Rapp references to Bernard Goetz?
Terry_Clubbup
833 Posts
I am seeking rapp references to Bernard Goetz. Other than a few non-sequiturs mentioned below, I can't think of any, which is surprising. The Goetz incident was such a big deal when it happened, I would have thought there would be whole songs about it, or at least a greater number of scattered references. Keep in mind that the Goetz incident occurred in 1984, which may have been a bit early in terms of rappers directly confronting social problems.My theory is that references will fall into two categories:1. Grudging Respect or A New Boogeyman view of Goetz. examples:Kool Keith from "NYC Street Battle" by Ultra:"No threats; don't sleep on me you slept on Bernard GoetzWith a Berkowitz twist, your projects heard of this"L.L. Cool J from "Why Do You Think They Call it Dope?""Let your friends gas him up, talk trash and make betsthen he gets played like those kids who tried to rob Goetz"2. Resentment or Vigilante-for-the-Vigilante view. example:Genius from "Clan In Da Front" by Wu-Tang:"Wu-Tang's comin thru with Full Metal JacketsGod squad that's mad hard to serveCome frontin hard, then Bernhard Goetz what he deserves"
Comments
"Trench coat wing tip going to work
And you'll be pulling a train like Captain Kirk
Pick pocket gangsters paying their debts
I caught a bullet in the lung from Bernie Goetz"
i don't think it falls in either.
Kool Keith later revisited the Goetz theme on "Wild & Crazy" as Dr. Octagon:
"I put some diss in the steps, and damage all your reps
Get off the hooks in project style like Bernard Goetz"
"I gotta good attorney so the man can't burn me
Presley to the Jackson, Goetz to the Bernie"
I read this is as some sort of troubled signifier of whiteness, i.e., not all white dudes are punks.
"And if ya squad flex/I'm lettin off like Bernard Goetz"
And Ras Kass's from "Marinatin'":
"Threw on some Gautier and my Rolex link dressed to kill like Bernard Goetz"
They seem to fall in the "adoration" category.
Gaultier makes men's clothes?
Further research reveals that he does:
Dressed to kill!
You got JOKES Jonny!!! LOL! Did you get the pink Escada outfit you told me about?
It would really be comedy if hardcore rappers started wearing Jean Paul Gaultier outfits.....
What on earth does "Presley to the Jackson" mean?
Thanks for the contributions folks, I had forgotten about or never noticed all of these. Seems like most of the references are facile non-sequitur stand-ins for "boogeyman", you know like I'm twice as horrifying as Vincent Price, or, like Jeffrey Dahmer I'll murder your mama.
I was thinking Public Enemy could have had a song called "Burn Bernie Burn"
Pop caps to make your top hat flop back
Peep 2:40 for the Goetz ref
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernhard_Goetz
For anyone else interested...
Would love to see RasKass walking round C Arson wearing this outfit......
nope...
That is a great video. I never heard that song.
Right after the Goetz reference, he says:
"I'm like the Black Steven Seagal
You say you ain't scared, but you better check yo drawers..."
He also references Jeffrey Dahmer earlier in the song:
"I leave that ass like Dahmer
Architect, comma
Wanna baddle me, save that drama for your mama"
Ummm.....