Ma$e has shared his thoughts on gangs and gang violence. M-A-Dollar-Sign-E rose as a platinum-selling rapper before famously leaving his music career behind for a life in Christian ministry. The former Bad Boy superstar offered some community commentary from his Instagram page, criticizing street gangs and advising Black men to avoid them altogether.

“I know what I’m about to say is unpopular but it still needs to be said,” he wrote in the Instagram caption. “The weakest thing a black man can do today is join a street gang. The person who you’re riding for today ends up getting a bag to kill you or sending you to jail. Think about it what type of person would ask you to hurt your own people and take an oath to be there for your gang only to end up not being there for your children and family. I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THAT.

“Maybe that’s why I NEVER THOUGHT PEOPLE IN GANGS WERE TOUGH! If you’re thinking about becoming one don’t! I RESPECT A MAN THAT CAN STAND ON HIS OWN. #Day3 of #22days of speaking my mind. #mase.”

Check out Ma$e's post below.

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