a phrase used by celebrities who have run away from real life to be adored in a world of make belive to stop the general public from beating them senseless as soon as they walk in to a local pub
celeb: yeah i like to keep it real
you: is that why you live in L.A. and London, drive a convertible and wear shades indoors, have an obscene amount of money and sleep with models whilst snorting cocaine, yet contrive to find time to go and see your 'old mates' in the slum you escaped from in which they are still living?
you: is that why you live in L.A. and London, drive a convertible and wear shades indoors, have an obscene amount of money and sleep with models whilst snorting cocaine, yet contrive to find time to go and see your 'old mates' in the slum you escaped from in which they are still living?
by saint_george August 8, 2003
It’s an ignorant saying used by a person that is rude and not tactful. But the person tries to make their rudeness acceptable by saying they are just “keeping it real” or “Just being honest”. But in reality the person is accepting only the opportunities and rules taught to them by other ignorant people. Its all a lie, because if a person really “keeps it real” then that person would not wear deodorant, would not bath or wash. etc (because that is truly keeping it real).
A woman walks down the street wearing a hair weave and fake nails. Then she runs into her friend and says, "Yeah its true. I got fired, but I told off my boss again. You know I'm keeping it real."
by DP NewYork April 2, 2013
A black person's excuse for being ignorant or doing ignorant shit. The person who says that they are "keepin' it real" usually claims to be denying pop culture and sticking with their own thing.
Chris Rock had a good description:
Chris Rock had a good description:
Rock: Nothing makes a nigger happier than not knowing the answer to your question:
(first person):"What's the capital of Zaire?"
(nigger):"Shit, I don't know that!....Keepin' it REAL!"
Rock: Yeah, real DUMB!
(first person):"What's the capital of Zaire?"
(nigger):"Shit, I don't know that!....Keepin' it REAL!"
Rock: Yeah, real DUMB!
by who cares? April 18, 2005
When a black celebrity/athlete gets into trouble and his teamates/black commentators/BET media say he's "Keeping it real", as if it were assumed he is supposed to act like that. It is more or less a black-on-black racist term. (White people don't use the term and are largely unaware of what it means.) It says that black people are supposed to get in trouble with the law, thusly "keeping it real"; being true to their race.
A lot of people probably said Kobe Bryant was "keeping it real" when he got into trouble, or when insert name basketball player got busted for marijuana possession, not realizing they are perpetuating the racism they try to fight at the same time.
by Ryan Thompson June 16, 2004
by Laird December 9, 2003
Not only tell the truth, but specifically get to the point of the actual matter at hand, rather than beating around the bush.
He said he went to the store, but he didn't keep it real to tell me he also went to the strip club later on.
by Itsallgoodhomie917 May 6, 2008
My boy Jeff bought a plastic Christmas tree that ALREADY has LED's on it. That man's keeping it real.
by osgood from the E town November 17, 2019