cut my teeth) So much I see (On the streets of Venice Beach is where I cut my teeth) So much I see Cut my teeth [Verse 1: Evidence] I remember how it all began I used to switch graffiti tips on cans with both hands No chance, I knew they couldn't stop this rush Our bus bench was a stop, and they ain't stopping the bus I caught the fever, at sixteen I copped a beater Now it's me against the world, sit in my own two-seater I drove slow on roads that lead freedom What I believe in, known that I'd be leaving Let me in jump up the timeline to currents events I went around the world twice on award tours, it never ends Mike Will did, but others didn't make it Others still hungry, so the others gonna take it Shit is basic when you put it in the pot and let it simmer Like the sun been setting later in the summer than the winter shit Where I'm from I keep the oven sizzling I cut my teeth at Venice Beach then hit my peoples with some of the wisdom [Hook 2: Rakaa Iriscience] The strong prey upon the weak This is where I learned to stand on my own feet So much I see On these mid city streets is where I cut my teeth So much I see On these mid city streets is where I cut my teeth So much I see Cut my teeth [Verse 2: Rakaa Iriscience] I learned a nickel cost more than a dime before I learned to rhyme Crenshaw and Venice, St. Charles is more specific Then Pico and Fairfax, the Ethiopian district Everything changes, noticing both of them look different I can think back though life goes on so keep living Didn't step to OG's on the block to seek wisdom Or I'd be cripping, but they teach the street systems Street soldiers and street politicians, I'd keep listening Smoking in the homey's rental, blazing instrumentals Something like a steel elephant trunk came through the window Eyes traced the barrel to a friendly face (caught you slipping) Broke the blunt, gave us back the lit half and kept dipping Had that beach cruiser whipping, then stopped, he turned around Came back and told me, "It's a war zone, go home Draw something, matter of fact, write something raw for me Call you tomorrow," that was the last time that I saw him But I took it as a sign, standing at the crossroads I saw a different world was mine, it was with me all the time Appreciative, never satisfied, inspired to climb Eyes wide, mid city lit that fire inside [Hook 3: Rakaa Iriscience (Evidence)] The strong prey upon the weak This is where I learned to stand on my own feet So much I see (On the streets of Venice Beach is where I cut my teeth) So much I see On these mid city streets is where I cut my teeth So much I see Cut my teeth