Gangrey.com

It's hard out here for a ... hack?

So long as we're talking about origins and keeping it real, welcome to the controversy here in Memphis (where we lay claim to Ralph Wiley, too): To be proud or ashamed of Memphis rappers winning an Oscar for Best Song, that is the question.

Ashamed, says our columnist, Wendi Thomas, and many in Memphis are inclined to agree.

I do not take issue with much of what Wendi says, but could not help being delighted upon seeing someone who goes by the moniker 'Frayser Boy' (Frayser's the neighborhood where I grew up) so genuinely thrilled with winning an Oscar.

And as objectionable as some of Three 6 Mafia's songs and lyrics ("Slob on my Knob" pretty much redefines crude), you've gotta admit that hook from Hustle & Flow is irresistible:

*********
You know it's hard out here for a pimp
When you're tryin' to get this money for the rent
With the Cadillac and gas money spent
Will cause a whole lot of bitches jumpin' ship...
*********

And, there, in the last line, we get to the crux of the matter. Offensive? I can certainly see why. Am I treading down a dangerous path when I rationalize and say this is a character speaking? A character who also tells us:

*********
Done seen people killed, done seen people deal
Done seen people live in poverty with no meals
It's fucked up where I live, but that's just how it is
It might be new to you, but it's been like this for years
It's blood sweat and tears when it come down to this shit
I'm tryin to get rich 'fore I leave up out this bitch
I'm tryin to have thangs but it's hard fo' a pimp
But I'm prayin and I'm hopin to God I don't slip, yeah
*********

This is a little removed from narrative journalism, I realize, but I do think it's related to some of the issues we've discussed.

Thoughts?

Comments

Re: Mo' Memphis, Oscars

The problem for me with the song is not that it degrades women, nor is it my stubborn doubt that these North Memphis fellas are or have been pimps, but it's that there's no arc. This could be an anthem, but it's not a story. It doesn't take a listener anywhere, it simply explains that life as a pimp is difficult, and that's OK, but even the explanation is telling rather than showing. Throw in some real, gritty details about the struggle, not vague cliches like 'duckin dodgin bullets.' It also feels exaggerated in parts -- 'North Memphis where I'm from, I'm 7th Street bound/Where niggaz all the time end up lost and never found.' -- and is hard to believe. Tell me who you've seen killed -- was it One-eyed Bobby or Salty Red? -- and who is trying to kill you. And why?
I don't mean to knock it, really. It's a fun song to hear, but it could be better, Zacky-Zack.

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