The origin of the "gansta" credo, which is akin to many resistance movements
that have sprung up around the world is precisely defense of one's own
community. Notions of community sovereignty and self-determination are the core founding principles that uphold the "gangsta" philosophy. Of course,
notions of sovereignty, self-determination, and autonomy are closely tied to the principle of a self-sustaining economy, which in a capitalist context such as the U.S., requires all gangstas to find a way to provide for themselves and for the gangsta unit. The most common resource that is utilized is of course
commerce in contraband: illegal drugs, prostitution, and firearms. Because
illicit commerce requires the gangsta to work outside of the law, a law which
the resisitance movement often does not recognize as legitimate because it
was imposed on them by an outside conquering force, different norms have evolved that regulate transactions and behavior between "gangstas". Among those norms are the "pass" and the requirement that one "keep it real with a brother".
As the gangsta subculture was incorporated into American Pop Culture, and inevitably purchased and reformulated for mass consumption by corporate interests, certain principles were exaggerated in order to sell the danger and excitement of the gangsta lifestyle without giving the public any reference to understand gangstaism as a holistic set of principles. Of course those who have been the poster-boys for mass media consumption of gangsta life or "thug life", often find themselves the target of those who are "true to the game" for "selling out", a phenomenon characterized by the term "player-hater" or "haterism". A sentiment that is astutely summarized by the phrase "don't hate the player, hate the game", an observation on the morally relative position of those who have profited from their assimilation into the popular culture which is the larger game that most gangstas revile, but those who are "true pimps" are currently forcing to "turn tricks" in a manner of speaking.
that have sprung up around the world is precisely defense of one's own
community. Notions of community sovereignty and self-determination are the core founding principles that uphold the "gangsta" philosophy. Of course,
notions of sovereignty, self-determination, and autonomy are closely tied to the principle of a self-sustaining economy, which in a capitalist context such as the U.S., requires all gangstas to find a way to provide for themselves and for the gangsta unit. The most common resource that is utilized is of course
commerce in contraband: illegal drugs, prostitution, and firearms. Because
illicit commerce requires the gangsta to work outside of the law, a law which
the resisitance movement often does not recognize as legitimate because it
was imposed on them by an outside conquering force, different norms have evolved that regulate transactions and behavior between "gangstas". Among those norms are the "pass" and the requirement that one "keep it real with a brother".
As the gangsta subculture was incorporated into American Pop Culture, and inevitably purchased and reformulated for mass consumption by corporate interests, certain principles were exaggerated in order to sell the danger and excitement of the gangsta lifestyle without giving the public any reference to understand gangstaism as a holistic set of principles. Of course those who have been the poster-boys for mass media consumption of gangsta life or "thug life", often find themselves the target of those who are "true to the game" for "selling out", a phenomenon characterized by the term "player-hater" or "haterism". A sentiment that is astutely summarized by the phrase "don't hate the player, hate the game", an observation on the morally relative position of those who have profited from their assimilation into the popular culture which is the larger game that most gangstas revile, but those who are "true pimps" are currently forcing to "turn tricks" in a manner of speaking.
We them niggas with big guns and big dicks
Fload ya block, and keep it gangsta
We them niggas with big guns and big dicks
Coat Them rocks, and keep it gangsta
We them niggas with big guns and big dicks
Drop the top, and keep it gangsta
We them niggas with big guns and big dicks
Wylin, stylin, and keep it gangsta
--G-Dep and Shyne "Keep It Gangsta"
Fload ya block, and keep it gangsta
We them niggas with big guns and big dicks
Coat Them rocks, and keep it gangsta
We them niggas with big guns and big dicks
Drop the top, and keep it gangsta
We them niggas with big guns and big dicks
Wylin, stylin, and keep it gangsta
--G-Dep and Shyne "Keep It Gangsta"
by El Nacote December 6, 2004
Used in regard to hair and its maintenance procedures, whereby one sustains their natural or artificial curls.
Though often said by males, females can also "keep it swimmin" with little or no change in connotation.
Though often said by males, females can also "keep it swimmin" with little or no change in connotation.
Angela: Damn, Marcus, your hair looks tight. You going to the ball?
Marcus: Nah, girl, I'm just keepin' it swimmin'.
Marcus: Nah, girl, I'm just keepin' it swimmin'.
by alex_trebek June 19, 2009
by tokyo_rockwell December 5, 2010
An amazing ska/punk band based out of Mississauga, Ontario. Four guys that hate the cops just as much as you do and do as the name says; Keep Six.
by Snapple612 November 3, 2007
A state of being. To Keep it Real is a transcendent quality that speaks to an essential truth devoid of stereotype, generalization and outside influence. To Keep it real is to be honest with others and is inclusive to those who practice it. Keepin' it real is the act of being "true" or "real" in all senses of the word. Not fake.
Danny asks "How you doin'?"
Frank, being true to his word, says "Keepin' it real. How are you doin'?"
Danny says "The same."
Frank, being true to his word, says "Keepin' it real. How are you doin'?"
Danny says "The same."
by KIR to the max December 23, 2011
Living in and with integrity.
In relationships--making sure there is honesty and respect, one's rights and boundaries are being respected
In situations--making sure there is adherence to higher truth, and peace
In relationships--making sure there is honesty and respect, one's rights and boundaries are being respected
In situations--making sure there is adherence to higher truth, and peace
Friend: "Hey girl, what's going on with your love life?"
Girl: " I'm minding my business, being in a relationship with myself, and keepin' it kosher."
Girl: " I'm minding my business, being in a relationship with myself, and keepin' it kosher."
by ronara December 4, 2019
by Craig Lavery - Belfast GVJR June 22, 2019