when im looking back on my rapper days
it won’t be for awards or the accolades
or the racks or massive plays
i stayed for the fam i made
and every single thing i had to say
before the day i pass away
what I’m trying to lay - this stays more than rhymes
and i’m tryna leave my legacy immortalized
and not forget to stay hydrated and moisturized
with a longlist of homies, lookin' like Polaris Prize
I’ve been seeing signs not seeking to sign
And even being more mindful of me and just reaching for mine
I don’t need a break, catch a break, or a break from my drive
I stay in my own fine, now that i’ve been aligned
And shifting in my mind state, flow rhythm and timing
I’ve been at home, working, trying to understand the assignment
Never bout the medals, staying focused to finish lines
Just a bronze boy finding gold in the silver lining
when the beat’s on, i’m to be noticed
life’s too short to be loosely focused
i out rhyme every dude that’s local
i move through every mood, bipolar
i’m bout time, when i do seem closer
i might put through my two week notice
on toonie postage, follow dreams and be RV coasting
i’m softly open, the hard part’s having hearts that’s hoping
i find balance in my dreams like beams when coping
i’m writing my two week notice
because i’m trying to find my locus
i mean i'm trying to find my place
a space where it’s safe, i can stay and recognize my face
cuz like, i'm tired of being hopeless, and from my lowest
i found hope one moment, then i changed approaches
remembered magic, i mean i regained pocus
move slow, i know i’m getting closer
When I don’t make the team, I just make a team
Dreaming out loud while scheming everything, make a scene to change the scene
imagination as liberation in everything
We make real change, and dreams real, when we change the game
I’m not playing, I say what I mean
mean what I say, cuz everyday playing is really what gave me means
they might stay for vanity or aim for fame but see
i play for my fam and me, feeling free in our agency
I’m spending countless days in the booth
as I’m making these days count while always saying my truth
I blaze trails but real aim’s to pave the way for the youth
I may fail but if I find myself, then what did I lose?
So what if I choose to sign myself, align what’s felt
or help and redefine what’s wealth, prioritize being well
I deeply wonder what we’re able to do
stay independent, i’ll let these records make labels for you
lately i’ve been thinking what my inner child needs
wondering what’ll give the kid a smile, help him feel free
when it’s feeling wild, what’ll help him feel grounded, breathe
what does he feel, what does he know, what does he see
it’s this inner wisdom, that’s feeling true to me
it’s this inner rhythm, that’s moving through to me
now i’m moving with him, and there’s room to dream
showing up for me is showing up for my community
credits
from HEATCHECK!,
released April 27, 2023
Songwriter/Composer: Francis Arevalo
Vocals: Francis Arevalo
Producer: NUXNAMAN
Engineer: NUXNAMAN
Mixing Engineer: NUXNAMAN
Mastering Engineer: Eugene Chong
Francis Arevalo is a Filipino-Canadian artist and producer based in Vancouver, BC. Known for his personal storytelling, clever lyricism, and colourful production, he makes music to uplift, inspire, and energize himself and his community.
