Stay Alive

O.C. - “Stay Alive”
[Emcee(s): O.C.]
[Producer(s): Kemp]
[Scratches: Kemp]

[Hook: Sample with Scratches by Kemp] (x2)
“There ain’t no need to worry about”
“The good times”

[Verse 1: O.C.]
I’m having a
Harder, harder time trying to maintain my scope
Can’t cope, trying to live legit but I’m broke. Not a
Dime in the bank, more or less, and no account. In my
Pocket is lint, keys, and an old mint ball
From when I’m looking for a job in the metro
Come home frustrated, then I spark a joint like an
Electrode, fire. My entire day wasted
Interviews I was in and out like air to my face
Maneuver. Still, I got no money in the pocket
My girl’s birthday’s coming, and I laid away a locket
Borrow some dough? No, I’m up to my neck, over niggas
And I’m not talking petty cash loans either
Damn, what does it take to make a buck? See, I’m
Tired of the broke-ness, I’ma do what I can to hit the
Jackpot, fat knots—whether illegally
The little voice said, “Get paid,” to me repeadiately
Must survive, must survive, must survive
Think of a get-rich scheme to stay alive

[Hook: Sample with Scratches by Kemp] (x2)
“There ain’t no need to worry about”
“The good times”

[Verse 2: O.C.]
Buy me a 40-ounce, get intoxicated, then I
Take a walk so I could try to ease the tension I feel
Fenced in. Over twenty-one, responsibilities
Lack. Don’t have shit to pay back to moms
And pops. Pressure on my egos crushed them
Surprised the stress in my body didn’t bust me already
Steady as she blows like Moby Dick. I’m
Sick of it. The pot over the rainbow? I didn’t get a
Lick of it. It keeps on passing me by while I
Try harder and harder, only getting more discouraged
Courage, brains, wits fits, but it ain’t
Putting no type of loot inside of my mitts. I need
More, delivering now or never, then the
Question rises: will I be Medgar Ever?
Try to be legitimate, figuring a nigga come
Must survive, must survive, must survive
Think of a get-rich scheme to stay alive

[Hook: Sample with Scratches by Kemp] (x2)
“There ain’t no need to worry about”
“The good times”