187 Pure
Spice 1
A Dark Tale of Street Life and Substance Abuse
Spice 1's song "187 Pure" is a gritty narrative that delves into the harsh realities of street life, substance abuse, and violence. The lyrics personify various drugs as characters, creating a vivid and almost surreal depiction of their interactions and the chaos they bring. For instance, 'endo weed,' 'speed,' 'mary jane,' and 'coke' are not just substances but characters with their own stories and relationships. This personification serves to highlight the pervasive and destructive influence of drugs in the community, making the abstract concept of substance abuse more tangible and relatable.
The song paints a bleak picture of a world where violence is commonplace and life is cheap. The characters engage in drive-by shootings, drug deals, and other criminal activities, reflecting the dangerous and often deadly environment of the streets. The mention of 'Dank,' a hardcore character who shoots his girlfriend for drinking all the liquor, underscores the extreme and irrational violence that can erupt in such settings. The lyrics also touch on the lack of law enforcement intervention, as seen in the line, 'on marijuana block no one calls the cops,' suggesting a community abandoned by the authorities and left to fend for itself.
Cultural references are abundant, with mentions of 'Sessame street' and 'doobie brothers,' adding layers of irony and dark humor to the narrative. These references serve to juxtapose the innocence associated with these names against the brutal reality of the characters' lives. The song's title, '187 Pure,' refers to the California Penal Code for murder, further emphasizing the lethal consequences of the lifestyle depicted. Spice 1's raw and unfiltered storytelling, combined with his distinctive West Coast rap style, makes '187 Pure' a powerful commentary on the destructive cycle of drugs and violence in urban communities.