NF - CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE) Album Lyrics

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CLOUDS

(Sduolc eht ni s'daeH)

Calmly feel myself evolving
Appalling, so much I'm not divulging
Been stalling, I think I hear applauding, they're calling
Mixtapes aren't my thing, but it's been awfully exhausting
Hanging onto songs this long is daunting (yeah)
Which caused me to have to make a call I thought was ballsy
Resulting in what you see today, proceed indulging
As always, the one-trick pony's here, so quit your sulking

Born efficient, got ambition
Sorta vicious, yup, that's me (woo)
Not artistic, unrealistic
Chauvinistic, not those things
Go the distance, so prolific
Posts are cryptic, move swiftly
Unsubmissive, the king of mischief
The golden ticket, rare sight to see
I stay committed, embrace the rigid
I'm playful with it, yeah, basically
Too great to mimic, you hate, you're bitter
No favoritism, that's fine with me
Create the riddles, portrayed uncivil
Unsafe a little, oh, yes, indeed
It's plain and simple, I'm far from brittle
Unbreakable, you following?
I'm Bruce Willis in a train wreck
I'm like trading in your car for a new jet
I'm like having a boss getting upset
'Cause you asked him for less on your paycheck
I'm like doing headstands with a broke neck
I'm like watching your kid take his first steps
I'm like saying Bill Gates couldn't pay rent
'Cause he's too broke, where am I going with this?

Unbelievable, yes, yes, inconceivable
See myself as fairly reasonable
But at times I can be stubborn, so
If I have to I will rock the boat
I don't tend to take the easy road
That's just not the way I like to roll
What you think's probably unfeasible
I've done already a hundred fold
A hundred fold, it's probable that I might press the envelope
Ideas so astronomical sometimes I find them comical
Yeah, incomparable, replay value phenomenal
Beat selection remarkable, slowing me down, impossible

I don't rock no Rollies, I don't hang around no phonies (no)
I don't really got no trophies
I don't know why God chose me (I don't know)
Got something in the cup, ain't Codeine (never)
Change my style, they told me
Now they come around like, "Homie"
Man, y'all better back up slowly, back up slowly (woo)
Who are you kidding? How could you doubt me? I've always delivered
Ripping the teeth out of the back of my mouth's
The closest you get to my wisdom
See my initial thought was to wait
But what can I say? I had to come visit
Check on you guys, you doin' alright?
Your year really sucked? Yeah, that's what I figured
They cover they heads up whenever I drop
Shake the whole industry, put 'em in shock
Come out the clouds like a meteor rock
Then land in the earth like "Ready or not?"
Ain't no one like me, the cream of the crop
Don't even front, better give me some props
I pick up your body and throw it a block
Okay, I admit it, that's over the top, not
Deer in the headlights looks every time I step my foot on the ground
I get mistook for a lame with no weight to his name
Ground just shook, let's not beat around the bush
Even my B-sides throw 'em off like, "How's he do it?"
Some say I'm a great influence
I don't know about that, but I did do the best I could

Hollywood, Hollywood
Hope Nate doesn't go Hollywood
You think that, you don't know me good
You think that, you don't know me good
Hollywood, Hollywood
Hope Nate doesn't go Hollywood
You think that, you don't know me good
You think that, you don't know me

I always advance, say how I feel, you know where I stand
Raising the bar, I gotta expand
Top of the charts, I'm setting up camp
Poundin' my stakes, I put up my tent
Shoot for the stars, they fall in my hand
Stick to my guns, I don't even flinch
Can push all you want, ain't movin' an inch
I rarely miss, you know I'm relentless
Ain't got a choice, no way to prevent it (woo)
Just who I am, and I don't regret it
See what I want and then I go get it
Followed my gut, I'm happy I did it
Beat all the odds, I ain't got no limits
Cannot be stopped, you paying attention?
I ain't gotta say it, they know where my head is
They know where my head is (head is)

---

THAT'S A JOKE

I'm not on your radar? Then your radar's broke
Don't blame me for the way y'alls jokes
Fall flat, get your mouth slapped, ain't no hoax
I get an inkling, they picked me for the weak link
I'm gonna have to pose
A question for the ones that don't accept that I've been exceptional
'Cause the moment I get involved is the moment a song takes off
So how could you think I wouldn't last long in a game
That I was made to play? What do y'all take me for?
Rest assured
When I do come back to tour, it'll be Christmas morning
In a way 'cause I'ma wake up with a present so big, they'll jump for joy
Yeah, let it be known, I'm better when I'm outta control
I can not be the butt of a joke
I'm cutting in the front of you posers talkin' like you really a pro
When you ain't even part of the convo
Nothin' but an amateur, I'll slow down when I want it colossal
Only way to put it if I chose
I could be bigger, maybe consider it a bit if it was helpin' you all
To comprehend, you condescend (you're gone)
Incompetent, the consequences (are)
Hard to miss, it's common sense (I'm on)
One, so wrap your head around it (or)
I might have to get up off the porch
Show you how it's done, I got the form
Power trippin' on me, get destroyed
Pull the plug, I'm rollin' up your cord

Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on you
Fool me three times, hold up, rewind
That's not even possible
Me, I keep it honorable
Who's your favorite? Let me know
Tally up, count the votes
Wasn't me? That's a joke
Yeah, ayy, that's a joke
That's a, that's a joke
Funny, yeah, that's a joke
That's a, that's a joke
Funny, woo, that's a joke
That's a, that's a joke
Funny, ayy, that's a joke
That's a joke

Yeah, I took a minute now, I'm at the better end of all of it
The day I wanna quit'll be a bitter one to swallow
'Cause I meant it when I said I wasn't really into audibles
I guess you gotta call 'em when your odds are at the bottom
And it's stackin' up against you, it's a pity, but they gotta give a nod to me
I'm runnin' with the best, I been the kind to make a profit
Off of everything that you told me was impossible
So why would you continue with the narrative
And not admit I'm someone incredible, look of a general
Hit 'em with the end of shovel, they wanna forget it
I put 'em on the ground and I get up and open the pit of my stomach
To remind 'em again I'm a whole different animal
Whatever the case, I'ma get it, I'm in it, no doubt, I would give it
Everything if I gotta, but not if the commas
Are pushin' me to run with the common, the jokin' aside
If you took away the dummies and bias, you'll notice that I'm insane (insane)
Improved a lot, but I still feel
It's hard to keep my lid from poppin' off, but I prevail
How you gonna skip over the details
And tell me to be focused? Hold that thought
Don't tell me you mean well if you don't mean well
I call the shots, but don't need my hand held
When it comes to makin' records
Who you know that does that better?
The way I connect letters
You'd think that the alphabet was made by me
When it comes to storytellin', I'm great at it
Tune in or get tuned out, my face got redder
'Cause I'm embarrassed for the ones unaware of my work
What, did I stutter?
Known to be cordial
But those that think that never seen me in a war zone
My delivery gets better every time I spit
I don't keep my sword low
Tell me why would I do that?
Doesn't make sense when you're in a game this cutthroat
If you wanna maintain control, then you gotta keep up
If you can't handle the workload
Somebody else will
How could you call me unskilled?
That's like lookin' at Mount Everest and then calling it a small hill
Not at all thrilled, I'm in awe still
Tryin' not to laugh, but it just spills
Out sometimes, I been writin' chill
Just chew on this 'til the record's built, okay

Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on you (on you)
Fool me three times, hold up, rewind
That's not even possible
Me, I keep it honorable (okay)
Who's your favorite? Let me know (let me know)
Tally up, count the votes
Wasn't me? That's a joke
Yeah, ayy, that's a joke (joke)
That's a, that's a joke (joke)
Funny, yeah, that's a joke (joke)
That's a, that's a joke (joke)
Funny, woo, that's a joke (joke)
That's a, that's a joke (joke)
Funny, ayy, that's a joke
That's a joke

---

JUST LIKE YOU

Just in case my car goes off the highway
Or the plane that I get on decides that it's my last day
I want you to know when you're alone and you feel afraid
You're not the only person in the world that isn't okay

There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you
There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you

It's strange the way the mind can wander, but also stop to gossip
And chat with memories that you and me aren't really fond of
Maybe you're out to find love, maybe you lost who you was
Maybe you're just like me and feel the need to stay in your rut
'Cause if you left it, you might feel like you're no longer you
It's so impressive, the way the mind can play with the truth
It's interestin' that nobody can walk in your shoes
But still relate and feel the same so in a way, guess we do

You ever think about what it would be like
If the clouds were gone and you could see light?
If the door was open would you take flight
Or just close the curtains up and stay inside?
Take a walk with me, take a risk with me
I'm scared too and it gets so tempting
When you're so empty, to disown everything you hold
Dearly, when you know
Clearly, you've been so buried, in your own
Fairy tale, the soul's tearing bunch of holes in me
I relate to it, but in case you been thinking no one does
Here's a great theory
Throw a hail Mary, let your mind fly
To the sunrise, could be so scary
Make your faith vary, feel the pain glaring
But the weight carried ain't in vain hear me (hear me)

Just in case my car goes off the highway
Or the plane that I get on decides that it's my last day
I want you to know when you're alone and you feel afraid
You're not the only person in the world that isn't okay

There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you
There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you

So often I feel desperate, I think my heart's infected
How about yours? How about yours? How about yours? I guess if
You feel the best when your life is hectic
You might be destined to stay defective
So join the club, it ain't that hard to get in
It's hard to leave though, look at the guest list
I bet that, your name is on it, don't believe me? Check it
See dead ends in life we come to tend to raise some questions
Suggestion, know that your feelings might give wrong directions
Infested, yeah, with the feeling of failure
Let it take over your body it makes you
Question the life that you have situations
You might have enjoyed, become nothing but dated
Old and forgotten but what would you say
If I told you that there was some hope we could make it?
I know what you're thinkin', I'm thinkin' it too
Could you really improve and be something worth savin'?
See, I could pretend like I have all the answers
But none of us do, it's the reason we battle
Convincing yourself that you don't really matter's
Like feeding a cancer and letting it travel
To every part of you but what if we did
The unthinkable and cancel our trips?
What's achievable depends on the risk
So pick up your chin and listen to this

