Everybody has a private world

Where they can be alone

Are you calling me, are you trying to get through

Are you reaching out for me, I'm reaching out for you

here's a tale that must be told

picture this a 12 year old

maybe 13 but that's the max

definitely no older than that

this thing called rap had him open in fact

it wasn't enough just owning the tracks

learned every song word for word

thought of himself as the opening act

no stage no microphone

just a bathroom mirror maybe a comb

blink of an eye in a world of his own

just like that king on a throne

until one day he simply felt

in need of a way to express himself

pen and a pad line after line

him and his rhymes no body else

of course he wasn't the illest in sight

in fact he sucked but still he would write

little by little the feeling was right

eventually he would be killing the mic

afterschool freestyling flows

countless ciphers talent shows

world revolved around his craft his passion

and this path he choose

In my shoes, just to see

What it's like, to be me I'll be you, let's trade shoes

Just to see what it'd be like to

Feel your pain, you feel mine

Go inside each other's mind

Just to see what we find

Look at shit through each other's eyes

But don't let 'em say you ain't beautiful oh

They can all get fucked.

Just stay true to you so

Don't let 'em say you ain't beautiful

Oh they can all get fucked. Just stay true to you

mom and pops had rotten views of hip hop

would not approve

they stood firm no matter how hard he tried

they could no be moved

still he let his fire burn

hoping that the tide would turn

until that day his prime concern

was your respect he tried to earn

maybe that's why at the time

only one thing was on his mind

everyday everynight mic or no mic

all he wanted to do was just rhyme

for who? whoever the heck would listen

witness a lyrical exhibition

wherever he went no matter the time

he'd battled for props and recognition

parking lot at the mall

outside of a bathroom stall

didn't matter who

single or a crew

line 'em up and he would battle 'em all

eating rappers was all he knew

soon his reputation grew

no matter what he was going through

step off stage and he'd felt brand new

In my shoes, just to see

What it's like, to be me I'll be you, let's trade shoes

Just to see what it'd be like to

Feel your pain, you feel mine

Go inside each other's mind

Just to see what we find

Look at shit through each other's eyes

But don't let 'em say you ain't beautiful oh

They can all get fucked.

Just stay true to you so

Don't let 'em say you ain't beautiful

Oh they can all get fucked. Just stay true to you

still that wasn't enough to fulfill

his thirst and hunger for something more real

whatever it takes continue to chase

can't chage a fate once it is sealed

meanwhile back home sound the same

folks are starting to now compliant

how he doesn't even care that the family

business is going down the drain

truth is he's aiming for

more than just the fame and stardom

deep down inside he just want to

keep his family far from starving

so even though they hated

it kept him motivated

if you have never seen a struggle before

how will you recognize when you have made it

finally graduated

parents were agitated

their dream and hope for their son

going to college is gradually faded

he was determine to shine

time on the grind tryna get sign

looked for a break anywhere he could find

a never ending ladder for him to climb

knocking on doors only to meet

so called the execs don't wanna greet

all they expects is soap on their feet

he stays anyway throw on a beat

that's when they see he's kinda raw

never encountered his kind before

rhyme before not like any of the artist

they have signed before

whatever the case they wouldn't explain

no matter the label it was the same

walkin' on in walkin' on out

thank you for coming we're all glad that you came

he didn't give up he just kept strong

knowing deep down it wouldn't be long

he'd get his turns and respect he earned

and eventually he would prove 'em wrong

far from the easy dream

on the right track but he needs steam

the end seemed near cause of what he's seen

till he popped up on that TV screen

that's when the whole world saw him shine

then the word quickly spread online

naturally blew everyone's mind

guess who ruff ryder just signed

yes sir time does sure fly by

nearly ten years in the blink of an eye

fair share of lows fair share of highs

in the midst of it all he's still the same guy

ain't with the r no more

some say he ain't a star no more

he's alive and he's healthy

somebody tell me what should he feel any sorrow for

looking back he shows no stress

no remores and no regrets

in fact what seems like a life long journey

is really just his first few steps...

first few steps

first few steps