Thug (hip hop slang)
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Thugs (alternatively written "thugz"), in the hip-hop/gangsta rap sense, are persons who are ruthless and who will do whatever it takes to get what they want. The term also carries the connotation of living a rebellious life and being prone to operating outside the established status quo (particularly the law). Thugs share the same principles commonly associated with gang members: hip-hop-inspired thugs believe they are entitled to whatever they can get and keep through street cunning and physical force, having no moral compunction against theft from and robbery of those not known to them or part of their 'posse' or 'clique'. Loyalty to one's friends is a strong value among thugs, but if there are disagreements between two groups of thug friends, the two factions can behave in a way similar to rival gangs, even if they are not technically in a gang. Violence is applauded in the thug lifestyle, especially among middle-school and high-school aged thugs, and often in the form of "jumping" a victim, (several thugs attacking a single victim).
Thugs idealize Gangsta Rap and the idea of being "cold" or unfeeling. "Cold-blooded killa" is a popular epithet in Gangsta Rap, and the ability to commit homicide without being emotionally affected is a trait that is generally highly respected by hip-hop-inspired thugs. Another similar epithet is "cop-killa," which, in addition to lauding the murder of a police officer, is used often as a reference to "Cop Killer", a 1992 rap song by Ice-T. Crime, especially homicide, theft, robbery, battery, assault, and drug trafficking, is idealized in thug culture, and often thugs who have been to prison are given respect and looked upon as "hard" (meaning both strong and emotionally callous when necessary). Great respect is given to those who, in general, disregard consequences for their actions; this is frequently regarded as a mark of strength. The thug sub-culture, although primarily derived from ideals espoused by African American gangsta rap and hip-hop artists, is not over-represented by African Americans. Additionally, many thugs are from other minorities such as Asians, Latinos or Caucasians who idealize the gangsta rap/hip hop scene.
Status symbols within the thug lifestyle include nice cars (known as "whips") and modifications to cars (e.g. "tricking out" or "pimping out", but restored cars from the 40's-70's are a status symbol too), heavy gold, silver, or platinum jewelry (known as "bling"), and in some cases, gold teeth (known as a "grill") and expensive hip-hop style clothes, especially those which are oriented towards basketball-playing and living an active lifestyle (although using this type of clothing to actually play sports is highly taboo in the thug community). Extraordinary wealth, usually attained by rapping, drug dealing, playing basketball, or (albeit rarely) some combination of all three, seems to be a universal thug aspiration. Emulating famous rappers, thugs normally strive to live in massive mansions that are usually modified to suit their tastes. Normal modifications include Home Theaters, huge swimming pools, and home recording studios (they may run these as businesses, allowing other artists from other genres to record there for a fee). These houses normally also have garages to house a thug's massive fleet of expensive luxury vehicles. Popular brands among thugs include Bentley, Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce &all other stylish automobiles. Usually these automobiles are modified to have large, spinning rims, often encrusted with diamonds and being up to 30 inches in diameter. Thugs also tend to be huge fans of crunk, dirty south rap and many other types of rapping, the only precondition being that the lyrics be about wealth and living the thug lifestyle.
Other status symbols for thugs include tattoos, some of which are heavily symbolic, (e.g. tear drop tattoos on the face represent murders committed or family members who died while the individual was in prison), wounds/scars from fights (i.e. knife and bullet wounds), and prison time. Thug culture borrows heavily from prison culture, but as many members are ages 11 to 17, this is more often due to emulation than actual prison experience.
Thugs are also notorious for their relations with (and attitudes toward) women. Most thugs look down upon some women as being "hoes" or "tricks"; in other words, merely being vessels used for sexual pleasure. Romantic relationships with or any semblance of love for women is highly taboo, and women are usually only kept for sexual gratification. Thugs usually only hold admiration for their fellow thugs and other wealthy individuals in society. For example, living with a wife is highly taboo, but living with one's fellow thugs in a massive, pimped-out mansion is thoroughly acceptable (which is ironic, given the homophobia of gangsta rap). Pimps are also seen as role models by thugs.
[edit] 2Pac
The term "thug" was largely popularized by Tupac Shakur, who frequently referred to himself as a "thug" or as living the "thug life", and who formed a short-lived group called Thug Life. Thug Life, according to Tupac, was an acronym for "The Hate U Gave Lil' Infants F**ks Everybody" - an obvious reference to child abuse. Tupac often explained that being a thug was not about robbing, stealing, or hurting, but simply living "Black Life" due to the social and economic oppression that blacks are faced with. "Thugged out" is another popular derivation of the term, meaning someone who is the epitome of thug. Also, rapper Turk made a name for himself within the group Hot Boys with his catchphrase, "young and thuggin'". Other prominent purveyors of the term include Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and White Dawg.
Because of its promotion of violence, misogyny, and gang activity, so-called "thug rap" has come under fire recently by members of both the black and white communities. Thug rappers like 50 Cent and Jay-Z have been criticized roundly for using their position of influence to merely perpetuate hateful stereotypes rather than to improve the conditions of their fellow citizens. While these rappers make millions of dollars through their thug personas,and primarily spend this money on "bling" and conspicuous consumption, so the argument goes, the majority of those who buy their records still face rampant racism and poverty. Thugs are considered by some as being uneducated, oppressed individuals looking for truth in their lives.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Thugs Logging On? Now, as if Rap Music wasn't enough, websites promote a "thug" lifestyle.
- Definitions from Urban Dictionary
- Article by Derrick Jackson of the Arizona Daily Star criticizing "thug rap"
