[Tarik:]

I been strugglin and strugglin for oh so long

So I can be successful in life and stay strong

I was raised to respect my elders

And if I didn't, I would wind up as a failure

So we're sippin some brew

On the corner with my so-called crew

My pop told me the streets wasn't games and fun

He says be wise and listen up, son

I would never tell you nothin that wasn't true

Only right from wrong and things you shouldn't do

In the ghetto you gotta watch over the shoulder

And just remember that I was the one that told ya

Me and your mother will be in through thick and thin

Cause when it comes to it, we're like your best friends

I took his advice, and it did me some good

Now I'm not a product of the hood

When I walk the ave now I keep my head high

As soon when I'm older I'll have a piece of the pie

See, where I'm from you had to have heart

I guess that's why I'm street smart



[Taji:]

Nine months of labour, I make my arrival

I'm just a Youngsta playin the game of survival

My mom told me patience is a virtue

Sticks, stones break bones but -- never hurt you

Negativity I don't indulge in

But that don't mean that my pockets ain't buldgin

Especially in this day and time

I rather get props, hops, from just sayin rhymes

Cause the streets mislead ya

If you was starvin tell me who would ever feed ya

Chillin with your boys smokin jays

Sittin back, talkin about the old days

Fiends sellin radio clocks

Lookin on the ground for rocks

Youngsta's in school and cats

Flippin packs like flapjacks

Rollin, rollin dice like a casino

Look at that-- Nino Brown or Al Pacino

You can't beat this with a head start

You know why? Because I'm street smart



[Qur'an:]

Growin up in the ghetto is worse than skid row

So I decided to let the kids know

How it really is even though I'm in showbiz

One thing that I know is

The streets will leave you with a dumb look

An old lady cryin cause a bum took her pocket book

Five-o stay right at the corner

Stand there too long and you're a goner

Thinkin back when my pockets was empty

I couldn't let negativity tempt me

I was down to get mines

I was lost and now it's time to catch up like Heinz

I used to stay out late, be a street dweller

Not a drug seller but a smooth young fella

I just about seen it all

Streets is no joke, that's right, how many y'all

Brothers been fightin for no reason

So all the girls, I ain't the one to be skeezin

That's right, baby, you can't play me, sweetheart

Because I'm street smart