Skid Row Stories-Part 1-Cigarette Man
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- Part 1 of a SoftWhite Underbelly talk on the history of Skid Row with Cigarette Man, a lifelong resident of Skid Row.
Links to other videos with Cigarette Man can be found at the end of this video.
For ad-free versions of SWU videos, as well as some exclusive videos please subscribe to Soft White Underbelly's TH-cam Membership Channel.
Here’s a link to audio only versions of SWU videos: asmrdb.fanlink...
Damn, my man just gave a college lecture on the history of skid row. Wasnt expecting that.
I'd be a little leary of any accuracy of information from a guy named "cigarette man"
@@jkeezy93 so you don’t think he’s honest because his name doesn’t live up to your acceptable cultural standards? That’s some racist ass shit there Josh
@@jkeezy93 what would be the point of him lying? get a grip bro
If he’s making it up, that is some astonishing improvisation!
@@jkeezy93 I wouldn't....
This OG has no reason to lie - he ain’t lookin to impress anyone. Simply just retelling what he’s seen in his life. This man along with Repeat & Patrick are some of my favorite interviews.
I agree 100%
He is not lying . I was there .
Agreed!
Patrick is one of my favourites, too.
And Frenchie, of course. I just absolutely love Frenchie!
And one that actually surprises me. I believe his name is Philip or Filip. He's a sex addict.
I had so many, what's it called in English? When you have made up your mind even before you've seen it. I can't find the word I'm looking for.
But I was very judgemental, I'd made up my mind about him just by watching the picture of him.
When listening to him I totally changed my mind and actually now he's one of the people I think most about on this channel.
I learn every day.
I'm not as open as I'm pretending to be.
@@leneo1731 prejudice? Is that word you’re looking for? I agree, Frenchie is amazing. Such a wonderfully unique woman.
I agree
If you don't believe anything Cigarette Man is saying you are a fool. This man is a walking history book of Skid Row.
Yes, he definitely sounds believable.
giving me crackhead stories
@@evesjeanz He doesn't do drugs nor does he drink.
Country Gal oh. well thats good
@@evesjeanz Exactly
Now cigarette man biking round helping volunteers feed his people. True king behaviour
YES! 🙏❤️ him and Shirley , ( Beauty2thestreetz, her whole team and any volunteers, mark. Helping and giving these souls a VOICE. A goal of mine is when I’m clean, and getting better with my own trauma and mental health, I can give back to these people. I know that feeling that no one cares about you, and things will never get better. But these types of things give me more faith in humanity
@@destinydacey9064 i wish you luck in your journey to get clean!
@@destinydacey9064 I've never met you but I care about you. I know 1st hand how mental health can just drop kick self worth. You can do it, I believe in you. Love from Scotland xxxxx
@@destinydacey9064 Bro...who feels it knows it unlike those camera guys
@@destinydacey9064 f
The uncle we all wished we had. Never glorifying the street life..respect
I agree ☝🏽.
I can listen to him all day
Shouldn't ever be glorified. Unfortunately that's exactly what much of our culture does glorify.
I had an uncle just like him, didn’t see nearly as much as this man did but he always warned of the dangers and potential costs of the street life
@@jahempress26 Right? I would love to spend time with him😊; he seems sweet & humble. ☺️
He's so detailed with his stories that I had visuals as if I were watching a movie. This one is REALLY good.
Indeed!!
Same here and I live in Australia
I personally know brothers of his generation on skidrow and skidrow is the underworld like he mentioned.
El Ray. Yeah, he knows his sh*t once he mentioned that. Couldn’t think of the name of that hotel.
Imagine this guy with his own TH-cam channel. Sounds like he would NEVER run out of content.
Fo real real ✊🏾❤️💙 he a OG!! Period!
Well said
@@jasonromo5637 @ ❤️🇨🇦
Ha! Yeah!
@@pamelastates5600 Thanks
This interview was 2 years old and this man is still living in skid row. Glad CM is still around.
Sad he could never got out of thtat life
Doesn’t sound like he was interested in getting out.
He was housed recently but i think he's back on the street again @josemiguelcastiblancogomez7723
@@josemiguelcastiblancogomez7723he was born into it since the 60’s
Wish Mark would bring back CM. I love these three videos. Old school survival
So....the moral of the story is stay the hell out of Los Angeles. Damn, that shit was brutal.
