While certain songs by Virginia-based rap act Clipse are interpreted as storied, romanticized ruminations on the lives of street hustlas and drug dealers, that isn’t necessarily their intent. MC and lyricist Malice has released a number of web videos over the past year, encouraging those around him to look beyond the hype and think for themselves. Like the group’s songs, these short videos — featuring acting by Malice and his entourage — show the downside of often-celebrated stereotypes, reminding us that thug life isn’t something to which we should actually aspire.

Malice’s forthcoming memoir, Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked, is an extension of that idea. In Excerpt #2, Malice offers a live-action recitation of a section of the book, recounting a time when he was living so far beyond his means that he was paid a visit by the repo man. It’s a lesson in the indulgence and consequence that can accompany an influx of cash with no corresponding sense of responsibility.

via MMN