I thought nikkas did it for p*ssy lolNYC is FULL of these types. And they're often the most "gangster" too.
You'll even find dudes with policemen in their family, but are heavy in the streets.
Poverty is not always the cause.
The one thing that every street nikka I know have in common, regardless of background, is that they grew up never being told "no". Either because they were spoiled or because no one was around or cared to do it. So they develop this strange lack of patience and empathy, which when combined with proximity to others in the same boat leads to involvement in illegal activity, if the opportunity presents itself.
That's why you'll have dudes who grow up in poverty and listen to the SAME music and see the same fukked up shyt, but are still well-adjusted individuals. Or rich cacs who sexually assault women in college and shyt.
I grew up in the hood but moved to the burbs before my pre teen years. I still did ratchet shyt because I wasn’t trying to be an oreo ass nikka. For me it was identity but I was never no g in the streets.