Sparks in the Shadow of the Strip

Verse 1:

Born the youngest in the pack, Cali sun on my face,

Three older brothers running things, I had to find my space.

Getting picked on, pushed around, learning how to take a hit,

But every bruise I wore back then just built a fire in my spirit.

1976, packed the bags, changed the game,

North Las Vegas, Sin City, but the struggle stayed the same.

Every new block was a battle, had to throw hands to get by,

Looked my rival in the eyes under that desert sky.

But it’s funny how it goes when you’re trading those blows,

The ones you scrap with the hardest turn to homies, heaven knows.

Chorus:

From the Cali coast to the Vegas neon glow,We had to fight for respect everywhere we’d go.

Taking things apart just to build 'em back strong,

In the heart of the hood is where the rhythm was born.

Oh, we survived the night, turned the struggle to art,

The DJV Saga, yeah, it’s just getting start.

Verse 2:

Moved to better neighborhoods, thought the danger would cease,

But 9th grade hit and I was far from finding any peace.

Schoolboy in the classroom, keeping honor roll clean,

Thugged out on the blacktop, living double life scenes.

Had a painting on display in the Lorenzi Park halls,

While testing out my knuckles by the casino walls.

Down on the Vegas Strip, testing speed, testing skill,

Like Bruce Lee with the quickness, lightning-fast with the will.

With my brother Ed beside me, no one dared to cross the line,

Sophomore to his Senior year, yeah, we ruled the timeline.

Chorus:

From the Cali coast to the Vegas neon glow,We had to fight for respect everywhere we’d go.

Taking things apart just to build 'em back strong,

In the heart of the hood is where the rhythm was born.

Oh, we survived the night, turned the struggle to art,

The DJV Saga, yeah, it’s just getting start.

Verse 3:

'82, '83, a new rhythm hit the pavement,Cousins linked up, and we found our entertainment.

"South Side Breaking Crew," eight deep on the floor,

Practicing the windmills, opening up a new door.

"That’s Entertainment" club, where the battles went down,

Black and red sweat outfits, taking over the town.

Our moms in the back, sewing shiny red threads,

Making professional gear, keeping crowns on our heads.

Ben Vereen in the judges' seat, checking out the routine,

Then Donny and Marie put the crew on the screen.

From the Silver Dome auditions to the top of the game,

The DJV Saga, man, remember the name.

Chorus:

From the Cali coast to the Vegas neon glow,We had to fight for respect everywhere we’d go.

Taking things apart just to build 'em back strong,

In the heart of the hood is where the rhythm was born.

Oh, we survived the night, turned the struggle to art,

The DJV Saga, yeah, it’s just getting start.