Good Money, Bad Money
(Whats the Difference?)
By Ron "Mr. Kane" Alexander
I’m sure you’ve heard phrases like “All money isn’t good money”, and “Put your money where your mouth is”. And how about this one, “Money talks and bull sh#t walks”…
That’s only a slight few from hundreds more. Those to me are what I consider “Green Phrases”, because every time I hear either one, I automatically see green! Yup, money green. It’s me, Mr. Kane, back at it again but this time with a topic I feel needs to be discussed. As for Hip Hop, that to me is my first love over everything. Speaking of hip hop, I hope you enjoyed my last topic
Gangster Rap (True Cause and Aftereffect”)
I’m sure many of you true hip-hop heads can relate to some of the era’s that were mentioned. Good Money, Bad Money, honestly, what is the difference? To me there is no difference! But can’t speak on other people’s opinions! Whenever I thing of “Good Money”, I think of honest money. Like for instance, a person working 9 to 5, living from pay check to pay check, is what I refer to as legal money. Money, in which society approves of, based on whatever legal way you choose to get it! Now you may not get anywhere in life living like this, but it will legally keep you out of trouble.
Let’s say for example, a person working at Mickey D’s. He or she brings in the average minimum of $160.00 a week and is obligated to pay $450.00 a month for their one bedroom apartment and $200.00 a month for their used car. Not to forget food, clothing, medical and other necessary expenses. Please tell me, how in the hell are people expected to take care of all of the above? It’s impossible! You might have to consider looking for a second job. But approximately how long can a person juggle two ass busting, minimum wage jobs without losing his, or her cool? Not very long, unless you are privileged with wealthy parents, paid shelter, provided transportation or have two jobs. The bottom line is, to some, that is what might be considered Bad Money as well. What is the difference between bad money and good money? There might not be a difference, depending on the type of lifestyle you choose to live! Or is it the overall consequences of how you make the money that determines the out come or difference?
Alright, take me for example. I am currently incarcerated for cocaine trafficking. I was arrested after selling 9 grams of cocaine to an undercover narc. Not only was I prossecuted for the drugs, but I was also convicted for possession of a handgun. I considered the money I made dealing cocaine as “Good Money”, but in the eyes of society and state law, my money was corrupt.
I remember sitting in “the spot” all day waiting on clients. As I waited for customers, I would make a little more money on the side gambling on football (Dallas Cowboys guaranteed great money). Easy money, fast money, and in my eye’s damn “Good Money” with bad consequences. I figured at the time, that the consequences were worth the risk of getting busted. It was either, make my self wealthy by selling coke, or make another man rich flipping his greasy hamburgers!
The money was good, but I discovered that drug dealing was much too stressful. It was dangerous. Let’s break down certain points of view here. It was my point of view versus the states point of view. I saw the money I made as quick but dishonest money. It helped me pay my bills on time and I never had to worry about my refrigerator being empty. I did it for my family as well. I enjoyed an upper middle class lifestyle, nice car, presentable cloths and money left over to help those in need. I didn’t have to work very hard to accumulate everything that I had (attractive women as well). As for the state, they view the money I made as “Bad Money”. What I did in their eyes was a disgraceful way on making money. They view drugs as addictive and unhealthy. Drugs kill people and cause people to murder each other. Drugs cause people to rob from their loved ones and turn their backs on the people who truly care. I will never know if any of that happened to any of my clients. I didn’t know them any more than a clerk from 7-11 knows the hundreds of customers purchasing beer and cigarettes on a daily basis.
But now that I have had plenty of time to think about it here in prison, I now understand why the state and society considered the money I made as “Bad Money”. The unfortunate thing about my conviction is our government profited big prossecuting me. When someone gets caught dealing narcotics to someone’s son or daughter, our government rakes in a huge sum of money putting him or her behind bars. Our government profits off drug convictions, and whether or not it intentionally allows drugs to flood across our borders, tons of money is there to be made.
Then there is “Blood Money”. Blood Money is money made by murder. Blood money is a capital offense. Let’s take for instance what happened to a close friend of mine Jamon Butler. Jamon is dead (R.I.P) as was murdered right in front of me. The only thing I could do at the moment he was killed was stand there in an extreme state of confusion. I later learned Jamon Butler owed money to the same people who so easily took his life. He developed a reputation as a bad business man. I would have been dead as well if I would have followed the same business principles as Jamon. Yes, their are certain "principles" in organized crime. In fact these principles are respected by most successful dealers. Those who are dishonest in dealing pay the price with their lives.
Now let’s take a look at Juarez Mexico. Mexican government officials recently fired (and killed) over 900 Juarez police officers for suspicion of corruption. There is no doubt that most of Juarez’s “law enforcement officers” are “Dirty cops”. They have to be, after all who can survive on the average Juarez cop salary of $110.00 a week. These dirty cops were involved in organized crime. They were on the payroll of the Juarez cartel and even murdered for these powerful criminal organizations.
Now that’s “Blood Money”! Territory, Business and money all in one! Money is power!
Then there’s “Legal Bad Money”, and the disasters that come with it. Legal bad money is money used for “legal” and unfair practices. For instance, money used to pay the salaries of judges and prosecutors. Most of these officials are just doing their jobs, some righteously and others not. All prosecutors earn this money based on the amounts of convictions they rake in. To them, a defendant is nothing more than an unclosed deal. They view the person sitting on the defendant seat the same way a broker views a mortgage loan. Potential Income!
Now let’s take rappers for instance. We are often criticized for making huge sums of money. The government views the money made by rappers as “Good Money”, yet they try hard in making it appear as if it is actually “Bad Money” Rappers are often a cops target. They hold a grudge against rappers and threaten our freedom of speech. They do not hold those same feelings for say “Heavy Metal” music which promotes satanic beliefs. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with Heavy Metal music, I’m only stating facts. When have you ever seen a Rocker being pushed into a police car?
Some claim money is the root of all evil, which is true to some degree. The thing that really makes money good or bad is what it is used used for. Money is what you make of it. So, with my conclusion of money being presented and final, this ride is now over till next time! You all can go ahead and get out of the ride now, I’ve got business to take care of.
I’ll scoop you up again sometime later! This has been another ConvictedArtist exclusive, much love to all of my Brothers & ESE’s on lock, hold your heads up and stay strong! This is Mr. Kane, the album “Tales Frum Tha Metrosection” coming really soon!
Related links