Philadelphia is My Home

20
Aug

Relatively Unsure

Author: Momish, Category: Local News, People

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I read this article about  at Philly.com today and I have to say I have mixed feelings.  By the tone of the article, I suppose that is exactly how I should feel.  It seems to be exactly how S-Five feels.

S-Five is a Philly native.  A self proclaimed gangsta rapper who’s lyrics often depict life on Philly streets.  Real life. Guns, drugs, gangs.  He also happens to be the grandson of Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson.

The article describes him as, “not just any hip-hop artist. He’s a street rapper who straddles the divide between cops and crooks, both a member of the city’s first family of law enforcement and an artist representing Philly’s blood-ravaged streets.”

It is a good article. It offers a look at this 27 year old male and his struggle in life to make it, while battling the lure of the streets (our streets) and nurturing a passion for rap.  Sometimes those two just don’t mix.  Can you really make a name for yourself as a rap artist if you aren’t in a gang, didn’t do time, don’t do drugs, don’t hate cops or proudly own several guns?

I had mixed emotions about this article and this man.  Part of me wanted to feel good about him for trying to do better, find a balance.  But then again…

Here is someone that has great role models (not just his grandfather, but father and uncle also work in law enforcement, according to the article).  Here is someone with intelligence and a brain.  Here is someone with a strong support system and moral upbringing.  But then again…

Here is someone who went to jail, did drugs and sings about violence and hatred.  If the lure of the streets and rap music got to him, what chance do others less fortunate have?

Like I said, mixed emotions.  I hope S-Five finds his way and really does use his music to get him out of the streets.  But then again, I hope he raps about that part of his life too.