Just in case my car goes off the highway
Or the plane that I get on decides that it's my last day
I want you to know when you're alone and you feel afraid
You're not the only person in the world that isn't okay

There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you
There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you (you, you, you)

Yeah
Everybody falls sometimes
Just remember that that's alright
It's the rainy days that give us love for the sun
And if it isn't, I guess I'll be fine believing it does, oh yeah
Everybody falls sometimes
Just remember that that's alright
It's the lows in life that make you cherish the highs
And if isn't, I guess I'll be fine believing a lie, ayy

Just in case my car goes off the highway
Or the plane that I get on decides that it's my last day
I want you to know when you're alone and you feel afraid
You're not the only person in the world that isn't okay

There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you
There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you
Just like you, like you

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STORY

Woke up in a bad place
Should probably get up so I'm not late
Stared at my phone for the past eight
Minutes at nothing, my head aches
Bottle's empty by the lampshade
I'm out of Excedrin again, great
Too early to tell, but at this rate
I'm thinkin' this might be a bad day
I walk out the bedroom, my roommate's
Asleep on the couch with her two-faced
Boyfriend who lives here, but don't pay
A penny for rent, but he still stays
She says he's broke, I'm like, "No way"
Probably sells drugs, but she won't say
Tell me he dabbles in real estate
I mean I don't believe it, but okay
Okay, pull out the driveway
Notice my gas tank's on E again
Well, of course it is
Guess I probably should stop at the gas station
So I take a right, pull up to the pump
While it's pumpin', I look at my ashtray
Then remember I need to get cigarettes (cigarettes)
Anything that help my mindstate
So, I park and walk inside, wait
I should probably get somethin' to drink and eat, I guess
So I find and grab a couple bags of chips
Where's the candy aisle? Oh, yeah, here it is
Which one should I get?
Should I grab the Starburst or
Change it up maybe grab the Twix?
Mm, grab the Starburst and I started walkin'
As I passed the garbage and I reach the fridge
I hear someone yellin' at the front of the store
Probably just a homeless guy getting bored
Probably just a customer whose card didn't work
And now he wants to start a war
Man, I can't afford to
Keep buyin' energy drinks every day, I shut the door
Then turn around and as I'm headin' towards the counter
With my drink, I hear, "Hey, open up the drawer"

Crouching on the floor
Peek around the aisle, gun is on the forehead
Of the man that's behind the counter
Now my heart is poundin' and I'm prayin' to the Lord
I don't die today, I can't die today
I got things to do, tryin' not to shake
Plottin' my escape, where's my cellphone at?
Left it in my car, icing on the cake
I start crawling, I can hear him yellin'
"I want every penny, I want every dime" (yeah)
"Once you finish with the cash
Open up the bag, throw some cigarettes inside" (yeah)
"Which ones do you want? Which ones do you want?"
"I'm not picky, give me any kind
Give me all of 'em, yeah, just toss 'em in
Keep it movin' though, I'm runnin' low on time
And I'd advise you to move a little quicker
Trust me, I don't wanna have to pull the trigger
I done it before, it's not a pretty picture
What, you don't believe me? I'm just playin' with you
Well, no I'm not, no I'm not
Just do what I say 'cause if you even think
Of tryna pull a fast one on me, promise you'll be sorry
Oh, my driver's callin', I can't miss my pickup"

That's when I did somethin' stupid
And my jacket knocked over a can of soup and then
It got quiet, did he hear me movin'? Shh
Hold my breath, he must've heard me do it, huh?
I'm assumin' the noise must've made him turn his head enough
To let the guy that was at gunpoint grab his own gun
Now they both got weapons, maybe I should help him
Sneak up, slow and deck him
Time to go, time to go, time to go
It's gon' be a bloody miracle
Now or never, God, if I had any blessings
Coming in my future, could you send 'em to my present?
Peek around the edge, and I start runnin' at him
He don't see me comin', does he? Steppin' closer
Grab his neck and hold him, squeezin' on his throat
I'm tryna choke him, then his elbow hits my nose and

Think he broke it, I think he broke it
My blood is leaking all over my clothes, I try
Not to let go, but my hands begin to slip and bullets start to fly
Can't see out my eyes
Cashier still alive?
I can't tell, I'm tryna crawl away, here comes another guy
He runs inside, like, "Where's the money?
Did you get the money? Where's the bag you brought?" (Ayy)
"I don't know, I think it's still behind the counter
Probably by the cashier I just shot" (ayy)
"Who's this on the floor? Who's this on the floor?
"I don't know," "Well, did they call the cops?"
He runs up to me, then he grabs my shoulder
As he flips me over, then my jaw, it drops 'cause
I thought his voice sounded real familiar
He's got a mask on, but the shirt he's wearing
Is the same one he had on this morning
Staring in my eyes, I know he knows I know
Embarrassed, he stands above me and says, "Sorry Aaron, but
I don't have a choice", He holds the barrel up
To my head, I scream, "You can't be serious"
He shakes his head and says, "I'm sorry," then the gun