That's not true, just don't go nowhere u don't know about. LA is cool if you know how to reply fr fr
LOL 😂😂 😂😂 😂😂 😂😂 😂
los angelas is a beautiful place and there is great parts of it, but the bad places look like a paradise compared to the bad places in jersey, bronx etc its a shame
Stay tf out of US
Sound stupid.
This interview was simply amazing. I didn’t skip a minute (rare for me). He has seen a lot, and made it out on the other side to tell about it. Such a well spoken soul. I hope nothing but positivity and healing for him from here on out. 🙏🏾
Amen yes :)
Did he actually make it out or is he still there
@@xxTHExxRICHIExx good question?
@@xxTHExxRICHIExx hes still out there. He's called cigarette man by everyone out there because he sells cigarettes as well as all kinds of random food and drinks too. He has a shopping cart he uses like a mobile store going all down each street.
Hey you're the one with the biggest ass on youtube or smth
Never heard the interview guy so quiet before and I’ve binged all these interviews 😂😂😂😂😂
Doubt he could a word in if he tried
@@shelley9546 in the best way possible
It’s actually what Mark prefers. He doesn’t consider himself an interviewer
Lol..I was thinking the same thing...Mark not saying a word...Cigarette man got this!😄
The Elizabeth interview had Mark quiet as well. But this story is more interesting.
Get cigarette-man a one man play, let him talk for 2 hours, a Netflix series would be great. He’s an American treasure that’s need to be treasured. I’m willing to invest
I'm with you!
I'm also ready and willing to help
they need him in the library of congress talking about skid row
He’s on beauty2thestreetz ig he helps her a lot
With animated segments like tales from the bus
Cigarette Man. The Movie.
Two hours of this.
Take my money.
I love all of his movie references! Bloodsport, First Blood..😂
And u know he’s old school the way his is talking about kicking dudes back to Mexico 😉 He has no SJW filter 🤣
I could listen to this man all day. He is so intelligent and mesmerizing I love the knowledge that he has acquired over the years of experience. Nothing but mad respect and love.
would gladly donate to a gofundme for Cigarette Man: The Movie
YES!!! Take my whole money account
Fuck yeah man! 💯 🍿🍿🍿
My pops was all in and around skid row... I’ve passed thru and done security in that area but it’s a world in itself... it’s incredible how these people embrace this lifestyle
Man his memory is prestige. I can’t remember what I ate yesterday. He know all the street name and incident. What a legend
😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂
"Just to let him know, you dont mess with somebody you dont know nothin about" facts right there
I said the same thing the day before there was a shooting at my school
Mark, are you there? Thank-you cigarette man. Love listening to your history. So many wasted lives, so much senseless killing. You truly are a veteran, a survivor of the gang wars.
The hood grandpa we all wish we had
Cigarette man encapsulates the wisdom of elders. Respect.
Wisdom from hard lessons learned
Absolutely 🎯
Indeed,I personally know brothers of his generation on skidrow who actually sell cigarettes.
Yes
I first learned about Cigarette Man from Shirley Raines (Beauty2theStreetz). I would definitely recommend checking out her channel - she does amazing work!
Yes!! Love her, Cig man and everyone else. 🥰
I can listen to him for days !!! He has SEEN THINGS and is an amazing story teller. Thank you Mark for an incredible job
These old timers in better shape with there shirt off than these young boys
ahhhaa yeeeah
Real shit
That's a FACT! Black don't crack even under attack!
Looooololll this cheered me up!!
Ya heard meh
@@vparris492 lol
Ask him one question and let him ride out that's all it takes for an OG no need for an interview they will tell you everything you want to hear.
Facts!!!!!!!!
Lmaoo str8 facts mane i aint heard bruh say nothing yet lol
Facts 🤣 👊🏾
Omg I can listen to him all day . I so wish him love ,peace, healings at this point of his life , it’s so well deserve.. ❤️ 🙏🏾
The things this man has seen and lived through is amazing and more then most people could probably handle.
Someone sign him to write a book of short stories
BEST INTERVIEW
This ☝🏼
only a black would think this bumbling old crackhead was "the best"
Definitely the best raconteur on this channel by far. The picture he is painting is like a dystopian action movie. And you don't have to say ANYTHING hardly. You just let him go for 40 minutes. He definitely deserves a bonus.
It's not a movie. That's real life for underprivileged people every day. Not just in skid row, in every inner city in america.
