Need Street Cred?

Street cred is a hard and mysterious force that drives little g’s to become Big G’s, just like Montell Jordan explained in his 90’s hit, “This Is How We Do It.” It’s not something that can be earned over night but takes time and practice to master.

If you think that street cred is a way of earning tokens to park in any major city between Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 P.M., then this article is for you.

1) Learn the Ebonics language – We all know the words “cool,” “phat,” and “awesome.” Words that help describe something that necessarily doesn’t apply to the subject at all.

Example: “Connor is the coolest mofo around.”

Most of the time my body temperature is exactly where it needs to be and in no way or shape lower. Therefore, my “coolness” is just a term that translates in the English language as someone that you can have a good time with, or someone that understands that knows how to party.

Mofo is just an abbreviated form of someone that knows “a lot” about your mother. In fact, someone that knows your mother as well as you father once did or currently does. I do not know any mothers in this way and in now way would really be a mofo until my current fiancé and I have kids. However, this term can be derogatory but in this sense it is a term of endearment.

To look up current slang terms, take a long gander at the good 'ole Urban Dictionary

Step 2 – Stay up with the latest trends, fashion and music – To gain street cred, you can dress the part. There are many styles and trends that will gain points and can increase your street credibility. You don’t have to dress in just urban clothing either. Notice what others are wearing when you walk around and see what is trendy, purchase said clothes and holla back (check urban dictionary for meaning).
Music can be a little tricky. For one, you need to be able to relate to situations with lyrics (like I did in the beginning of this post). Second, you should be able to discuss this music informally once in a while. Third, do not, I repeat do not quote any Hannah Montana or Jonas Brothers songs... ever. Both of these artists are annoying and no one will respect you if you quote them.

Example: “Hey Connor what happened with you and so and so?”
Reply “Now my heart's in two and I can't find the other half. It's like walking on broken glass” Or
"What are you going to do now Connor?"
"Nobody's perfect, I've gotta work it, again and again till I get it right."

JUST DONT DO IT

Step 3 – Believe in yourself – Remember the only person you have to impress is yourself. If you believe that you are “hip” and “with it” then that’s all that matters. Just don’t rush to the mailbox to collect the parking tokens. There’s no such thing. If you still don't believe me, then you'll just end up disappointed