The word "retainer" used in
rap vernacular often is referring to keeping a thug on hand that is willing to do dirt. The celebrity retains this person'
s services thru
cash payment, or other bartering options such as weed or pussy in the event that a punch needs to be thrown (or otherwise) and the celebrity would be open to a potential costly lawsuit, whereas the retainer does not have enough
money worth be sued for, etc.
When Charlemagne
Tha God was instigating
Nelly during an interview, he was warned "
Hey,man...just say what you wanna say. We're all men. I keep retainers just for guys like you".