...let me just take a second
To pause and reflect, check the cause and effect
I find myself askin', how did this happen
So fast, can't imagine, man i remember back when
I thought knew the deal, but i didn't understand
It was never in my plans to become a grown man
Hopped on a plane destination thailand
Where nobody was there to hold my hand
And that's when i believe it started
See i became part of a culture meanwhile my partner
Was guarding the scared gardens
And it'll take that inspiration to create an artist
And through the hardships, i grew regardless
Of how much i was still stuck in the ways
On the sidewalk some duckin' the strays
Some repeating the mistakes their own parents made

Chorus:
Look kid you don't even know the half
True, but it's you i will outlast
I'ma be around to see what's to come
Cause at twenty-one i've only just begun
I'm told
Look kid you don't even know the half
True, but it's you i will outlast
I'ma be around to see what's to come
Cause at twenty-one i've only just begun

Twenty one times around the sun
Take it in, i knew this day was bound to come
Illmatic had told me that the world was mine
And i realized it was way before half-time
Listen... i've done what some couldn't
Given a chance all because of one women
Who taught me knowledge of self, always prayer books
On the shelf for me to delve into myself
Trained my voice and my soul from an early age
Gave what i can take with me through the pearly gates
Fought for opportunities for me, mentored me
Even when it didn't make sense to me
I never knew who to blame, see there's a lot more
Significance to the name because he once did the same
So why would i bother to be anyone but badí
Spiritual descendent of the pride of the martyrs

Chorus:
Look kid you don't even know the half
True, but it's you i will outlast
I'ma be around to see what's to come
Cause at twenty-one i've only just begun
I'm told
Look kid you don't even know the half
True, but it's you i will outlast
I'ma be around to see what's to come
Cause at twenty-one i've only just begun