True.
Rappers have been ENTERTAINING in that manner since the mid to late 80's when "Gangsta Rap" kicked into high gear. Since the days of N.W.A. when it was believed that all the members were actual "Gangstas", turns out only 2 of the 5 (6 if you want to count the D.O.C.) were in fact actually gang affliated.
Yet, Ice Cube (being non gang affliated) was the head of the group, by writing most if not all of N.W.A's / Eazy E's material in the beginning (which is what blew them up).
I don't think people have actually got a grip on it yet. Gangstas / Thugs and the music business don't mix. Prime examples would be numorous encarcerated rappers (those albums from jail / prison are played out). The most notorious example would be Death Row Records, that's a prime example of keeping it real gone too far.
Once you are in the million dollar Game, there is no need to prove anything to anybody. It makes less sence to be hardcore and ruin your up and coming career over some street shit. That defeats the whole purpose in the struggle to get out the ghetto / hood. The point is to get out and stay out and although you may still be hood / ghetto you don't weaken out and let it drag you back to the place you started from (like Al Pacino in The Godfather) or worse. To commit a crime, or do something stupid to promote yourself is even more iggnorant. In 10-15 years nobody will give a shit and have forgotten about you, while your ass is still locked up. Besides, fame and money do you no good if your ass is sitting behind bars for the rest of your life.
Dr. Dre and artist like Slick Rick amongst others have stressed that point so much, but people are presitant in only hearing what they want.
