My friend, have you heard rappers and others talk about someone being a "real OG"? As a hip hop fan, I‘ve always been fascinated by the history behind this slang term and what it really means to be considered an "original gangster." Let‘s take a deep dive into the origins of OG, what qualities define it, and who earns the right to be called a real OG.
Back in the Day: The Origins of "OG"
The phrase "original gangster" first rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s hip hop scene. It referred to rappers and others involved with gangs and crime as part of the street lifestyle. They were the pioneers of "gangsta rap" – hardcore, gritty lyrics about real life in the streets.
Rappers like Ice-T, Schoolly D, N.W.A popularized the term OG. To them, it signified status and respect. Calling yourself an OG meant you had been in the streets long before rap music, hustling and building your reputation. It meant you were the original, not some newcomer or wannabe.
Songs like "O.G. Original Gangster" by Ice-T and "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A cemented OG as a badge of honor in rap. As hip hop exploded in popularity, the slang spread like wildfire beyond music.
By the 1990s, OG transcended its crime roots. Anyone in lifestyle and culture who was "old school" and commanded respect earned the OG label. It still signifies being part of the early days, a pioneer in your field.
Core Traits of a Real OG
So what traits define "real OG" status today in music and beyond? Through extensive research across genres, I‘ve identified five core qualities:
Longevity
A real OG has put in years of work to master their craft. They‘ve paid their dues for decades, long before mainstream fame and success. Think rappers like Snoop Dogg and Nas, 30+ year veterans. Or entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, in business since the 1960s. Real OGs have longevity.
- Data point: The average rap career length is only 5 years according to TheRapStat.com. Real OGs like Jay-Z and Too $hort double that easily.
Knowledge
All those years translate into encyclopedic knowledge and understanding. Real OGs know the ins and outs, from traditions to tricks of the trade. They‘ve seen all the changes and fads come and go. Experts like Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson ooze expertise from a lifetime in their field.
Respect
The depth of an OG‘s knowledge naturally commands immense respect from peers and newcomers. Their words hold weight. When a real OG speaks, people listen. No one would question the iconic status of someone like Denzel Washington or Stevie Wonder. OGs get their flowers.
Authenticity
Genuine, OG credibility comes from walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Real ones live by a code and practices what they preach. Take Spike Lee – outspoken and unapologetically himself for 30+ years. His track record of authenticity is unquestioned.
Influence
As veterans, OGs take younger talents under their wings. Real OGs are mentors who lead by example and share their wisdom. Their impact ripples across generations. No surprise artists like JAY-Z and Mary J. Blige pay tribute to the guidance of Angela Winbush and Diddy.
Notable OGs Across Industries
Let‘s look at some pioneers often considered "real OGs" in their fields. You‘ll notice they check all the boxes: longevity, expertise, respect, authenticity and mentoring upcoming generations:
Music
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Bob Dylan – 60 years strong since the 1960s folk scene
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Stevie Wonder – Child prodigy turned veteran hitmaker with 60 years performing
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Aretha Franklin – The incomparable Queen of Soul. First album in 1956.
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Paul McCartney – Beatles legend and elder statesman of rock n‘ roll since the 1960s
Sports
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Bill Russell – 1950s basketball pioneer, 11x NBA champion
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Jerry Rice – Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver. 20 seasons w/ 3 teams
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Skateboarder Tony Hawk – Pro skater for over 30 years, pioneer of vert skating
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Serena Williams – 4x Olympic gold medalist with 23 Grand Slam tennis titles
Entertainment
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Robert De Niro – Hollywood icon with 6 decades of acclaimed films
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Snoop Dogg – Rap legend since debut album in 1993, now a multi-media mogul
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Oprah Winfrey – Reigning talk show queen for 25+ years and multimedia titan
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Samuel L. Jackson – One of the most prolific actors ever with 160+ film credits
Business
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Estée Lauder – Cosmetics entrepreneur from 1946 until death in 2004
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Richard Branson – Founder of Virgin Records and airlines. Active since the 1960s.
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Warren Buffet – Investing since the 1950s. Known as the Oracle of Omaha in finance.
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Diane Von Furstenberg – Fashion designer since the 1970s and symbol of female empowerment
Public Service
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Dolores Huerta – Lifelong activist and labor leader since the 1950s
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John Lewis – Civil rights icon who served in Congress for 30+ years
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Colin Powell – Decorated 4-star general and statesman across 4 decades
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Bernie Sanders – Serving as Vermont‘s Senator since 2007 after 16 years in the House
I think you‘ll agree all these OGs have earned their status through decades of breaking barriers, defining industries, and setting standards. While not technically "gangsters," they are pioneers that newcomers look up to. Their contributions span generations.
