Lyrics
Intro]
Change, yeah
Change can be good for all of us
Whatever it takes for you to rise up
I’m with you, no hard feelings
Got nothing but love for you, do your thing
Yeah, to all the friends I haven’t talked to in a while
This one’s for you
I’m proud of you, keep moving forward
Heard you’re making waves out there
Stirring things up, not looking back
Yeah, folks, I’m proud of ya
[Verse 1]
We used to be like brothers, side by side
Always looking for trouble, never had to hide
You were smaller, but strong, never backin’ down
Went through the system, came back to our town
Remember when you had that wild look, never learned
On the block, hustling hard, never concerned
Collect calls home, talking about how you’ve changed
Oh, you found a new way? No more chasing fame
Heard you might be coming back, just got bail
Looking for peace, not chasing fairy tales
Seems I lost my old friend, he’s a changed man
Found a new path, now you have a plan
When I talk about dreams, you see the struggle
When I say I’m doing well, you see the hustle
Congrats on the new life, hope your wife knows
She’s got a real one for life, that’s how it goes
I know we’ve grown apart, you might not remember
Used to dream of greatness, never letting go of temper
I see us back in the day, always had each other’s back
In trouble, we’d react, no looking back
Now everything’s different, and we don’t even talk
Got a new vision, and you’re walking the walk
Knew in my heart you’d always be the same
Ready to stand strong, never playing games
And I can’t even trip, just smiling with ya
You’re trying to stay strong, keep moving forward
‘Cause I’m proud of ya
[Chorus]
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
[Verse 2]
We used to be close, like family, always around
Whole neighborhood knew we were the talk of the town
Catch us on the roof or behind the scenes
Thinking back, reminiscing on our shared dreams
Besides the hustle and grind, nothing on our minds
In time, we learned to walk the fine line
Go back to when we were too young to know
Caught in the madness, loving the show
Even though we separated, you said you’d wait
Stay true while I was locked up, no hate
I kissed my mom goodbye, wiped her tears
Told her I’d return, had to face my fears
Don’t cry, mom, I’ll be back again
I lost the trial, no smiles, but I’ll remain
Losing my mind, fighting to stay sane
In my cell, thinking, “One day, I’ll break the chain”
As soon as I get out
Told my girl I’d be back, no doubt
The homies wanna hang, but I’m just smiling with ya
‘Cause you’re true, and I’m proud of ya
[Chorus]
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
You’re true, and I’m proud of ya
[Verse 3]
Well, guess who’s rising up? This one’s ballin’ now
People calling, wanting a piece, falling down
Went from nothing to something, shining bright
From a nobody to someone in the spotlight
Local legend, moving big, making dreams
Hated by enemies, living in the scenes
First you were one of us, but you made a choice
Now we gotta support you, raise your voice
Full of pain, but now there’s hope
Reaching for better days, learning to cope
Crime may have paid, but redemption’s the key
You’ll find your way, just believe in me
So many changed, so many tried to doubt
But I kept faith, knowing you’d find out
God will guide us to our essence
Even in tough times, refuse to be lessened
Questions arise, asking if I’m still true
I moved out, but still, it’s you
They got so much to say, but I’m just smiling with ya
You folks just don’t know, but I’m proud of ya
[Chorus]
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
Hell nah, I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
And I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya
I’m proud of ya