In the world of hip-hop, certain terms and affiliations carry deep cultural and historical significance. One such affiliation is the term “Piru,” which refers to a subset of the Bloods, a well-known street gang originating in Los Angeles. Many rappers in the hip-hop industry have openly discussed their ties to the Piru set, whether they were raised in neighborhoods with Piru influence or are connected through personal experiences. But what does it mean when a rapper claims Piru, and how has it shaped their music and identity?
What is Piru?
Before diving into which rappers claim Piru, it’s important to understand what Piru represents. Piru is a subset of the Bloods gang, one of the most recognized and widely known street organizations in the United States. The Bloods originated in Los Angeles in the late 1960s and became a powerful and often violent force in urban areas across the country. The Piru set is particularly notable for its early affiliation with the Bloods and for being one of the first groups to adopt the Bloods’ red colors, though the Piru set specifically refers to one of the smaller factions within this larger gang.
The name “Piru” comes from Piru Street in Compton, California, a location where members of the gang would gather. Over the years, Piru Bloods have been associated with the broader Bloods movement, although the exact dynamics can vary by region.
Rappers Who Claim Piru
The intersection between hip-hop culture and street affiliations is complex, with many artists adopting certain elements from their past or their surroundings. The following rappers are known to have claimed Piru in their music, interviews, or personal histories:
1. Ice Cube
Ice Cube, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, particularly during his time with N.W.A, has long been associated with West Coast gang culture. While Cube’s association with Piru isn’t overtly the centerpiece of his identity, his ties to gang culture are undeniable, and his music often reflects the struggles and realities of Los Angeles street life. As a young man, Cube was deeply influenced by the environment around him, which included affiliations with Piru Bloods.
2. The Game
The Game is one of the most famous rappers to openly claim Piru. He is well-known for his affiliations with the Black Wall Street label and for his association with the Piru set of the Bloods. In his music, particularly in albums like The Documentary, The Game frequently references his street experiences, including his ties to Piru and gang life in Compton. His affiliation is one of the cornerstones of his persona and music career, and he is often considered one of the modern voices of West Coast rap.
3. YG
YG, a prominent figure in the contemporary West Coast rap scene, has made his Piru affiliation a central part of his identity. In songs like “My N****,” YG refers to his connections to Piru Bloods. He grew up in Compton, a city heavily influenced by gang culture, and has spoken about his life in the streets and his deep-rooted ties to Piru. YG’s raw storytelling in tracks like “Meet the Flockers” and “Twist My Fingaz” further solidifies his association with the Piru set.
4. Kendrick Lamar
While Kendrick Lamar has not made his Piru affiliation the central focus of his public persona in the way some others have, he has certainly acknowledged the influence of gang culture in his life. Raised in Compton, Kendrick Lamar grew up amidst the tension between the Bloods and Crips, and while he does not overtly claim Piru in all his music, his early work, like Section.80, hints at the impact of gang culture on his upbringing.
5. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, one of the most legendary figures in hip-hop history, has had a long-standing connection to the West Coast gang culture. Although Snoop Dogg is more closely associated with the Crips rather than Piru, his work in the hip-hop scene has often referenced the gang affiliations in his neighborhood. Snoop has been a mentor and influence to many artists in the Bloods and Crips world, which has helped bring attention to the broader gang culture that shapes much of West Coast rap.
6. Redrum 781
Redrum 781 is an artist who is closely affiliated with the Piru set. He is not as widely known as some of the other names on this list but has made significant contributions to both the Bloods and the Piru subculture. His music and his reputation within the Piru set have earned him a degree of respect among those familiar with gang culture in Los Angeles.
7. Mitchy Slick
Mitchy Slick is another rapper with direct ties to the Piru set. As a representative of the San Diego area, Mitchy has frequently referenced his gang ties, specifically with Piru, throughout his career. His music often explores themes of loyalty, respect, and the reality of street life in Southern California.
8. Boosie Badazz
Though Boosie Badazz is primarily associated with Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he has connections to the West Coast and has spoken about being affiliated with the Piru set. His music, often focused on the struggles of life in the streets, occasionally references his ties to Piru and the Bloods in general.
How Piru Affiliation Shapes Their Music
For many rappers who claim Piru, their affiliation is more than just a label; it represents their roots, their struggles, and their lived experiences. Gang life and street culture heavily influence the lyrical content of their music, often reflecting themes of loyalty, survival, and the challenges of growing up in violent environments.
While many artists, particularly from the West Coast, may claim affiliation with Piru or Bloods, it’s essential to note that their affiliation with gangs may not always be central to their musical career. Many rappers, like Kendrick Lamar and Ice Cube, might not focus solely on gang life but draw from it as a part of their broader narrative. However, for others like The Game, YG, and Mitchy Slick, their gang affiliations are often integral to their public personas and artistic output.
The Impact of Piru Affiliation on Hip-Hop
The connection between hip-hop and gang culture, particularly the Bloods and Piru set, has had a lasting impact on the genre. From the rise of West Coast rap to the current era of trap music, affiliations with gangs have shaped the sound, style, and storytelling in hip-hop. The influence of Piru can be heard in the music, seen in the videos, and felt in the attitudes of many artists.
However, it’s also important to recognize the dangers and consequences that come with these affiliations. Many rappers who claim Piru, or any gang affiliation, have faced legal troubles, violence, and even death as a result of their ties. As much as it can add to their street credibility and authenticity, being connected to a gang also means living with the risks associated with that lifestyle.
Conclusion
Rappers who claim Piru, such as The Game, YG, and others, bring a unique and often gritty perspective to hip-hop music. Their affiliations are a reflection of the complex social, cultural, and historical contexts from which they come. While the relationship between hip-hop and gang culture is contentious and controversial, it remains an undeniable influence on the genre. Understanding these affiliations helps to gain deeper insight into the realities that many of these artists faced growing up and the challenges they continue to navigate in their careers.