Roommates, rapper Mase hopped on his Instagram on Wednesday to share a message about Black men joining street gangs. He began the lengthy post by saying there is a “need” to share his “unpopular” opinion.
“The weakest thing a Black man can do today is join a street gang,” Mase wrote in his caption.
The caption was paired with what appears to be a throwback image of Mase’s face and shoulders. He is wearing a blue-and-red, snapback hat, blue varsity jacket, a gold chain and a diamond earring in the photo. His facial expression seems to indicate he was mid-performance when the picture was taken.
Mase, whose real name is Mason Durell Betha and stage name is Ma$e, played a key role during the ’90s hip-hop scene in Harlem. As you may know, Mase retired from rap in the midst of a booming career to become a church pastor. He announced his retirement in April 1999 during a Funkmaster Flex Hot 97 interview, according to Fader. He spent five years off of the rap scene before returning briefly in 2004 with the hit album ‘Welcome Back.’
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In Wednesday’s Instagram post, he spoke on choosing to leaving your family over a gang.
“The person who you’re riding for today ends up getting a bag to kill you or sending you to jail,” Mase wrote.
He continued his caption by commenting on choosing the streets over your family, children and fellow Black people.
“Think about it what type of person would ask you to hurt your own people and take an oath to be there for your gang only to end up not being there for your children and family,” Mase said.
Then, he appears to get passionate in his writing as he switched to writing his words in all-caps.
“I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THAT. Maybe that’s why I NEVER THOUGHT PEOPLE IN GANGS WERE TOUGH,” Mase wrote.
Mase concluded his thoughts by giving some advice about joining gangs.
“If you’re thinking about becoming one don’t! I RESPECT A MAN THAT CAN STAND ON HIS OWN,” he said.
Mase is apparently spending 22 days speaking his mind. Wednesday’s post marked day three of his personal challenge.
Roommates, what do you think about Mase’s message on joining street gangs?
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