5 Motivational Lyrics from Nipsey Hussle's 'Victory Lap'

Since stepping in the rap game with 2005's Slauson Boy Volume 1, the entrepreneur remixed the definition of an independent artist (by selling $100 mixtapes), shared his knowledge, and motivated hustlers on every corner of the U.S. by giving them a vision of a better life. This trajectory continued its upward motion on his debut album, Victory Lap

1. “Victory Lap” feat. Stacy Barthe

"Spoke some things into the universe and they appeared

I say it's worth it, I won't say it's fair

Find your purpose or you wastin' air…"

Speaking things into existence has been a recurring theme throughout Nipsey’s catalog. For one born into a life of gang-banging, where death, violence, and prison sentences are customary, it takes a commendable type of mental strength to believe in something that seems implausible such as legally becoming a millionaire. Nipsey is doing his part in disrupting the troublesome thinking patterns of generations of gang members.

2. “Dedication” feat. Kendrick Lamar

"This ain’t entertainment, it’s for ni**as on the slaveship

These songs just the spirituals I swam against them waves with

Ended up on shore to their amazement…"

This may be one of the most powerful lines from Victory Lap. For Nipsey, hip-hop is more than entertainment. By connecting today’s generation of MCs to African slaves, Nipsey also covers disenfranchisement and the massive lack of resources resulting from the African Slave Trade. Despite systemic obstacles that black people face, music continues to give hope to, and save black lives. 

3. “Hussle and Motivate”

"Ain’t really trip on the credit, I just paid all of my dues

I disrespected the game, now my name’s all in the news

Tripping on all of my credit, quote me on this

got a lot more to prove

’Member I came in this bi**h, fresh out the county with nothing to lose."

Being in debt can be a heavy burden to carry. Owing people or companies not only lower ones net worth, but it can affect how productively one chases dreams. The federal government can even seize your funds when in debt. It's nothing wrong with getting help from people, but Nipsey encourages listeners to work with what they have until they're able to get more. Saying no to credit is also one of the many lessons that Nipsey's forefather Master P taught. On Tru's "What They Call Us," from their album Tru 2 Da Game, the colonel spewed pieces of this method. One being: "I swore that I'll never borrow from another ni**a."

4. “Million While You Young” feat. The-Dream

"Get that dirt up off your shoulder, step yo game up

Can't be chasin' pu**y, switch your ways up

Can't be fu**in' off your lucci, gotta save up

See you gon' probably fail tryna play us

Streets ain't for everybody, get your grades up."

A myth that studious kids from impoverished areas are teased for being smart still persists in today's society. In fact, troublemakers secretly envy nerds - their futures look promising. Also, OGs look out for young kids with promising futures. With this notion, Nipsey encourages listeners to consider education as a conduit to a better life.

5. “Loaded Bases” feat. CeeLo Green

"My dough inflated and I'm more creative

Signed a couple big deals, but it's no paradin'

See it's a couple ni**as every generation

That wasn't supposed to make it out but decode the Matrix

And when they get to speak, it's like a coded language

Reminds ni**as of they strength and all the stolen greatness

We used to shoot at ni**as at the Mobile station

Full circle, mogul motivation

My self-educated, suit, negotiations

Got these sharks that I'm sittin' at this table with afraid to bait me

No tint on my Mercedes, that's for inspiration."

Here, Nipsey speaks on how money enables him to experience adventures outside of L.A., to how it narrows his focus, and how minorities can figure their way out of systematic obstacles like aggressive policing, unfair drug sentencing laws, and poor schools which can hinder forward mobility.