The recent war of words between the Game and Meek Mill took a new turn for the worse this week when known rapper and tough guy Beanie Sigel found himself become collateral damage. Punched off guard at a Meek Mill show, the attack and the ensuing controversy that followed it led to Beanie Sigel’s decision to appear on Tax Stone’s podcast in an effort to clear the air. In the interview (See the link below), Beanie examines the root of the confrontation between Meek, the Game, and himself, offering his thoughts on everything from beef to religion as well as giving us much needed comic relief (All Facts!!!). I, like many hip-hop fans, saw the beef as evidence that Beanie’s best day had passed, but after listening to the podcast, I admit that I changed my opinion. The disagreement struck me on several levels: The disdain that Meek and other rappers show towards veterans and O.G.’s confirmed the lack of respect that the younger generation harbors towards older individuals. I won’t ruin the opportunity for you to hear it and be entertained. But I am going to discuss how Meek and Beanie’s relationship mirrors a legendary television relationship on the television show The Wire.
Beanie Sigel= Avon Barksdale
If you’ve ever watched the show the Wire, then you know that few characters garnered more respect than Avon Barksdale, played by Wood Harris. A drug kingpin, he ruled the streets of Baltimore with an iron fist, doing everything it took to maintain his dominance over the housing projects on the Westside. Most of all though, he embodied the principles that men like Beanie Sigel live by. One of the memorable moments of the Wire is when Marlo and Avon meet behind bars. The respect between the two of them from the beginning is fragile as Marlo represents the young business man who has taken his territory over, much like how Meek Mill has become the new face of Philadelphia. Even more, Avon’s reputation for being thorough and feared fails to garner any response from Marlo who feels his own power surpassing Avon’s.
Beanie’s relationship with Meek Mill came off to me in a similar way. The older and feared veteran attempting to reach out and create a relationship with a younger man who in some ways does not need or want the relationship or advice that comes with it. Beanie’s assertion that he was trying to help give Meek advice comes off to me and others as yet another sign of the convoluted and at times contemptuous relationship that older males have with younger males. When Beanie overstepped his role however, in Meek’s eyes the offense warranted retaliation, and despite the reputation Beanie has and had it did not protect him from the violence.
Meek Mill= Marlo Stanfield
Marlo Stanfield, the major villain of the show the Wire, emerged on the scene in Season Three as a newcomer with major connects. Not only did he overtake the territory earned by Avon and his crew on the West, but he also had the Eastside in fear. Ruthless and calculated, he maneuvered every major boss off of the scene and stayed off the radar for a considerably longer time than Avon, and Stringer. Meek Mill, the newcomer from Philly, emerged on the scene in 2009 with MMG and in seemingly no time became one of the biggest artists on the scene. His numerous beefs with other rappers and crews have in some cases ended violently (Q. Miller) but have only added to the lore that surrounds him as a gangster. But even bigger than his beefs and victories is the perceived arrogance that accompanies him. His relationship with high profile rapper and singer Nicki Minaj is just one of the many things he can brag about, along with his ostentatious jewelry and car collection which he speaks of. Untouchable, his feelings towards Beanie Sigel mirrors Avon and Marlo’s.
Beanie spoke of how hard it was to speak with Meek who he felt did not honor his words, much like Marlo who saw their relationship as purely a business one. While incarcerated Marlo made sure to only deal with Avon in that capacity and when he got what he needed, promptly left him behind. Meek Mill sought out Beanie’s help on rap lyrics allegedly. That was the extent of their relationship in his eyes and when Beanie sought more, Meek may have fostered some resentment towards him. In the end Beanie’s decision to go against Meek is what led to his assault.
For me, seeing their relationship fizzle out is sad. The lack of respect shown by both sides is what has caused the issues, but the assumption that money absolves men from giving others respect is where the issue lies. The older generation can be at times overbearing and self asserting, but they and others deserve a level of respect that should not be up for discussion.
Wright World 