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Formative Years

from Served Up by Emcee Graffiti

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lyrics

Now picture that, backpack with a fitted cap
Tilted to the side, eyes wide, ain't lettin nothin slide
I used to rock the Ecko jeans with a button down
Headphones doubled up as earmuffs in the winter now
Look around, checkin for a spot where I could make a stand
Stealin magnets from the fridge to try and keep a quiet can
I was grindin man, but rhymin was the final plan
One-liners fine but I was nicer with the pen in hand
In the circle like a pentagram
I start a cypher with the beatbox and rock with the illest clan
We either had us Adidas or Timberlands
Fly Nike Uptowns, white, called'em kilograms
And slapboxin was a rite of passage
You could tell by they stance which one of them was swingin damage
The 52 Hand Blocks meant you was more than average
Careful when they keep teeth clenched and speak in mumble language

I'm out here thinkin bout them formative years
Hip-Hop was just a way of life for me n my peers
The boombox was the preacher and the block was the church
I started rappin for the love, just know the culture is first
I'm out here thinkin bout them formative years
Hip-Hop was just a way of life for me n my peers
The boombox was the preacher and the block was the church
I started rappin for the love, just know the culture is first

Hit up the number man, find out where they rollin head cracks
Or throw a stack to the crackhead with the ripped backpack
I need a new fly watch with the matchin chain
Yellow tinted aviators faded with the golden frames
While ya'll was fawnin over pop stars
I was bumpin Big Punisher and Black Star
I used to beatbox in my headphones to make the instrumental
Freestyle in my room before I grab a pad and pencil
Stayin sharp with the bars was always so essential
Never knew who gonna show up with with a verse and wanna test you
And is they gon' impress you, or is they gonna press you
No matter what you gotta show you ain't afraid to flex too
They gon' respect you, or, hit'em with another rhyme
Fumble up, kcuf it up and fix it with double time
We took that from Dephyant's mind
And I'ma take away ya focus while you rap and look you in the eye

I'm out here thinkin bout them formative years
Hip-Hop was just a way of life for me n my peers
The boombox was the preacher and the block was the church
I started rappin for the love, just know the culture is first
I'm out here thinkin bout them formative years
Hip-Hop was just a way of life for me n my peers
The boombox was the preacher and the block was the church
I started rappin for the love, just know the culture is first

credits

from Served Up, released January 7, 2022
Lyrics by Emcee Graffiti. Production by Ab The Audicrat. Mixed by PJ Katz.

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Emcee Graffiti St. Petersburg, Florida

Emcee Graffiti is based out of Albany, NY. Growing up on Hip-Hop, soul, rock, and jazz- this artist has a broad appreciation for music. Emcee Graffiti has opened for artists such as Rakim, Immortal Technique, Pharoahe Monch, and Mobb Deep to name a few. While a rapper first and foremost, this versatile artist is also know for beatboxing and singing. ... more

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