Swag or Armor? deconstructing Black male swag

“People, like water, seek their own level.” — Ann Landers

I love a Black man with swag. His walk, that smooth talk, the way he tilts his head, how his shoulders slope slightly forward always gets my attention. Swag can be defined as style, personality, an edge. In this case, it is a very specific cool. One that cannot be manufactured or possessed by any other — at least not authentically. Marketing campaigns make an attempt. Imposters may try but none can duplicate that which lies within.

My type is like Jaime from She’s Gotta Have It — the reboot, but more creative, entrepreneurial and spiritual. I like a brutha that is somewhere between thug and professional. Don’t judge me. I came up at a time when MC Lyte was rappin’ bout how she, “ . . . gotta get a ruffneck!”

Gotta who? Gotta have a what?
Gotta what yo, gotta get a ruffneck hey!

I need a ruffneck
I need a dude with a attitude
Only needs his fingers with his food
Karl Kani saggin’ timbos draggin’
Frontin’ in his ride with his home boys braggin’
Lying ‘bout the Lyte how he knocked boots last night
But he’s a ruffneck so that’s alright
Triple o baldie under the hood
Makin’ noise with the boys up to no good
C-low on the down low cops come around so ruffneck front like he gotta go
Evil grin with a mouth full of…