Dres from Black Sheep had an interview last year, where he said "they always talk about how they're not trying to glorify the street life. But then why even mention it? You are trying to, because you've made sure to associate yourself with it". The dudes like Chi Ali and Little Shawn who were really living that life, never even hinted at that in their music or interviews.
He went on to talk about how he's never mentioned anything about his past and how he was a heavy heroine dealer. He didn't even want to answer on whether or not he was, but Little Shawn had blown his spot up in a previous interview. Dres said that he just wanted people to focus on his music, not on what he was before he got in the business.
I respect that. A lot of these rappers try to equate being from the streets with being respected. Those of us in the know, know that the real cats don't speak on what used to happen. It's corny, and most of these dudes are lying.