"Let Him Have It" by E-40 is a song that tells a story about the rapper's experiences involving conflicts and violence. The lyrics depict a series of encounters where E-40 finds himself in confrontations with individuals who threaten his safety or disrespect him. The song starts with E-40 reflecting on his younger days, always feeling independent and not afraid of challenging situations. He warns anyone who has a problem with him to speak up instead of talking under their breath, as it may lead to their own demise. He also mentions how the dynamics have changed, with people now resorting to carrying guns instead of settling disputes through fistfights. E-40 recalls a specific incident where he meets a woman at a club and encounters her ex-boyfriend, who recently got out of prison. The ex-boyfriend displays hostility towards E-40, which escalates when he reaches for his gun. E-40, who is also armed, ultimately ends up shooting the ex-boyfriend in self-defense. The lyrics then shift to E-40's time spent in jail after the incident. He expresses frustration and boredom while waiting for his court date. To pass the time, he creates makeshift dice from toilet paper and water, emphasizing the difficult and restricted nature of his surroundings. E-40 mentions being covered in the local newspaper, with headlines detailing his involvement in the violent incident. He describes the harsh reality of prison life, including the presence of gangs and his need to arm himself with homemade weapons for protection. Despite the challenges, E-40 maintains his resilience, acknowledging that in desperate situations, one must be prepared to take decisive action. He advises individuals to stay out of situations they can't handle and metaphorically references leaving someone vulnerable ("sleep in the middle of the street") if they can't handle the consequences. The song then transitions to E-40 fighting his legal case, seeking support and communication from his peers through letters ("kites"). He mentions the monotony of prison food, humorously referring to it as eating "shit on the fuckin shingle." Eventually, E-40 is released from jail, celebrating his freedom with loved ones. Towards the end of the song, E-40 reminisces about a party he attends, where he encounters a woman he had known since high school. Her cousins, who were initially hostile towards him, had attempted to prevent any romantic involvement. However, E-40 was ultimately successful in pursuing the woman's affections. The song concludes with E-40 asserting his confidence and resilience, using expletives to emphasize his triumph over adversity.
