Street Cred

Shyne & Puff: A Lesson on Street Cred. Part 1

According to today’s industry standards, your street credibility is almost a pre-requisite in order to have any kind of success. But what is street credibility actually worth? Does having a reputation in the streets really add to a rappers financial or artistic success? Back in 1999, a shooting occurred that changed the lives of two entertainers forever. At the center of this issue were street credibility and the decision to maintain it. The decisions that were made ultimately sent their fates in opposite directions. While many of the details remain blurry the fact remains that Bad Boy artist Shyne took out his gun and fired into a crowded club for what he said was in defense of him and his entourage after an altercation occurred involving his boss Puff Daddy. For his actions, Shyne was facing a long jail sentence but he was given a choice. He had a chance to significantly reduce his jail sentence, possibly even avoid it altogether. All he had to do was identify the man that tried to shoot him first. According to Shyn,e even though he knew who did it and could identify him, he wasn’t going to because he refused to “snitch”. Shyne held down the code of the streets and as a result, he received a sentence of 10 years. On the other hand, Puffy immediately distanced himself from the entire incident. He chose not to “ride with his boy and Co-D (co-defendant)” (although he did pay for Shyne’s legal team) and instead denied any accountability. As a result of his decision, Puff received no punishment whatsoever and was a free man.

At the time, people were furious at Puffy for not standing behind Shyne and accused him of not being true to the streets. On the other hand, “Free Shyne” chants and sentiments could be heard because people respected how he “kept it real”. Without question Shyne’s street credibility was solidified. So how did this street credibility help Shyne since? Well it’s nearly 9 years since that dreadful night and he’s still in prison. In 2004, Shyne “released” a lackluster album which received neither commercial nor critical acclaim. All of his supporters back in 1999 didn’t rush to the stores and purchase Godfather Buried Alive; in fact, they don’t mention him at all these days. These “supporters” have moved on and found new artists to listen to and praise for their “gangsta”. As for Puffy Dad-, err, P.-, err, Diddy, well he’s still on top of the music industry… and the fashion industry… and a few other business ventures. All the people who were mad that Diddy wasn’t “hood enough” just sprayed their Unforgettable cologne on their Sean John shirt while bumping the “I Get Money (Remix)” in their room and getting ready to hit the club and drink that Ciroc vodka with the cranberry.

One incident put two people in a situation where they had to choose whether to follow the code of the streets or not. Puff chose to protect his own interests while Shyne chose to protect his reputation on the block. So I ask again, what was all that extra street credibility really worth?



Stay Tuned for Part 2