Keep it 100

"Keep it 100" is a phrase that we use commonly without much of an afterthought. We say it when we want people to be honest, we say that when we want to show our own fortitude, we say it ad-nauseum actually. But little is considered in terms of what is "100?" You see, we define and redefine so many things without giving credit to origins, in most cases. For example, my "keeping it 100" may mean honesty one week, then flexible morality the next week.

So in the spirit of questioning this "100," I started with the sources. I know a cat that swears he keeps everything "100;" he's real with his circle of friends, tells niggas how it is, etc. However, this same cat also does not work, does not care for his children, or care about his future. Is that 100? Or does is this concept relegated to only specific instances? If that's the case, then we need to say "I keep it 100... for now."

Outside of sourcing this colloquialism, I asked myself if I am "100?" Now, defining that can take many tangents, so let's keep it simple. Certain qualities are requirements across the board, despite race, age, preference, etc. Those can be things like having a strong spiritual foundation (that you adhere to,) employment, plans for your life, or a desire to do good. All those qualities with more can make one 100, in my opinion. So taking inventory of my life and the thing in it made me question my "100"-ness. Am I 100 with God? Am I 100 with my woman? Am I 100 with my job? Am I 100 with my health? Am I 100 with my finances? So on and so forth...

That brought me to the realization, that I may not be. I firmly feel from a religious perspective that there is only one religion that can truly be applicable to Black people in America: Islam. Particularly, The Nation of Gods and Earths (Five Percenters.) The reason being is that Christianity (for example) has become perverted and on top of that, it is the youngest religion with the most flexible tenements. It is also not created by Black people or for the interest of such. Now to shed more light on Five Percenters, the belief is that the Black man is the original man and he is an embodiment of God Himself (in not as many words.) We are "God-Body" by that principle and have the ability to operate without limitations, just as God can. You see, if we are made in his image, why would not have any of his "powers," insight, or balance? Of course we have those things! And as a result, to be "100," could simply mean God-Body.

We all require a balance in our lives in many areas: physical, emotional, spiritual, creative, social, etc. But there has to be a foundation, a common denominator that glues it all together. My point with mentioning Five Percenters is in that their common denominator is simple: act as God daily. Act as if you have no limits and feed your mind. Simple. But for those not muslim, the principle can still be applied. Conduct yourself in the realm of a higher authority when constructing your life/lifestyle. There's an old saying "dress like the job you want, not the job you got." Taking that logic in play, I'll quote this different: "live like the salvation you want, not the damnation you are in."

Are you 100?