Cashier yells to ask if I'm okay, he's dialing 9-1-1
I run over to him, grab his phone and try to help him up
"9-1-1, what's your emergency?"
"There's been a robbery, the cashier was shot, he needs an ambulance
He looks kinda pale, I think he might've lost a lot of blood"
"Okay, help is on the way, anybody else been injured?"
"Yeah, the robbers, there were two of 'em"
"Can you tell me their condition? Are they still alive?"
"Well, I'm not really sure, but they don't look so good
I'm pretty sure they're dead
Yeah, I think they're dead"
"Alright, take a deep breath
Everything's gonna be okay, you're gonna be alright"

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PRIDEFUL

Yeah
Feels like I work my hardest when I'm at my lowest
Even unhappy people can have happy moments
Even small circles fall when the people you chose are
Lookin' at you like you owe 'em that money you're grossing
Brief seconds that impacted my life, on a huge scale
Weigh 'em like what's wrong and what's right
Predictions I predicted often arrive
Like they own the place, and suffocate the areas that I thrive
Had some disagreements
Business model got some cracks, that's your biggest weakness
Way before I got involved, you knew that ship was sinkin'
So tellin' me to dive in water you won't dip your feet in
Tends to make me question you for lots of reasons
Keep twistin' my words, you got some courage, I applaud you
Tables, they turn, but was it worth what it cost you?
Watch and observe, lot of concerns in my heart, still
Angry and hurt, got what you earned bein' prideful

Prideful, yeah, prideful
Taking what you need, then blame it on me, man
That's so prideful, ayy, prideful
Callin' me conceited, oh, that's how you see it
Well, that's so

That's so shameful
Guess that's what I get for bein' faithful
Oh, you think I'm soulless 'cause the bank's full?
Yeah, oh, you think I'm heartless 'cause I made dough?
Yeah, that's so painful
Didn't know what you was doin' on the down low
Yeah, still you out here actin' like it's my fault
Yeah, I ain't never said I was an angel, no
I know myself enough to know what I need
Showed your true colors, I don't like what I see
Story keeps changin', I know what that means
Know what that means, I know what that means
How'd you go from bein' that somebody I believed
Into bein' someone doubtin' me behind the scenes?
Can't forgive a sorry that I ain't ever received
I mean least you could've done was gave me an apology

But you're so prideful, yeah, prideful
Taking what you need, then blame it on me, man
That's so (that's so), prideful, ayy, prideful
Callin' me conceited, oh, that's how you see it
Well, that's so (that's so, that's so)
(Callin' me conceited, oh, that's how you see it)
(That's so, prideful, prideful, yeah)
(Callin' me conceited, oh, that's how you see it)
(That's so)

---

LOST

Look
Self-awareness, pride's a coat and yes, I like to wear it
Buttoned up, don't like to let no air in
With a pair of gloves, that I hope doesn't perish
I discovered, though, when I get holes in 'em and I let joy in, I'm in higher spirits
My mistakes are like a screamin' parrot
Just repeatin' lyrics, I can barely bear it when I'm lost
Road is narrow, I'm lookin' down it like a gun's barrel
Aren't we all searchin' for the serum that could help us breathe and leave our state of peril?
All of us have made defensive scarecrows that we scatter 'round our fields and treat like heroes
When they scare away the things that we should cherish
'Cause we're too embarrassed to admit that fear is that we're lost
Yeah, but what does it matter? I get so combative
Inside of me's a personal canvas, the paint can be splattered
Get messy when I start to get rattled
The heart of a savage, I'm quiet when I lurk in the shadows
But somethin' don't add up, I don't wanna be overdramatic
But look at the data, it's obvious that humans are fragile
We tend to get mad at the ones that call us out
But the fact is we need someone that'll be honest when we fly off the handle
I admit I throw a fit when I begin to unravel
Keep my wits, been off the grid but now I'm back in the saddle
My intent is not to rent, I like to own what I value
I could sit here on the fence or maybe pick up the paddle
I like to row against the current, that's the way that I travel
Opposite of what the grain does, got the brain of a rebel
Take initiative, I'm diligent on every level
I never could settle, I like to keep my foot on the pedal, yeah
I'd love to pack arenas and all
But what I really wanna do is learn to handle my thoughts
And put the reins on 'em, show 'em I'm the one that's the boss
And pull 'em back when they get out of hand, I'm breakin' they jaws
I'm takin' the flaws, that told me I could never evolve
Then pull a Bane on 'em, ask 'em, "Oh, you think you're in charge?"
You oughta know better, ain't no way around it, I'm flawed
The traits that I want, they say I can't afford what it cost

But I manifested this
Failing's how you grow and learn your lessons, kids
Take the worse and try to make the best of it
'Cause when you fail, just know it's a test and if
You can learn to pick yourself back up again
And train your brain to not be such a pessimist
It's okay to make mistakes, just don't forget that
There's a high road but I skip the exit when I'm lost

