The Unfiltered Truth: 7 Shocking Secrets Hidden Within Tee Grizzley's 'First Day Out' Lyrics

Tee Grizzley's "First Day Out" is more than just a viral hit; it is a raw, 11-minute-long, autobiographical account of a man's life-altering experience, recorded just two days after his release from a three-year prison sentence. As of December 2025, the song continues to be one of the most impactful and authentic "first day out" records in hip-hop history, setting a standard for the subgenre and catapulting Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr. from the West Side of Detroit to national stardom. The track's enduring power lies in its unfiltered lyrics, which detail everything from federal court drama to the betrayal of former friends, offering a chillingly honest look at the journey from incarceration to freedom. The song, released in November 2016, immediately resonated with millions because of its narrative depth and Tee Grizzley’s unique, aggressive delivery. The lyrics are a chronological roadmap of his legal troubles, his time inside, and his immediate, clear-eyed vision for his future as a free man. It's a masterclass in storytelling that transformed a moment of personal trauma into a monumental career breakthrough, solidifying its status as a certified classic in the modern rap landscape.

Tee Grizzley: The Biography and Profile of a Detroit Rap Icon

Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr., better known by his stage name Tee Grizzley, is an American rapper whose career was launched by the explosive success of "First Day Out." His life story is deeply intertwined with the Detroit rap scene and the experiences he recounts in his music.

• Full Name: Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr.
• Stage Name: Tee Grizzley
• Date of Birth: March 23, 1994
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 31 years old
• Hometown: West Side of Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
• Genre: Hip Hop, Trap
• Debut Single: "First Day Out" (2016)
• Debut Mixtape: My Moment (2017)
• Record Label: 300 Entertainment (formerly)
• Notable Legal History: Served 3 years in prison for a string of robberies, including a jewelry store robbery in Kentucky, before his release in October 2016.
• Key Collaborations (LSI Entities): Lil Durk, Lil Yachty ("From the D to the A"), Moneybagg Yo, Meek Mill (who released his own "First Day Out" freestyle).

A Deep Dive into the 'First Day Out' Lyrics and Their Hidden Meanings

The lyrics of "First Day Out" are a dense tapestry of personal history, legal terminology, and street wisdom. The song’s structure, which is essentially one long, unedited verse, mirrors the rush of emotions and memories Tee Grizzley experienced upon his release. The track was produced by Detroit native Helluva, whose sparse, haunting beat perfectly complements the narrative's serious tone.

1. The Federal Courtroom and the Trial for His Life

One of the most chilling sections of the song details the severity of his legal battle:

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"You ever been inside a federal court room? / Nigga you ever went to trial and fought for yo life?"

This line is a direct challenge to listeners, immediately establishing that his story is not about minor offenses but about facing the full weight of the U.S. legal system. The mention of a "federal courtroom" is crucial, as it implies charges that are far more serious than typical state offenses, often involving conspiracy or interstate crime, carrying much longer sentences.

2. The Betrayal: "These Niggas Prayed On My Downfall"

The song opens with a powerful, repeating refrain that sets the emotional tone:

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"These niggas prayed on my downfall / These niggas prayed on my downfall / On all ten bitch I stood tall"

This is a core theme of the song—the sense of betrayal and the isolation he felt while incarcerated. "These niggas" refers to former associates and rivals who wished to see him fail or who, perhaps, cooperated with authorities. The phrase "On all ten" is a declaration of his strength and integrity, standing firm despite the pressure and the wishes of his enemies. He later references being "related through money," suggesting that the criminal activities that led to his downfall were tied to people only interested in financial gain, not true loyalty.

3. The Producer's Beat and the 6LACK Connection

The instrumental for "First Day Out," crafted by Helluva, is instantly recognizable, but it has a fascinating backstory. The beat shares a striking similarity with R&B artist 6LACK's hit song "Ex Calling," which was released around the same time.

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The similarity is due to both songs sampling the same source material—a beat that was circulating in the producer community. While 6LACK's version is slow and melodic, Tee Grizzley's is sped up and aggressive, proving how the same musical foundation can be transformed into completely different genres, with Grizzley's take becoming the definitive version in the rap world.

4. The Immediate Post-Release Hustle

The lyrics reveal that Tee Grizzley's focus was not on celebration but on getting back to work immediately. He mentions:

"To hit the road and hit the O and make them big boy sales?"

"Hit the O" is a reference to Ohio, a common route for Detroit hustlers. The song itself was recorded just 48 hours after he was released from prison, highlighting the urgency and determination he felt to change his life and monetize his story before the opportunity passed.

5. The Financial Desperation: "Being Broke Did Something To My Spirit"

A key moment of vulnerability comes when he discusses his financial state:

"Being broke did something to my spirit. I asked niggas to plug me, they ain't hear it."

This line speaks to the crushing reality of poverty and the desperation that led him down a path of crime. It humanizes the rapper, showing that his actions were driven by a spiritual and physical need to escape destitution. The refusal of others to "plug" (connect him with a source of income or product) underscores the isolation and lack of support he faced, fueling his resolve to succeed independently.

6. The Legacy: A Certified Hip-Hop Classic

In recent interviews, Tee Grizzley has reflected on the song's lasting impact, acknowledging that "First Day Out" is a certified classic.

Its success was so monumental that it sparked a wave of "First Day Out" songs and freestyles from other major artists, most notably Meek Mill and Pardison Fontaine, who used the same concept to tell their own post-incarceration stories. This phenomenon cemented Tee Grizzley's track as the definitive template for the genre.

7. The Origin of His Name: From "Grizzley" to "Tee Grizzley"

While not directly in the lyrics, the song's success brought attention to his stage name, which he adopted while incarcerated. His initial rap name was simply "Grizzley," but he added "Tee" (short for Terry) to avoid confusion with other artists. The name "Grizzley" itself is a nod to his tough, uncompromising persona, which is perfectly captured in the raw intensity of the track.

The Enduring Impact of a Viral Hit

The success of "First Day Out" was not accidental; it was the perfect storm of raw talent, compelling narrative, and strategic timing. The song's viral spread—thanks to its authentic sound and the unique story behind it—quickly led to a record deal with 300 Entertainment and the release of his debut mixtape, My Moment, which featured the hit track.

Even years later, in 2025, the track remains a staple in playlists and a benchmark for new artists. It serves as a powerful reminder of how a single, honest piece of music can completely change a life, turning a moment of release from prison into a moment of breakthrough in the music industry. The song's topical authority is massive, covering themes of legal injustice, street life, redemption, and the relentless drive that defines the modern Detroit sound.

The sheer detail and emotional weight in the lyrics—from battling the feds to navigating fake friends—ensure that "First Day Out" will continue to be studied and celebrated as one of the most important hip-hop debuts of the last decade.