"You see thru, that is why no one is going to believe you."
Virtues: honor, respect | Quote by Jadakiss, 1997 'All about the Benjamins' | www.vacantlot.org
What is there to say about the 'fake' individual? Always putting up a front, a facade, trying to be something that they are not. Some do it as apart of their occupation, others do it hide their true self so that they can 'fit-in' with a crowd; this is very evident in hip-hop culture. As many dudes will try very hard to be 'hardcore', but in their attempt to be hard, it is evident that they have no substance inside, and that they will do anything in order to achieve their goal. Their goal may be simply to impress you, but more often than not, it will be probably be a goal that is intended to hustle you out of your possessions.
However, the quote is almost objective in the sense that not only does the 'see thru' aspect can be a negative connotation, but it can also be somewhat positive, or just explain a person's motives. Its like, nah they are not doing what they say, because we can see their motives and see their true objections.
So call them the 'translucent' hustler, the transparent gangsta, or the clearview opportunist, but these are a list of some of the infamous/famous 'see thru' males & females:
Cam'ron
"I front like I got money"
After the Youtube clip of Cam'ron showing-off his pool in a beef video to 50 Cent, it became apparent that Cam'ron really doesn't have the paper that he claims in his raps. Come on Cam, that pool was tiny, looked like a pool the average family in the burbs has.
Soulja Boy
"Gimmick Boy"
Soulja Boy is the poster child of the new era in rap where artists need to have a catchy dance with a song release. This gimmick really takes away from any lyrics an artist may have - Soulja Boy is the lucky one of this bunch because he has become somewhat successful for having an infections/catchy dance, but there is no substance in any of his lyrics.
Karrine 'Superhead' Steffans
The Opportunist
We all know what Superhead has done, and to whom, but her tell-all book where she name drops on her relationships is an exercise in opportunistic behavior. I mean, it must be somewhat self-demoralizing to live with the fact that all these men are calling you all sorts of names, and that you have a moniker such as 'superhead', and to go and try to monetize off of your exploits shows that you are a straight opportunist - even if it means throwing more shit already on your shitty name. But hey, get your money girl, and get a STD test.
Jay-Z
Never Quit
Jay-Z was supposed to retire a couple of years ago, but after the release of the acclaimed American Gangster (2007), and another release in 2008, and word that he may be working on an album with former foe turned friend Nas, it is clear that Jay-Z will never quit; the game is in him.
Vanilla Ice
Soul-less
Vanilla Ice is one of the classic jokes of hip-hop, pop culture - as he was known as the white guy that exploited the music to make a buck. No one believed him, he had no credibility, and in the end, a real gangster saw thru Vanilla and took his publishing ... ice, ice baby.
Suge Knight
Untrustworthy
This was the real gangster from the Vanilla Ice post. This is the kind of guy that you don't trust; he has been involved/implicated with the deaths of Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls and countless other ordeals. Many of said that anyone can see that looking at Mr. Knight, not much 'good' is there.
Flavor Flav
Coon
Self-explanatory, have you seen Flavor of Love 1-3?
Enough said.
.:: Vacant Lot
Labels: honor, respect, self-respect
" We can take it to the gloves and I can show you the hand speed"
"We can take it to the gloves and I can show you the hand speed"
Virtures: Fighting, Extreme Sport, Ignorance, Resolution
Vacant Lot Case Study
When all else fails in disputes, arguments, logic, sometimes the only way to resolve a problem is thru physical means. This quote suggests that an exchange of 'hand speed' or fist-fighting, scrapping, or whatever regional slang is used for fighting, is a viable way of settling disputes. From young to old, I'm sure we all have encountered those ignorant people that just push, and push you to test your 'gangster'; and unfortunately, they do not respond to logic, but they respond to acts of force.