Yeah
When I'm lost
When I'm lost
When I'm lost
When I'm lost, lost

Wow, these burdens are heavy
And I'm hopin' it don't bury me
I used to be joyful and skip so merrily
But now I'm too cautious and tip toe carefully
My mind left and it's nowhere to be found
Am I a big ol' parody?
'Cause it's no fair to me
And now I'm at the point where I'm spendin' a grand a week on hypnotherapy
Look, I'm tryna wash away my sins
I got a group of loved ones that ain't my friends
And if I ever take an L then they might grin
And they all wanna see me stay in the cage I'm in
So when it come to anybody, there's no trust for no one
Man, so what? My whole plan's to go nuts
My shoulders ready for more shrugs, I'm gon' judge
Anybody tryna enter my circle with no love (hol' up)
My sanity's gone, I'd rather be torn from this planet they planted me on
Yes, that's a reward, I'm actually bored with havin' a sore heart
It's torn apart from a family that I don't have anymore (now hol' up)
I was livin' so oblivious with millions, it really was a pity, huh? (A pity, huh?)
It's kinda funny what a penny does, mixed in with a mini buzz (I feel stuck)
Life's got me by the neck, with a blade against it (what?)
Guess I was runnin' late for the train and missed it (what?)
The only thing I feel is pain and vengeance (what?)
So I'ma act out like a ragin' misfit (what?)
And every verse I lay gon' stay sadistic (yeah)
You wanna hate me? Good, great, terrific (good)
You'll never see the day where my anger's dismissed
You better go and change your wishlist 'cause I

Yeah, manifested this
Do not treat me like some adolescent kid
I am prayin' to the Lord with the Book of James hopin' he gon' add my testament
This dark cloud, that's my residence
Demons knockin', I don't have to let 'em in
I done made mistakes, day to day, you probably can't relate
I just ain't the same when I'm lost

Yeah
When I'm lost
When I'm, when I'm lost
When I'm lost
When I'm lost, lost

---

LAYERS

Yeah (ayy)
I got layers to me
I got plans, I got goals, I got tricks up my sleeve
I got calls, I got deals, I got people to meet
I got drive, I got soul, I got everything
I got scars, I got heart, I got family to feed
I got people mad I ain't who they want me to be
I got people I don't know tellin' me what I need
Yeah, I got loved ones sayin' that they prayin' for me

I'm thankful for the prayers, I need more of those
Put my hands together, bow my head and thank the Lord for
Everything he's done, yeah, ain't none of us immortal
So while I'm still alive I got so much to look forward to
Addicted to the craft (whoa), got no time to chat (whoa)
Just a little something to hold 'em over for what's next (whoa)
Even when I guess (whoa), I get it correct (whoa)
Question my work ethic, that's a question you don't ask (no, no, no, ayy)
Yeah
Don't ever question if I hustle, work a double
Drop a bomb on me I climb right out the rubble
Not a struggle, tossin' me under the bus will get you muzzled
Pop your bubble (pop), throw your compliments right out the window
So unique with this, I could flip the script and change the schedule
You'd still think that it happened how it should've, keep it subtle
Bunch of geniuses, put they heads together try to huddle up
But still they sit, confused about how I learn to juggle, ayy
Toss around some concepts 'til I pick one
Usually I don't alter my traditions
Foreign to me hit 'em with the switch up
I just had to get this out my system
Been a handful even with a mouth full of hand soap, I still say what I want to
Getting passed? No, better chance beatin' Usain Bolt in my sandals
To be candid, that's like puttin' minivans in NASCAR with a grandma
In the driver seat with her hands up
Show goes on even after the show's over
To get past me you would have to kill me (kill me, kill me, kill, me)

Ayy (kill me, kill me, kill, me)
Tossin' what you want aside for longevity, ain't meant to be
If it causes everything to collapse and affects your heart heavily
What's worth it and what's not?
What's certain and which side will the coin flip to and land on?
When you guess wrong do you stand up or stand down
Even with a man down I man up, well rounded
Held out for the right outlet
Nine houses couldn't make me feel home, childish
Me left, see, the outcome every ounce of my childhood
Played a role in how I wound up with an outlook so crowded
No knowledge, couldn't see through the piles of my problems
Still piled up, past tense, man, I wish it was
But I've come so far so quickly
In it for the long haul, it's routine
Only thing I'm cool with losing is losing sleep
And it's only cool with me
If it means I get to watch my dreams
Come true if I kept it brief
Still you think it was a long story
Recording half of the things I think would
Take six years, prepare, 'cause the chance that you asked for
Might show up at your door one night like, "I'm here
Gonna let me in or just stare?"
It's clear, yeah, six ain't enough
That wouldn't come close to the content between my ears
My layers have got layers
My layers have got layers

---

DRIFTING

Drifting
Watchin' the world go 'round
World go, yeah (world go, yeah)
Listening
To unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds
Unknown sounds, unknown sounds

