Lecrae - Sideways Lyrics
Lyrics
Hook: Perfekt
Sideways, came in this thing sideways
Get turnt, get lit sideways
Haters looking at me sideways
Sideways, sideways
I ain't slept in like 9 days
Heard they be talking sideways
Leaning in this thing sideways, sideways
Verse 1: KB
They wanna see your boy Kevin wear (down)
Hope the worst when they tell me go and break a leg
This music with or without me boy
Still gonna be intersecting circles like an Audi boy
Feelin' like I'm ballin' boy
Reading James can't let my heart harden boy
Don't need a side chick the main dish a problem boy
I be turning down girls like the volume boy
Do what we wanna do
Truth and the fruit, who really wanna juice
Move with a humble few these dudes who befuddle you
Derek Jeter boy, we cool being number 2
Them sons of the Father
Beast all four quarters won't change for a dollar
I put it on my momma
I ain't got no worries like hakuna matata
Hook
Verse 2: KB
The Lion King said D-I-E
Then brought us back to life like a EMT
No Biggie to me that you could do it B-I-G
'Till you and God align like a DMV
You rappers are neon green
Yukon Denalis, wanna be G MC's
But overdose on Christ see a G OD
G-O-D, that's what you see on me, now turn up
They know when we pull up
Where they working them traps like a pull up
So we bringin' 'em trap and a full cup
The full cup of water that's livin'
They don't know what to do with us
Degree in theology, raps for a livin'
Black man in first class that is reading the scriptures
I put my tray table up
Smile, why they lookin' sideways?
Hook (x2)
Verse 3: Lecrae
Ooh, I promise you, you better come tell 'em, tell 'em
I ain't the one, I never was, I never will be
Somebody better come get 'em
I wonder what got in they head
Wonder what got in they mind (mind)
They got me mixed up, messed up
Click, hold on it's somebody on the line
Hello, uh, I ain't tryin' to build CHH
I'm in my own lane but they like he ain't safe
They rappin' in a bubble can't nobody see they face
I ain't worried 'bout a genre, the street ain't safe
I know some people out there probably envy my space
But envy is empty, come see my face
Full of scars, full of pain
I don't see much grace
Street Fighter, Ryu, catchin' heat all day, I'm good
And lately I've been hangin' in the hood
Everybody lookin' like, what?
You for the people, you pushin' back evil
Not just in the steeple, you out in the woods
Where the lions and the wolves at
Still waters run deep, but my crew run deeper
We already died we ain't scared of the reaper
We are too alive we don't fear what you're speaking
Seeing sideways, eyesight crooked
You ain't never seen us cause you ain't lookin'
And if I say Jesus, everybody start bookin'
Get out the kitchen when I'm cookin'
Pot sideways, whippin' that, whippin' that bass
That's what they wanna hear us say
Until we all get caught selling twenty dollar rocks
And we're just another slave of the state
Seeing sideways!
Hook (x2)
Video
KB - Sideways ft. Lecrae (@ReachRecords @KB_HGA)
Meaning & Inspiration
The 2015 release of "Sideways" by KB, featuring Lecrae, is more than just a rap track; it's a declaration of unwavering faith and resilience in a world that often views unconventional paths with suspicion. The title itself, "Sideways," immediately conjures imagery of looking askance, of being viewed with doubt or disapproval. The song dives headfirst into this perception, with the hook setting a defiant tone, acknowledging the sideways glances and the internal struggles of sleepless nights, all while leaning into their distinct journey. This isn't about conforming to expectations; it's about embracing a God-given direction, even if it deviates from the norm.
The narrative woven through the verses explores the pressures faced by artists committed to their faith in a secular industry. KB, in his verses, touches upon the malicious wishes of detractors, the hope that he might stumble and fall. Yet, he draws strength from Scripture, particularly the book of James, reminding himself not to let his heart become hardened by adversity. His commitment to purity and focus, turning down distractions like one would turn down the volume, highlights a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual truth over worldly temptations. The imagery of "intersecting circles like an Audi" and "being number 2" suggests a self-awareness and humility, understanding their place within a larger divine plan, akin to the sons of the Father who remain steadfast regardless of earthly riches. His assertion of having "no worries like hakuna matata" is a direct echo of Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." The metaphor of being brought back to life like an EMT after hearing the "Lion King" of worldly pronouncements speaks to the transformative power of Christ, aligning oneself with God to achieve true greatness, a concept echoed in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." He addresses those artists chasing fleeting fame, warning against an "overdose on Christ" in a way that paradoxically means becoming overwhelmed by His presence, a divine saturation. His own journey, described as a black man in first class reading scriptures, is a testament to the unexpected blessings and visibility that come from living a life aligned with God, prompting the very sideways looks he addresses.
Lecrae’s verse amplifies this sentiment, reinforcing that he is not someone to be easily categorized or controlled. He dismisses the notion of being confined to the niche of Christian Hip-Hop, emphasizing his own lane and the resistance he faces for not fitting neatly into anyone's box. The lyrics reveal a deep understanding of the spiritual warfare at play, acknowledging that those who operate within their faith are often misunderstood and ostracized. He speaks of the street's harsh realities and the envy that can arise from perceived success, but counters it with an honest portrayal of his own struggles, scars, and pain, emphasizing that true grace is not always visible from the outside. The comparison to "Street Fighter, Ryu" catching heat all day signifies enduring constant opposition with resilience. His presence in the "hood" and his advocacy against evil, extending beyond the pulpit, demonstrate a commitment to living out his faith in practical, tangible ways, aligning with the teachings of Micah 6:8, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Lecrae highlights the deep-seated nature of faith within his community, where "still waters run deep, but my crew run deeper," suggesting a profound spiritual grounding. The powerful statement, "We already died we ain't scared of the reaper," directly connects to the Christian belief in overcoming death through Christ, as found in 1 Corinthians 15:55, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" He points out that those who "see sideways" are often not truly looking, and their discomfort when Jesus is mentioned reveals their unwillingness to confront deeper truths. The concluding imagery of "whipping that, whipping that bass" and the subsequent quick dismissal from those seeking superficial entertainment underscores the tension between authentic faith-driven expression and the desire for mere sonic gratification, a constant battle to be understood and accepted.