This brings up an interesting topic of the whole ultimate fighting phenomenon. 'Extreme Fighting' is not anything really new; its been on pay per view since the late 80's, but it was always extremely barbaric with practically no rules; there was a referee, but the fighters could practically do anything they wanted to each other. It did have a following, but didn't garner huge success and was known as a violent sport. However, in the last 6 years or so, extreme fighting has been revamped with an almost 'ingenious' concept – rules. Solid rules, such as a restriction on the types of holds, grabbing, etc. Apparently the application and enforcement of rules was the key factor for the growth and acceptability of extreme fighting to be a viable sport. Extreme fighting has gain massive exposure, cable T.V. production deals, video games, reality shows, and of course more pay-per-view events.
Any type of fighting is usually negative and hurtful (to the party that gets clapped-up), but it usually brings about a release of frustration and anger that will resolve a situation – however, in the street it may do more harm than good (the 'payback' effect). So think carefully, and remember that when your watching and mimicking all of the UFC-ish, they're ain't usually anyone acting as a 'referee' in those streets; its every man for himself at ALL costs – the essence of barbarism, the same essence that was hampering Extreme fighting's progression.
Peace.
| > | A www.vacantlot.org Case Study
Labels: boxing, respect, sports, strength, ufc, ultimate fighting
Like short sleeves, I bear arms
"Like short sleeves, I bear arms."
Virtues: self-confidence, strength, assertiveness
This classic Jay-Z line implies to others that one should not be messed with. When people want to start trouble, they are more likely to pick on or be aggressive with those that they feel are weak; those that exude a ‘soft’ persona or passive behavior. For example in a High School setting, bullies will always try to pick on the weak-looking individuals (nerds, geeks, loners, etc.). However, if one shows what they are ‘working with’ whether it be physical strength/abilities, or lethal weapons, then the probability for anyone trying to mess with you decreases. For many aggressors do not necessarily want to encounter a difficult experience; meaning they do not want to try to attack someone, and risk getting beat the f*ck up … that would just be embarrassing.
Elaborating now, i’m trying to refer this quote in a physical sense; ‘bearing your arms’ muscle strength or lethal weapons, however, bearing your arms could also imply a sort of mental constructs that can be used to repel any aggression. At times if we can mentally outsmart or outwit an adversary, it can do more damage than any physical blow; for mental feats can affect one’s emotions and behaviors, which carry far more ramifications than physical interactions. The mind can be a very powerful tool, and when used appropriately, can be very influential not only one’s self, but onto others.
So ‘bear arms’; whether it be physical or mental – I guess the point is, don’t let people f*ck with you, for if they do, blow them away, mentally or physically.
.::Hip-Hop Quotes & Wisdom:
www.vacantlot.org
Labels: respect, strength
"I'm out for Dead Presidents to represent me''
"I'm out for Dead Presidents to represent me''
A www.vacantlot.org case study virutes: hustle, money, respect
An ode to the hustle. One's belief that, essentially individuality is lost when compared to the almighty dollar. Honor, pride, respect, perseverance & other related virtues that once defined a person's character is irrelevant. Sadly, I concur with this notion in respect that in Western culture, the amount of money one has speaks volumes. We are constantly defined by what we possess & what we wish to obtain - we frequently are able to gain insight of one's wealth by what car they drive, size of their house, and type of fashion attire. Thus, the faulty logical fallacy of appropriating money with personal character ensues - which creates a behavioral of 'financial equality'.
Financial equality (term I made up) is one's belief that they can only engage in meaningful dialogue with someone that is equal to them, financially speaking. In laments terms, a 'snob' of some sorts. Unfortunately, I think that a lot of people adopt this shrewd mentality; which is especially prevalent amongst the rich & those that have power (i.e. 'Movers & Shakers').
Thus, I understand where Nas is coming from with this line -- it is only fitting to be seen as one that has Dead President's in order to be taken seriously.
The problem here is obvious, but the problem does not lie with the stimulus (money), but our conditioned response to it.
Classical Conditioning at its finest.
Labels: hip-hop, honor, money, respect
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