Slippin' through my fingertips (ayy), lingerin'
Shoulda, woulda, coulda, where'd I put the pen? (Woah)
Make a list of all my failed attempts, runnin' out of space again
Highlight all the things I wish I never said (stop)
If feeling makes you stronger, I'm the weakest
That would mean that I would have to separate from my beliefs
It's not a secret, I'm a puzzle, got a lot of missin' pieces
Underneath this strong persona I put on's a kid that's screamin'
Aren't these waters so deceivin'? (So deceivin')
They look different, don't they?
Well, at least that's how they seem to me
'Cause we just drift and drift and drift
Until we see something that we define as peaceful
Grab the needle, shoot reminders in my veins
That people leave you while I'm driftin'

Watchin' the world go 'round
World go, yeah (world go, yeah)
Listening
To unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds
Unknown sounds, unknown sounds

Lots of gossip, I've been watchin' you
How you're talkin' to yourself is rude
Driftin', I'm in the same boat as you
Sinkin', dreamin', screamin' for some truth
And (my, my) escalator's broke, I'll take the stairs, I guess
Climb until I'm outta breath, questioning my every step (whoa)
My train of thought is leading me to different tracks
Positive that where I'm at is not where I should stay and that's (why)
Told you look into the mirror and say, "I love you"
Convince yourself that no one in the world would ever want to
Passin' by the people that have been there to support you
From the get-go, disrespectful, drive you mental
Might get stressful when I'm driftin'
I see you in the distance
Askin' me why I'm so distant, I'm convicted
I'm convinced that I predict that all my wishes on my wish list won't be heard
'Cause I'm committed to the lie that feeling safe is unrealistic
When I'm driftin'

Watchin' the world go 'round
World go, yeah (world go, yeah)
Listening
To unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds
Unknown sounds, unknown sounds

Ignorant to my ignorance
Tell me I'm worth it, God
Give me the faith to rise and help me diversify
To take a step forward, immersed in my belligerence, amplified
The feelings and words collide
Intensified by living a life deprived
I'd rather be burned alive
Than go back to thinkin' I'm insignificant (insignificant)
Every impotent moment debated can trigger it
God is my witness definitive
Holdin' my head up, there isn't an innocent bone in my body
But that's what gives me the energy lacked
To renovate, have to innovate, past intimidates
Can't remain afraid

---

TRUST

Focus on it every single day, I wanna figure out a way
To get ahead of what I think I know is coming
It's obvious you got a problem if you always tryna make it seem
As if you've never been afraid, then why you runnin'?
I could never look at what I do the way that other people can
And walk away, I can't be separated from it
Stickin' out my neck is how I made it where I'm at
You wanna cut it up but can't, man, they can never take it from me
(I'm) outlandish, take chances
Gotta get it while I can with my damage
My sanity could lead but if it vanished
Don't matter to me, I'd still manage
Gue-guess you could say I'm at an advantage
My vantage point can be quite lavish
Got so many cadences
No way to pick one, which bag is my hand in?
Depends what mood I'm in
Oh, no, I'm in a mood again
Lord knows I'm a hooligan
Losin' it, who can get gruesome with
You if it comes down to what you can bet?
I shoot direct, defuse the threat
And they wonder why the music has a huge effect?
Could it be 'cause I've been the go-to when it comes to depth?
'Cause I'm the one that they be callin' when the people get fed up
And want the music with the visuals, I got a vendetta
For any part of me that wanna make it hard to get set up
And take away the happiness, it can be kinda pathetic
But when I look at everything that's tryna give me a headache
I gotta be honest, I really been the cause of it, get it
'Cause I can see a side of me you'll never see, you can tell when
I'm at the breakin' point, I finally had to sit with the devil
I went into hell and I asked him what the problem is yellin'
He tried to get me to live with him, even called me a sinner
And told me everything about me doesn't feel like a winner
So why continue when he's tellin' me I might as well give up?
I took a moment, thought about it, feelin' caught in the middle
But got offended when he told me I would live in a kennel
And I can never leave it, even if I made it to heaven
He'd find a way to get me back and send a demon to get me
I'm like, "Whoa (whoa), hold up, I don't think so"
Skin and bones, meet my ego
How's he look? He don't eat much
Let him starve, I don't feed him
I just beat him, I just leave him in his womb, in a fetal
Let him cry, let him yell, let him scream, I don't need him
Lift off when I'm ticked off, my pitfalls I latch onto like a pit dog
I sit calm with a sick thought of a sitcom of the life I live
Life I live's more like a sci-fi flick
I hide in, wanna watch? Dive right in
My silence doesn't mean I'm dyin'
Just means I'm careful with the time I spend, so

(Look, look) look what I, look what I done (ayy)
Helpin' 'em people I love (I love)
My life is not what it was (no)
I do whatever I must (woo)
Count on one hand who I trust (ayy)
Count on one hand who I trust (yeah)
Count on one hand who I trust (ayy)
Count on one hand who I trust (ayy)