I love cigarette man. Everybody loves watching him tictok helping Shirley service people on skid row . GOD BLESS THEM BOTH.
I watch every tiktok I love Ms Shirley so much
please keep us updated with this man. he is phenomenal and the fact that he lived to see this day after all he’d seen and been through is mind blowing to me.
Checkout @beauty2thestreetz on tik tok! He is always helping her out! She does amazing work for the homeless/less fortunate people🤍
He’s on beauty2thestreetz ig he helps her a lot
Yes I've seen him on her videos
He still lives on skid row. 2023
I’m 10min in and this is by far THE best interview I’ve ever seen. This man has stories like they don’t make his kind no more. Thank you so much.
This is what a man who did 22 years and lived to tell about it looks like. He's not experienced many off lives joys but has lived through many of it's pains. Mark didn't ask a question and he never stopped talking once. You'd think he was a man who talked to much but you'd be very wrong. Some of his stories may have exagérations as great storytellers often do,but all I'd wager are true. These old schoolers have lessons upon lessons if you know how to listen.
Yes, he says a lot of the same things Johnny says. It was definitely the Wild, Wild West
Man must be high, he's definitely talking church tho. This a cat you wanna hook up so you got extra eyes on your back
This man is so compelling and intelligent, could listen to him for hours
This OG has seen more than any person should.
I enjoyed every documentary interview that the cigarette man tell! He's truly amazing, intelligent, sincere, strong, loving, honest, wise, and a whole lot rapped in one great individual person! Some of these young people need to listen to him talk! Love you cigarette man and continue to remain positive and wise! You have a good day and God bless you 💞🥳🙏
Brings back memories of my experiences of growing up in the poor side of town. I knew all about what he is talking about. Being in that environment could have easily trapped me into a horrible life. I Thank those who loved me enough to move me away from that life. I do believe what helped me deal with street life is that as a child I always had respect for them and walked away. Something I just had in me. I would love to meet Cigarette Man someday as he would put a Smile on my face to know of someone who experienced what I know.
By the grace of God go I. You were covered by the blood of Jesus.
Was good to hear someone who grew- up with this comment. My comment was imagine kids having to grow- up like this. Sad.
I can't get enough of this man's advice, it really means a lot considering how much he has had to overcome in his own life, much respect.
He's been around a few corners and back he is a smart man
One of the best interviews on your channel! He's a great storyteller.
I love you cigarette man, I pray Heaven has a mansion waiting on you....
Amen. Your words were heartfelt (literally).....and I know you meant every word. I love CM too❤
@@erikalittle3676 thanks and he is a very special person.I do believe the kingdom of God is filled with people just like him,for the kingdom of God is not in word but in power...Cigarette man is a world changer
@@IamWorthy_Rita my very thoughts, my brother was one of them. He spent his time on Skid Row. The Last will be first and the first will be last. ♥️🙏💕
O ya he getting his crown!
A mansion full of never ending Newports
The "Morgan Freeman" of Skid Row.
Natural narrator.
Never skipped a beat.
Best interview yet bring him on more he's like Johnny 2.0
Lmao
I just made a comment about this lol!! Get them on Together ❤ 👏
which one is johnny
Sounds like he's full of crap
First thing that come to mind.
Wow! His ability to recall and tell us these things is amazing! Love listening to this guy!
Genuinely can’t get enough of the man. Great story teller.
I love cigarette man ! Really enjoy watching him work and help out our angel on earth Ms. Shirley ❣️
I’ve been waiting on this one. Maneeee I missed him. Mark you did if my man . I watched his last vids and it was absolutely amazing his level of knowledge and philosophy of life reminds me of Allen watts and others. Cigarette man has a true gift.
Imagine comparing this guy to Allan watts
He’s on beauty2thestreetz ig he helps her a lot
@@jarrettthomas4865 ; )
The amount of history I just sat through! To survive all of that and be able to vividly tell the story is astounding!
This man is a legit Warrior for surviving that kind of lifestyle.
People from all over think it’s all fun and shit until you’re in LA and witness this for yourself. This was an amazing interview. Nothing but love for this man 💚
I like this guy a lot.
He is real
Me too !
He’s on beauty2thestreetz ig he helps her a lot
This man is so well-spoken, most likely often overlooked and that of as a deadbeat, I can clearly see he has and has a offering a lot to this world, good on you for bringing him on
Man cigarette man has truly lived a life! He should write a book! God Bless sir.
