Original Gangster is an elder gangster, someone who has made his mark in the streets mostly through criminality. This title usually describes someone who has lived the thug life since their teens or tweens. Many inner-city kids are raised by single moms that are already struggling to work full-time & go to school so they can better themselves and their child(ren). The only role models they see are the original gangsters. An original gangster is the highest ranking in the street/gang life. He's committed all kinds of criminal offenses ranging from drug trafficking to violent crime. Inner-city children see no wrong from him because he buys groceries, school clothes & pays the rent & transportation for the child(ren)'s mother. He's a father figure because he tells the children to respect their elders and parent(s) but at the same time, he's into the street life. I've watched many Gangland documentaries about legendary gangsters who have won fame & fortune from their city's ghetto criminal element and they share one commonality: In their later years, they regret that life because they realize the damage they inflicted on their community: the destruction they caused by the senseless violence and the Fallujah-like atmosphere they created in their 'hood. I respect OG's that quit the gangster life and want to do right by their community but at the same time, the damage is already done. The younger gangsters have no respect for the code & ethics that were laid down by those who came before them. Now, it's shoot first and ask questions later. Here's an example: Larry Hoover, the founder of the Chicago-based Gangster Disciples was well-known nationwide & in Chicago for his calculated, yet ruthless leadership style. Since he's been locked up, he's changed (hopefully the change was/is sincere) and the younger gangsters didn't appreciate it because they feel he's gotten soft. They wanted the old-school, shoot-em-up, calculating Larry Hoover and when he refused to go back to his old ways, they shot him. Since when did wanting to change your life become a crime? The original gangster that realized the error of his ways wants to right his wrong. If anything, he can teach these young brothers there is a better way and you don't have to make the same mistakes I did. Many ex-gang leaders are now mentoring at-risk teens so they don't go through what they (original gangster) did coming up. I think it's interesting how OG's are revered by inner-city youth for the flashy cars & clothes, the lovely lady on their arm and how they provide money for struggling mothers in the ghetto in exchange for overlooking their criminal activity.
