Setbacks to Comebacks - Intellectual

[Verse 1: Harold John]

Yeah, I ain’t an athlete but shit

Feels like I deserve gold medal for grit

Survival of the fittest? Obviously I’m fit

Don’t take my word for it, ask Apocalypse

I’m the X-Man always on to the next plan

If I ever get married I’ll be own best man

‘Cause — besides G-O-D and Nicky G

Ain’t nobody had my back more than me

Faith of a mustard seed but I had to play catch up

Three jobs just to cover my nut, get them checks up

And what emcee you know besides me

Could drink a bottle of bleach and still be able to speak?

But that’s another story for another verse and another day

Suffice to say, I had to many run-ins with gangsters

Crooked cops and drove drunk so many days

Must be a reason why I’m not in a grave

[Pre-Hook: Harold John]

Yeah, when I was just a little kid, bruh

Mom said, “Ain’t how hard you fall, it’s how fast you get up

So no matter what, don’t you ever give up”

I said no matter what, don’t you ever give up!

Even if I’m down for the count

Don’t you dare ever count me out

I ain’t down and out

Against all odds? I like those odds

Watch me pick myself up off the ground

And turn setbacks to comebacks!

[Hook: Syne]

They tryin’ to lock me down

They tryin’ to lock me down, yeah

They cannot hold me down

They cannot hold me down, no

‘Cause I’m fightin’ for my family

And I’m fightin’ for what I believe — in

And I ain’t givin’ up

And I ain’t lettin’ up, no

[Verse 2: Harold John]

Came to ‘Frisco with a pocket full of lint

Focused only on leaving behind the life of an alcoholic

Now I’m leavin’ racks in my pocket

An apartment in Harlem, and my wifey's a certified model

Don’t tell me progress ain’t possible

Harold defied logic, overcame all obstacles

Accomplished feats mortal men could only dream

From outcast to role model in the community

True black man, no coonin’ or tomfoolery

Pan-African colors on my neck the only jewelry

Put some skin in the game, see how successful you could be

If you don’t believe in yourself, how you expect belief from me?

Reyes didn’t think I’d make it

Now I gotta front like I’m shocked at the progress I’ve made when—

It was planned, I worked for this

Work ethic of an immigrant

Organized as Cesar Chavez when it comes to grit

Drove a brand new car off the lot last year

Usually not one to brag, just had to make that clear

Instead of hatin’ ask for advice, I’ll lace you like a shoe

And suggest some E-40 music to listen to

Ugh!