***Explicit Lyrics*** Parental Advisory
[chorus 1]
In this cold world, no matter where I go the crowds are all the same/To them I’m just a pebble in the sand, a face…without a name/Ya n***g*s would never understand the calibur I’m reppin/ Hoes that I’m sexin’, cribs that I’ve slept in/Cars and stashboxes cash and glocks is kept in/ Talk how I’m steppin’, representin’ the weapon/Sex, money and murder – have it, got it and do it/Set it, plot it to get it/Southeast bx, the soundview area/Black lex gs tan leather interior/Moves in atlanta, meetins’ in alabama/Cold blue steel under the green bandana/…Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz – This Cold World
The rhythm of the time is cold. Lot of grown gangsters in their 40s and 50s still feeling like the lyrics up top. A younger generation is more clinical, still respecting their “mentors” but trying to make bigger scores on bigger people. For instance, we got a call girl setting up a Governor and then releasing cd’s “Rock-a-fell-ed”…We got a Governor looking for dough and hook-ups, “NAS” wire-tapped…We got football players scared of the vick…“Gang-Starred” by fame, basketball players getting marked by stick-up kids… “G-wrapped,” and refs marking players that argue calls… “Gambling-Wrecked.” For those who know what I’m saying, see the aria, and don’t forget my cottony pockets which aren’t “Wu-Tang” Cream.
Ball Players under attack on the court is the subject of a short essay for my column called, “45 Degrees of Blackness: “Rabbit Ears Out.”
Off the court, New York Knick Eddie Curry was the victim of a home invasion, New York Giant Steve Smith was stuck up outside his home, and former Redskin Sean Taylor lost his life as a robbery victim. In this tough economic environment, it is indeed the time for all players whether in high school, college, or the pros to be aware of the devices of jealousy, envy, and strife. A “mark” is someone with money in their pockets, peace and opportunity on their minds, and love in their heart. As times tighten, players all over are going to get identified by gamblers, pimps, drug dealers, and stick-up kids with agendas because of lean times. Where do these men get the opportunity to mark and measure? At the club most of the time. Remember, Paul Pierce came extremely close to losing his life in a club back in 2000.
See article about Paul Pierce stabbed at a club.
High School, College and most professional sports teams have seminars to help the players recognize the con, but the most dangerous of all connections is the childhood friend of an athlete that still wants to dabble in the criminal element. It is real sad when you have to give up a person because of association, but in order to save income and family, these are the choices that have to be made to keep opportunity. Being young and gifted is a blessing, it pays in time and life to be careful about clubbing, friendships, and relationships!
It’s not just the so-called “street player” that makes moves, it’s anyone that has larceny and desperation on the mind. One unemployed and looking at an eviction notice can become just as dangerous as someone on drugs looking for a blast; It can cause a once honest heart to fade away to a dark and hopeless lifestyle.
As I reflected on my life and my career as a player, I realized that I had all the characteristics of a man who could be marked by organized schemers. I had a few knucklehead friends and family around me that engaged in suspect activity. My college roommate, who was my best friend after graduation, became a loan shark and my sister-in-law’s ex-husband unbeknownst to me, was quietly into pornography. This “guilt by association” can make an easy “mark” of a man, and it’s the reason I don’t associate with them today. I breathe a deep sigh of relief because of the consequences it could have had on my career and I pray that these men and women are no longer in this lifestyle.
Times are tough and cold right now, show respect for life and for each other. A “cold world” can be a warm one if your spirit remains in love, not hate.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
fake GM says:
Excellent read. Right to the point. It will fly over a few heads though. Hopefully they try and register it for future scenarios. “Guilty by Association” Remember the old saying. Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are. Be aware of your surroundings because they can be detrimental to your name character and dream.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
ali says:
well said, wrong place, wrong time, wrong “Friends” is a recipe for crushed hopes, dreams and futures.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Casey Lee says:
Friends are friends until you get money…
The world is cold and driven by the color green.
December 12th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Sean Couch says:
gun mentality is dangerous in our shorties who grow up to boys and then men live in the culture and get caught in thinking its a sign of manhood. Cold steel is dangerous when it is not a mic on the street.