Most accurate description ever! Im 50 yrs old and lived through a lot of this shit in the 80’s as a drug addicted kid!
Facts!
This was a great interview, now i want to see a documentary about skid row in the 80s
Me too
Me too.
I love listening to this old school. His stories are great and he as alot of knowledge. I could listen for hours to him. I would love to meet him in person.
@beauty2thestreetz
Marrkkk thank you for the frequency of your uploads. I really appreciate you
Fuckin sharp haha
So glad I found these ! I was watching marks interview before of chris , who unfortunately is struggling with schizophrenia. I then found Beauty2thestreetz ( shirley ) and saw cigarette man there in almost every live video she posted . The way he was overprotective of her, always wanting to lend a hand out or help, while still being his crazy self ( if u kno u know 🤣❤️)
Anways , I’m glad I could watch these interviews and got the chance for hear his story . You can tell he has a good heart and genuine soul but unfortunately like a lot of us, been dealt a hard deal at life . honestly I’m struggling myself rn as well trying to get off drugs , mental health. trying not to lose the hope .
Sending love to everyone reading this, hope your day/days get better. 💘
Stay strong and i hope that better times are coming one day
Thank you for another unscripted and raw interview. The experiences these folks have lived is like no other and cannot be replicated.
Wow! This was like an good Audiobook! Sound affects included.
Awesome.
Now I can watch this man and listen to his words all day!!!
This man is telling this story so good.
I could listen to him all day.
Him and Latoya has such personality.
I want to hear more life experiences from them.
He is hard as hell.
He has lived what the rest of us only know from movies
You never know what people have seen or been through. Watching this got me thinking about all the things I've seen and making me realize that most of us never share it. We are all walking experiences, just some of us are one trauma experience after another. Respect to cigarette man. The fact that he has survived is a testament to his wisdom.
Man, I wish I could just get this guy a room for a night and just chat for a little bit. There's just something about cigarette man, he seems like a really good dude.
Addicts and people with mental health issues are usually good people. Sometimes people vicariously romanticize the grittiness of it though, and can be too quick to trust. Be weary.
@beauty2thestreetz on IG
@@frontierwork and sometimes people adapt and develop into the best version they can be... a fear based existence is never the best plan no matter what environment your in. The ability to be weary is a privilege not often afforded to those focused on survival. IMO it's a futile waste of energy... focus on living your best life no matter the circumstances let those with reasons to be weary hold onto that nonsense. Be intelligent and aware of your surroundings and you can exist anywhere if you embrace the culture and mind your business...
38:47 Where he says they had to look brave but they were scared, that is a very humble thing to say. A friend of mine that was caught up in that life style also told me that he was so tired of looking behind his shoulder. That it is no life at all. That is what they mean when they say that there is no rest for the wicked. I hope everyone takes what this wise man has learned to heart. I thank him for telling the history of Skid Row and the surrounding areas. May we never forget those who have lost their lives, let it not be in vain.
This man's speaking the truth. Careful who you mess with, you never know what they're capable of. I've seen some small unassuming people beat the breaks of people much bigger than them lol
I love his love of cinema, and the way he tells stories as a narrator. Amazing dude, wish I could sit with him and smoke a cig and talk
Cigarette man do, not need any help from Mark to tell his story. He need his own podcast and invite people from skid row to tell their story. Very interesting life.
Facts!!
He’s on beauty2thestreetz ig he helps her a lot
@@6figurewinners yes !!! I love shirley shes such a gem ❤️ and their little relationship they got cracks me tf up🤣 he always wanting to help, and you can tell cares about her and respects her a lot . 🙏 god bless to him and all
Cigarette mann, your words resonate deep within my soul. I'm 20 but it feels like I've lived a liftetime after, hearing everything you've had to say. So much wisdom in your experiences. Where ever you may be lord bless you
1 min in and I can tell this is going to be good series
Same thought I had, clicked on the video and was hooked from the beginning
By Far ... The BEST Dissertation On SKID- ROW BRUTALITY ... EVER Filmed ! THANK YOU Soft white Underbelly ☮️
This OG knows his sht, respect
This OG would give the shirt 👕 off his back to help any race any color he sees no race but double cross and its a knife 🔪 to the neck!!
Respect ✊🏿
He was by far my favorite interview, I literally have not hit pause once.