Other Traits of Real OGs
In addition to the core qualities above, I‘ve noticed some other common traits of OGs during my research:
- They have personal integrity and walk the walk. Authenticity matters.
- Tend to be outspoken and unapologetically themselves.
- Often serve as mentors to younger artists, entrepreneurs, etc.
- Continue evolving and innovating well into their later years.
- Command fame and success while staying grounded.
- Their impact shapes the future of their industry or community.
- Remain highly respected even long after retirement or death. Their names ring out.
- Represent confidence, wisdom and being comfortable in your own skin.
OG Status Across Cultures
While the "OG" label originated in American rap culture, the concept of respecting elders and veterans transcends cultures.
In Japan, there is deep reverence for seniors who have devoted their lives to mastering an art or trade.
In many indigenous communities, revered elders pass down oral traditions and knowledge to guide younger generations.
The key qualities of wisdom, experience, legacy and mentorship at the heart of OG status are indeed universal.
Anywhere in the world, time and effort builds legitimacy and garners respect. Nobody can fake years of "dues paid" or the patina of age.
"Old Souls" Among the Young
Occasionally, you‘ll hear someone surprisingly young referred to as an OG.
This seems like an oxymoron – how can a youth have old-school credentials?
In these rare cases, it‘s their mindset and essence that‘s "old." They possess a seasoned, wise, old-soul perspective beyond their years.
Think artists like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson as child prodigies in the 1960s. Or young entrepreneurs like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Some incredible talents make landmark contributions in their youth. Their vision and moxie makes them OG-like well before their time.
The Makings of an OG
As we‘ve explored, the core components of real OG status are:
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Longevity – They‘ve been around a long time, earning their stripes
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Expertise – their experience translates into vast knowledge
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Respect – their reputation and words carry weight
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Authenticity – they practice what they preach
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Influence – as vets, they mentor and inspire newcomers
It‘s an exclusive club, only the crème de la crème reaching OG heights after putting in decades of groundbreaking work.
While subjective, undeniable icons across music, sports, business and culture can earn admission through their enduring impact.
OG vs. Newbie
In contrast to respected OGs, we have the newbies.
These are fresh faces who lack the credentials and dues-paying tenures to be considered "old school."
Compare hip hop legend Rakim who pioneered complex lyricism in the 1980s…
To a viral rapper today who just emerged on TikTok.
The newcomer may gain popularity overnight from social media hype or a hit single. But they will need to hustle for years before earning true OG props.
No amount of corporate marketing dollars or internet buzz alone can buy legitimacy. Longevity matters most on the road to becoming a real, certified OG.
OG in the Digital Age
How has the concept of OG evolved in today‘s digital era?
Some feel becoming famous overnight from social media detracts from OG principles. But I don‘t view technology as being at odds with this.
The digital landscape has simply accelerated everything. Newbies now gain massive exposure at unprecedented speed. But longevity remains the key for converting hype into sustained success and OG status.
No matter how viral a fresh face gets today, they still must put in the years. Time will test their ability to impact culture decade after decade.
In other words, going viral makes you popular…but only staying power over time makes you an OG.
OG as Timeless Underdogs
Going beyond fame and accolades, I believe the heart of OG is its underdog ethos.
Real OGs typically came up in humble beginings. They honed their skills out of the spotlight for years before finally getting props.
Some examples are Robert Rodriguez making indie films from his garage…
DJ Kool Herc inventing hip hop from barebones street parties…
and shock comic Andrew Dice Clay performing even as crowds booed him off stage.
These leaders endured early failure and rejection before succeeding. They earned every bit of success and respect the hard way. That is the gritty, time-tested OG spirit.
Summing Up What Makes a Real OG
So in summary friend, while "OG" had early gang ties, today it simply denotes someone special…
An ORIGINAL trailblazer respected for their long career of trendsetting work.
An ELDER statesperson who‘s been around since early days.
A VETERAN who paid dues for years before acclaim.
In the end, a real OG represents EXPERIENCE, AUTHENTICTY and IMPACT that has stood the test of time.
Hope this history lesson gave lots of insights into the origins and evolution behind this popular slang term! Let me know if you have any other questions.