Tech N9na, next king up
Everyone knowin' that I'm a death bringer
That linguae vexing ya
Leavin' a regular rapper resting, bruh (chyeah)
This is what, I give it such
An incredible wicked rush, a vivid gush
Of poetical livid stuff to rid his gruff
Said, I better go rip it rough and I lit it up
The prestige I gather from people lovin' the Tech speed (whoop)
Lyrically elect me, Jet Li
The beat, it got you bobbin' until your neck bleed (whoop)
That is tellin' me, "Let's feed"
On the bitter the bogus the hitter will focus
Deliver the doses and give a critter the dopest
Spitter to flow sick and now the quitter corrosive
A swig of the roguish'll give your liver cirrhosis (chyeah)
The boogie monster rappin' with NF in the hoodie
Want to step into the session and fully conquer
The weapon to lessen our profession go bully bonkers (chyeah)
Left in a wreck, never checkin' nor could he stomp us
Take his crown
Thought he was gonna make us run away in a battle with his fake-ish frown
Shake his ground
Like I'm a Mechagodzilla, I'm such a killer when I break it down
These flows are the cheat code for the weak Joes
That need those elite bros with the heat, so
They can eat on the D-low
Off a beast your ego, got it vetoed (chyeah)
Please close your beak foes, delete scrolls
Taken from me, thiefs chose to try to decode (chyeah)
Reload the beat, so I can reach each soul
No cease, no finito, release (go)
I am the chosen and everyone is beholdin'
My energy is golden 'cause dominion is being broken
From enemies in the open approachin', I'm never jokin'
The remedy bein' spoken, I'm hopin' that you're soakin' it up (chyeah)
I'm in the motion, I'm dope and I'm never chokin'
My devotion to floatin' like an ocean, the Holy Ghost and
I'm scopin' the evil folk and revokin' the wicked notion
I'm croakin', I'm really floatin' and quotin' that I'm closin' it up (chyeah)
Talkin behind my back
End up where N9ne is at see me and say
Kinda wack, you could not find the knack
Hit you with a rhyme attack freely and spray
I'ma beat you 'cause I'm greedy and slay, if you're creepy and cray
I'ma eat you like P-B and J, kiwi and grapes
I'ma demolish 'em when the t be in play, pray
A stunna recordin' in my number three Jordans
Dungaree sportin', the tongue on me is gonna be scorchin'
The punishin' hunter eat like a hungry orphan (chyeah)
T9 and NF are elephants
In the room without a closet for skeletons
Quit embellishin', a demon from hell is sent
Yell it went, Donny, you're outta your element (ayy)

Look what I, look what I done (ayy)
Helpin' 'em people I love (I love)
My life is not what it was (no)
I do whatever I must (woo)
Count on one hand who I trust (ayy)
Count on one hand who I trust (yeah)
Count on one hand who I trust (ayy)
Count on one hand who I trust (woo)
Look what I, look what I done (what I done)
Helpin' 'em people I love (I love)
My life is not what it was (no)
I do whatever I must (woo)
Count on one hand who I trust (I trust, ayy)
Count on one hand who I trust (I trust, yeah)
Count on one hand who I trust (ayy)
Count on one hand who I trust (trust)

---

PAID MY DUES

Clicks, clicks, clicks, they'll do anything to get a few
Tick, tick, tick, that's the sound before my head explodes
Quit, quit, quit, look at you up on your pedestal
Quick, quick, quick, here the critics come, it's time to go

I read your article, it kinda hurt me
I don't know who hired you
Or what your friends say in your circle
But the fact that you released it
Tells me two things are for certain
They get paid for trashing people
I get paid 'cause I stay working

Dropped 'The Search' and
They emerge up outta nowhere
To the surface, just to peep behind the curtain
Throwing salt at all my burdens
I'm aware I shouldn't give this my attention
Life's a journey, I should just stay on my path
And learn to laugh, you think they heard me?
Ears are burning, put 'em out
Quiet, quiet, look around
Why don't they find someone way more
Interesting to write about?
Us, we're kinda boring, aren't we?
All we do is whine and pout
It's confusing, so amusing
How I argue with myself

Hello
I spit it was ease so leave it to me
Doubted, but you better believe
I'm on a rampage, hit 'em, with the record release
Depending the week, I'm probably gonna have to achieve
Another goal, let me go and I'm over the beat
I go into beast mode like I'm ready to feast
I'm fed up with these thieves tryna get me to bleed
They wanna see me take an L, yep, see what I mean?
How many records I gotta give you to get with the program?
Take it for granted, I'm 'bout to give you the whole plan
Open your mind up and take a look at the blueprint
Debate if you gotta, but gotta hold it with both hands
Pick at the bars, you gotta be smart
You really gotta dig in your heart
If you wanna get to the root of an issue
Plus I'm in the middle, could be dark and be difficult
But they pay off at the end if it can help you to get to it ay

Paid my dues, made it through
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Making moves, I need some room
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ay

I'm the truth, oh, they want some proof
Fear it, don't be rude, something new
Even when I lose, I make it look cool
Do the show, then we hit the room
Wife is looking, oh
What to do? I don't need the shades up to like the view

