Boi Growing Up

I am a pure suburban raised kid with a few years of “ghetto” living experience under my built, just enough to retain my “black” license and have slang as my 3rd language. I have no desire to be in those neighborhoods, but I go back for 1 thing, my barbershop .

I thoroughly enjoy the stereotypically black hair spots. The place I frequent is of no exception. The talk of politics, gossip, trash talking in sports, even got the bootleg videos playing on a tv. The barber knows who you are after one visit, but I also tend to tip with suburban tendencies so I’m easily remembered anyway haha. My barber even hosts cookouts in the projects.

I like food.

But no matter where you’re from, certain things are better and will always be better in the more “urban” areas of NYC. The atmosphere of the barbershops, the kinship between neighbors, the quality “sandwich and can of soda” deals, and even the access to illegal substances. You live in the area or just frequently visit, you get to feel like you belong. You venture into the different suburbs and it feels like you get a license to do your business then leave, don’t step out to anywhere else, be mindful of your place. And I live in the suburbs.

I do realize that is also a depiction of minority vs. non-minority neighborhoods or rich vs. poorer areas. I’m not commenting on that today. I just like my barbershop.

And a disclaimer for an earlier sentence: I don’t do any drugs, but I do know about them.

I guess in conclusion, you can’t get everything good everywhere. You have to know what places to go to. Where to look. I know where all my favorite places to frequent are.

Do you have yours?

Til next time. Stay frosty.