The Unfiltered Truth: Decoding The Raw And Viral Lyrics Of Tee Grizzley's "First Day Out"

Tee Grizzley’s "First Day Out" remains one of the most explosive and authentic debut tracks in modern hip-hop history, nearly a decade after its release. As of December 18, 2025, the song continues to resonate, not just as a viral hit, but as a definitive anthem of triumph over adversity, a raw, 4-minute-long autobiography recorded mere days after the Detroit rapper walked out of prison. Its unfiltered lyrics capture the intense emotional and mental transition from incarceration back to the streets, setting a gold standard for the "First Day Out" sub-genre.

The track, a powerful and slow-burning narrative produced by Helluva, is a masterclass in storytelling, detailing everything from his legal challenges and the pain of betrayal to his immediate plans for success. Understanding the full context of the lyrics—every line about courtrooms, impact statements, and the commitment to change—is essential to grasping why this single propelled Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr., better known as Tee Grizzley, from an unknown figure to a major force in the music industry, securing a deal with 300 Entertainment.

Tee Grizzley: A Biography of Trials and Triumph

The power of "First Day Out" is inextricably linked to the personal journey of its creator. The song is not just a rap track; it is a sworn testimony of the life Tee Grizzley lived before his breakout success. To truly appreciate the lyrics, one must first understand the man behind the microphone.

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• Birth Name: Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr.
• Born: March 23, 1994 (Age 31 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
• Early Life: Raised primarily by his grandmother in Detroit, as both of his parents were in and out of the prison system.
• Education: Briefly attended Michigan State University (MSU) to study finance, but his academic career was cut short due to legal issues.
• Early Career Name: Initially known as ASBH Tee, part of the Allstars BallHard (ASBH) crew.
• Incarceration: Served nearly three years behind bars, facing charges related to a jewelry store robbery attempt in Kentucky and a separate home invasion charge in Michigan.
• Breakthrough Single: "First Day Out," released November 7, 2016, just after his release.
• Debut Album: My Moment (2017), which featured the breakout single.
• Record Label: 300 Entertainment.

His time in prison, which he recounts in vivid detail, was the crucible for his music career. He wrote the lyrics for "First Day Out" while incarcerated, turning his trauma and frustration into a blueprint for his post-prison life.

A Line-by-Line Look at the Most Impactful "First Day Out" Lyrics

The track is a sprawling, four-minute verse with no chorus, which forces the listener to focus entirely on the narrative. This structural choice highlights the urgency and the stream-of-consciousness feel of his *actual* first day out. The lyrics are packed with specific terminology and references that paint a picture of the legal system and street life.

The Legal Battles and Betrayal

The opening lines immediately thrust the listener into the high-stakes world of the courtroom, detailing the emotional weight of his legal fight:

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“You ever been inside a federal courtroom?
Nigga, you ever went to trial and fought for your life?
Feds offering you 20 years, you turn it down, you ain't think twice”

This verse establishes the central theme: defiance and the refusal to break under pressure. Tee Grizzley risked a two-decade sentence by rejecting a plea deal, a massive gamble that paid off when he was released. The next lines speak to the pain of betrayal:

“These niggas prayed on my downfall, on all ten, bitch, I stood tall
Show these disloyal niggas how to ball”

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This is a direct shot at former associates who turned their backs or, worse, cooperated with law enforcement. The phrase "on all ten" refers to standing firm on all ten toes, a powerful visual of unwavering resolve.

The Vision of Redemption and Success

Once the legal drama is addressed, the lyrics shift to his immediate, ambitious plans. The song is a manifesto for his future, a promise to himself and his supporters:

“Go get a thermometer for the pot, I need this shit hot
To hit the road and hit the O and make them big boy sales”

This metaphor uses drug-dealing imagery—making the "pot" hot and making "big boy sales"—to symbolize his intent to aggressively pursue success in the music industry. The "O" is a common reference to Ohio, a key city for the Detroit-to-Ohio drug pipeline, which he is now replacing with a music distribution route.

The Iconic Closing Lines and Lasting Impact

The song culminates with a powerful, almost prophetic, set of lines that cemented his status. He directly addresses the listener, challenging them to relate to his struggle:

“Nigga, I’m the one that got away, I beat a case
I’m the one that wrote a song, made a million the first day”

While the "million the first day" is hyperbole for dramatic effect, it perfectly captures the *feeling* of his immediate, explosive success. The track quickly went viral, racking up millions of views and streams, essentially making him an overnight sensation.

The Legacy: How "First Day Out" Redefined the Detroit Rap Scene

The impact of "First Day Out" stretches far beyond its initial viral moment. It is considered one of the biggest music success stories of the 2010s and a foundational track for the modern Detroit rap sound.

Topical Authority and Influence

The track’s raw, unvarnished storytelling elevated the standard for autobiographical rap. Unlike many tracks focused on boastful wealth, Tee Grizzley's single focused on the struggle, the legal system, and the sheer relief of redemption. This authenticity resonated globally, not just with fans of Detroit hip-hop, but with anyone who understood the weight of second chances.

The song’s success turned Tee Grizzley into a highly respected figure in the industry. Years later, he continues to prove his business acumen, often discussing his breakthrough single in interviews, acknowledging that he knew the song was special when he recorded it just two days after his release.

LSI Keywords and Entities in the "First Day Out" Universe

The track created a universe of associated entities that built Tee Grizzley's topical authority:

• Producer Helluva: The track's slow, menacing, and sparse beat, crafted by Detroit producer Helluva, became instantly recognizable and a staple of the sound.
• The Album My Moment: "First Day Out" served as the lead single for his debut mixtape, *My Moment*, which further explored the themes of struggle, street loyalty, and newfound success.
• The Sequel: The song’s popularity inspired a spiritual sequel, "Second Day Out," and a series of "Day Out" tracks, further solidifying the narrative structure he pioneered.
• Detroit Rap Renaissance: Along with artists like Sada Baby and 42 Dugg, Tee Grizzley's success helped shine a national spotlight on the unique, gritty storytelling of the Detroit rap scene.

In conclusion, "First Day Out" is more than just lyrics; it is a powerful, enduring document of a life-altering moment. Its continued relevance in late 2025 is a testament to Tee Grizzley's resilience and his ability to transform personal adversity into a universally powerful anthem of redemption.