Yeah
It's time to get back in the swing of things
When my life crashes, I'm not the guy that'll flee the scene
I'll take ownership and own it and raise my hand if it's me
Just remember though, I'm only a man, I'm a human being
Don't the see, shoot the breeze I'd rather just stay discrete
People claim they're in your corner but leave you in times of need
They don't listen do they? (what?) They don't listen to anything
I'll accept advice if it's not presented ignorantly

Look, costs are high, they multiply
They cause divides and force the fight
The poison I've been sipping on has quite the bite
It killed me twice, they rigged the lights
So y'all could see the parts of mine that aren't too bright
See, often I apologize and authorize the awful times
That pop up (Nate) like I'm right behind you
I'd advise you not to try and climb inside the mind like I do
Keep the rhyme book expedited, over nighted
Hold the tide in, hope the time is on my side
'Cause if it's not then I'll decide to override my own demise
I toed the line too close and I can improvise and empathize
But recognize the fact that I could jeopardize and wreck our lives
You better give me your attention, the undivided

Paid my dues, made it through
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Making moves, I need some room
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ay

Paid my dues, made it through
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Making moves, I need some room
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ay

---

CLOUDS (Edit)

(Sduolc eht ni s'daeH)

Calmly feel myself evolving
Appalling, so much I'm not divulging
Been stalling, I think I hear applauding, they're calling
Mixtapes aren't my thing, but it's been awfully exhausting
Hanging onto songs this long is daunting (yeah)
Which caused me to have to make a call I thought was ballsy
Resulting in what you see today, proceed indulging
As always, the one-trick pony's here, so quit your sulking

Born efficient, got ambition
Sorta vicious, yup, that's me (woo)
Not artistic, unrealistic
Chauvinistic, not those things
Go the distance, so prolific
Posts are cryptic, move swiftly
Unsubmissive, the king of mischief
The golden ticket, rare sight to see
I stay committed, embrace the rigid
I'm playful with it, yeah, basically
Too great to mimic, you hate, you're bitter
No favoritism, that's fine with me
Create the riddles, portrayed uncivil
Unsafe a little, oh, yes, indeed
It's plain and simple, I'm far from brittle
Unbreakable, you following?
I'm Bruce Willis in a train wreck
I'm like trading in your car for a new jet
I'm like having a boss getting upset
'Cause you asked him for less on your paycheck
I'm like doing headstands with a broke neck
I'm like watching your kid take his first steps
I'm like saying Bill Gates couldn't pay rent
'Cause he's too broke, where am I going with this?

Unbelievable, yes, yes, inconceivable
See myself as fairly reasonable
But at times I can be stubborn, so
If I have to I will rock the boat
I don't tend to take the easy road
That's just not the way I like to roll
What you think's probably unfeasible
I've done already a hundred fold
A hundred fold, it's probable that I might press the envelope
Ideas so astronomical sometimes I find them comical
Yeah, incomparable, replay value phenomenal
Beat selection remarkable, slowing me down, impossible

I don't rock no Rollies, I don't hang around no phonies (no)
I don't really got no trophies
I don't know why God chose me (I don't know)
Got something in the cup, ain't Codeine (never)
Change my style, they told me
Now they come around like, "Homie"
Man, y'all better back up slowly, back up slowly (woo)
Who are you kidding? How could you doubt me? I've always delivered
Ripping the teeth out of the back of my mouth's
The closest you get to my wisdom
See my initial thought was to wait
But what can I say? I had to come visit
Check on you guys, you doin' alright?
Your year really sucked? Yeah, that's what I figured
They cover they heads up whenever I drop
Shake the whole industry, put 'em in shock
Come out the clouds like a meteor rock
Then land in the earth like "Ready or not?"
Ain't no one like me, the cream of the crop
Don't even front, better give me some props
I pick up your body and throw it a block
Okay, I admit it, that's over the top, not
Deer in the headlights looks every time I step my foot on the ground
I get mistook for a lame with no weight to his name
Ground just shook, let's not beat around the bush
Even my B-sides throw 'em off like, "How's he do it?"
Some say I'm a great influence
I don't know about that, but I did do the best I could

Hollywood, Hollywood
Hope Nate doesn't go Hollywood
You think that, you don't know me good
You think that, you don't know me good
Hollywood, Hollywood
Hope Nate doesn't go Hollywood
You think that, you don't know me good
You think that, you don't know me

I always advance, say how I feel, you know where I stand
Raising the bar, I gotta expand
Top of the charts, I'm setting up camp
Poundin' my stakes, I put up my tent
Shoot for the stars, they fall in my hand
Stick to my guns, I don't even flinch
Can push all you want, ain't movin' an inch
I rarely miss, you know I'm relentless
Ain't got a choice, no way to prevent it (woo)
Just who I am, and I don't regret it
See what I want and then I go get it
Followed my gut, I'm happy I did it
Beat all the odds, I ain't got no limits
Cannot be stopped, you paying attention?
I ain't gotta say it, they know where my head is
They know where my head is (head is)