South London Standoff

Late bus, wet pavements,

hood up tight I see

my breath, still

I move with pride

On road when the streetlamps blink,

I pattern

Two-step thoughts, no chat,

just action

Same old rain on my face,

still laughing

They talk online, I don’t see that caption

If I ring, it’s work,

not bragging

Mumsy said pray, so I’m still grafting

I ain’t here for the likes,

I’m here for the lift

Hands cold, heart warm,

don’t switch

If it gets loud,

stay calm, don’t twitch

I’ve seen doors shut,

now I kick

From ends to the map,

I’m stepping No chain on my neck,

still repping Rain in my hood,

I’m steady

Tell them I’m up,

I’m ready (oi)

Bro said chill, but my mind stay racing

New postcode? Nah, same same pacing

I don’t beg man,

I just keep placing

Dots on the plan,

no time for debating

If they move strange,

I clock that spacing

I was on foot,

now I’m lane-changing

Still got love, but I guard my casing

Take a breath, hold it in,

don’t crumble

Seen friends fall off,

hard and humble

If it’s love, show face,

don’t mumble

I got bills to beat,

I won’t fumble (ahhhh)

From ends to the map,

I’m stepping No chain on my neck,

still repping Rain in my hood,

I’m steady

Tell them I’m up,

I’m ready (oi) (yeah)