In order to create cross-cultural understanding, we are trying to translate a wide range of rap music songs from ebonics to English, so that white people can better understand black culture. It is our view that whites do not have a solid grasp on black culture, and we believe that much can be understood by looking at the music that dominates that culture. We are focusing on popular songs in the black community, based on YouTube view count (most blacks listen to music on YouTube, because it is free).
Unlike many rap songs, which do not have a theme and are instead just a series of unconnected statements, today’s translation, Gangsta Vybes by Finesse2tymes, focuses on the theme of being released from prison. The song also contains many unconnected statements, but is primarily about the second time he was released from prison. He did six years from 2010 to 2016 for aggravated armed robbery, and then after a shooting, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was in from 2018 to 2022. This song was released earlier this year, but was likely recorded shortly after his return to the studio.
Enjoy 2tymes while you can, because in all likelihood, he will soon be returning to prison.
English translation of “Gangsta Vybes” follows.
My companions and I are career criminals involved in falsehood and betrayal
Disingenuous people pollute the community with poor behavior
Whenever anyone shoots a gun off in the neighborhood, people film it with their phone
Poor people are fastidious about benign issues, just as my mother alleged
I should have taken that advice
Three days prior, I discovered that a youthful companion of mine was cooperating with federal authorities
Despite the fact that I am providing financially for my children, their mother continues to complain
Poor people are engaged in prostitution and rap music, they are very emotional
They do not make educated decisions
They should focus their efforts on acquiring wealth
I am the top ranking member of a gang, tPost too long. Click here to view the full text.