Through that desperation, we become addicted
Sort of like the fiends we accustomed to serving

from Jay-Z – Can I Live Lyrics 4 on Rap Genius

The desperation he speaks of here is not merely the common plight of poverty; but the desperation that comes from self-doubt. This desperation drives him, but like the desperation that drives drug addicts, it becomes the main drive (and thus he becomes addicted)

Although the ‘desperation’ of hustlin' in the underworld (which isn’t an ideal situation, due to the trails and dangers) one gets more addicted to the lifestyle and the money, bringing them deeper into the game, in a tormenting never ending cycle.

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