O.G. (“original gangster” or “original gangsta”) is a term that has certainly had quite a tremendous journey over its lifespan. Today, it’s as mainstream or commercialized as a phrase can be.
Many believe that “O.G.” first became popularized by the likes of N.W.A. in the late 1980s, or perhaps more so Ice-T and/or Snoop Dogg in the early 1990s.
However, according to Urban Dictionary.com, the roots are in early 1970s South Central Los Angeles gang culture.
Today, it simply means someone who does what they do the right way and has been doing it for a very long time. Calling someone the O.G. is the ultimate sign of respect. As you’re saying, that person was getting it done long before most other people have.
Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson called his backup, Josh Johnson, “the O.G.” after practice today.
“That’s expected from Josh, (the) O.G.,” Jackson said on Monday when a reporter brought up Johnson’s perfect 11-for-11 passing performance on Saturday in the Baltimore Ravens preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons.
“It’s definitely great (to be in the presence of a player with his level of experience). The first time Josh was here with us, a couple of years back, I was so hyped to have him.
“Just learning and knowing the type of offenses he’s been in and just hearing him speak and how he learn ball and how he know ball. It’s incredible for me to be in a room with a guy like him.”
Johnson, 38, has been playing professional football since 2008. He’s been under contract with 14 different NFL teams and thrown a pass for seven of them.
Lamar is right. Josh Johnson is indeed “the O.G.”
