The Hip-Hop Principles of Loyalty

12.17.20

Bobby Shmurda, Rowdy Rebel

In Hip-Hop, staying true to your word can go a long way. This year, a lot has happened that has caused us to look at people in a new perspective. From Lil Pump at the Tump Rally, to J. Cole’s Snow on the Bluff, and probably most infamously, Tekashi 6ix9ine claiming he was a gang member in his music, then ratting on everyone in his crew, and others from the hip-hop industry that had nothing to do with his case. The Hip-Hop industry did not react well to this, but were prepared to honor those whom have done their time, respectively.

In the heat of the 6ix9ine drama, other hip-hop artists were also behind bars trying to get out. YNW Melly tried to claim underlying conditions and to be released due to the severity of the Corona Virus, however was denied bail. Kodak Black seemed to be doing everything in his power to prove himself a better man, but just kept going backwards, and had a terrible time with his guards, causing him to be moved to a new facility. Two of the most long-lasting cases, at this moment in time, would be Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel. The two were arrested in 2014, along with about thirteen others from their crew. GS9 affiliates were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, reckless endangerment, drug and gun possession and more.

Shmurda pleaded guilty to all charges, and actually ended up taking a longer sentence than he was given, to help out his friend, Rowdy. According to a Complex interview from 2016, Bobby told reporters that he was originally given five years, while Rowdy was offered twelve. The judges told him that they would only lower Rowdy’s time to seven years, if Bobby had done seven years as well. Well, Shmurda took the seven. Unfortunately, a few months ago, Bobby Shmurda had a recent hearing, and was denied parole. The judge believes that Shmurda will remain behind bars until the end of his complete sentence, which would bring us to this time next year, in December of 2021.

The fact that Shmurda was willing to give up an additional two years of life to help out one of his friends, was well respected by the industry. Especially, when witnessing others getting thrown under the bus left in right, in some situations without any proof (like the Cardi B stunt). In the midst of all of this, Young Thug shared a post stating that Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel were the definition of loyalty and principles. The caption goes on to read:

“When they get out fasho got some fo em .. real *** are still on earth. Rewards don’t come with keeping it real but in this case IT DOES. Charlemagne was right for once.

Thug references in Charlemagne because in a Breakfast Club interview just before this, he was discussing the scenario going on with the 6ix9ine case. He actually said, “what do you do for guys like Bobby who have took their whole sentence, and then some.” Basically also suggesting that they deserve some sort of praise and welcome home, for doing their time, peacefully.

Though Bobby was denied parole earlier this year, Rowdy had a shot in court as well. Interestingly enough where he had originally received the longer sentence, Rowdy was released from prison. While he will be on parole for the next five years, he received an incredible welcome home by friends, family, and the hip-hop industry as a whole.

Rowdy Rebel went off and got himself an insane glow-in-the-dark chain of a zombie with a perm, in which he also got for his own hair. In addition to this, Young Thug came through with his promise. Rowdy Rebel posted a couple of videos showing off two chain-link diamond chains, in which one of his friends in the background kept shouting out “that’s what Thug got him, that’s what Thug got him!” Rowdy confirmed by saying “Shout out to the Slime, Shout out to the Slime!” So, Young Thug also stayed true to his word. I cannot wait to see what he does for Bobby when he comes home next holiday season.

The moral of the story is definitely not to do anything to catch a case. Stay out of trouble. But, if you come across a dark place because of something self-inflicted, take care of that yourself, and come out stronger. Where you have the opportunity to be a good friend, be a good friend. Treat others the way you’d want to be treated. Be loyal to your family, abide by your principles, create goals and morals, and never switch up on them.