Reminds me of growing up in the number blocks of Detroit death everywhere you had to be a smiling killer to make it. Southwest loaded with KEP & Vatco Loco I was at Southwestern High in Delray life was bloody mean & ruff. I had Kronk boxing with Hearns & Oba Carr to keep me.... I'm still here.
Yeah SW something crazy .
Mark should visit and interview some ppl there. I went to Wayne County jail once and got my mind right after that.
Southwest Detroit was rough. Specifically Del Rey. Now it’s a ghost town
Extended Ted talk + Netflix Doc, Starring and narrated by Cigarette man. Each scene, location, and era was described like a movie. Such a brilliant thoughtful historical perspective. Excellent storyteller.
I hope he knows how appreciated he is. I look forward to seeing his interviews and listen to what he’s got to say every single time.
Who tf is you.
This guy is official. You can look at him and tell that if anyone knows about skidrow, it's gonna be this old head right here.
he makes Skid Row sound like the trenches of the front lines of the 1st world war in France.
Glad we got Dom to confirm the legitimacy of this guy, based on the science of 'how someone looks'
@@Soulrollsdeep yes, bc if he were a white guy without a scowl we would not believe any of it !
Or you can tell he also has wetbrain and maybe half what he says is actually true 😏🤷🏻♂️
@@jayf4139 after a long time they, the ice injector/ junkies don't just get wetbrain they get wet body to the point where they feel so cold they got to wear jumpers in summer with long pants.
Ok This man is one of the greatest storyteller ever. He deserves his own Netflix Show ! Thank you for sharing this
I love this man!!! God bless him and his strength, thank you- your stories are as important as any recording our time. Thank you!!
i can not be the only one that thought story of the guy who’s final words were “I’ll see you when you get there” was badass
I'm happy to see Cigarette Man again, so much wisdom.There is always lessons with his stories.❤️
He needs to make a movie about Skid Row
Pretty sure someone writing all this down 😭.
The movie is called Hobo with a Shotgun.
@@kr00m that's probably what hollywood thinks it's like, but this man has seen some real shit.
SOMETIMES WE CAN TELLS YOU SOME THINGS THAT NO ONE ELSE WILL BELIEVE EVEN IF YOU HAVES WITNESSES AND PICTURES TO PROVES IT
"It was Treacherous!". This OG is such a great story teller. I feel like I was in an AP Skidrow history class.
this dude's the definition of OG holy shit
As a kid in the 50's, I would sit & listen to older guys like Cigarette Man talk about life experiences & views of the world & it was captivating. Although he's self educated, he is one of the wisest men to get to know who has a PhD in the streets. You can be/do anything if you only apply yourself. Very true.
When OG speaks, you listen.. simple.
Skid row, or originally, skid road, originated in the Pacific Northwest where logs were “skidded” to the sawmills and other locations for processing.
Small communities sprang up around these areas, populated primarily by the men who worked in the logging industry; hence, there were lots of single, lonely, and/or bored men looking for both nurturing, and excitement, to help stave off the exhaustion of their work. These areas necessarily attracted many unemployed men as well.
Social problems and particular pathologies accompanied the lifestyle and grew alongside the skids. A mission culture was created to serve the needy, and their “mission statements” usually, but not always, included heavy Christian proselytizing as their overall purpose. Down and out men endured what was called an ear beating, before being given something to eat. Some missions even required individuals to be baptized if they wanted a nightly cot.
Brass rail taverns became a feature in these areas as loggers wore cleated boots, which were nicknamed corks. While sitting on barstools, their corks would dig into and destroy the wooden footrests below. Eventually, to circumvent the problem of continually having to replace the wooden beams, brass rails were substituted which solved the problem.
However, it wasn’t until the Great Depression of the 1930s, when skid row became synonymous with poverty stricken individuals, and often entire families, who were desperately seeking both work and a sense of community.
Unfortunately, today, much of this history is unknown.
This is one of best interviews I've ever listened to.
I love history and the Cigarette Man is a Skid Row historian. Thank you so much for breaking it down. Will check out Part 2.
I was wondering how he survived so long until he mentioned that he spent 22 years in prison. That prison term added 22 years to his life.
I 💭 wondered about that too
Prison was probably harder than skidrow truthfully
Same!
@@jasonmiller1469 yes I work there for 25 years lots racists hardcore gang members crazy cats ruthless mf
You probably right
You can’t have a better history lesson., this should be in a book. Thank you Mark for always having human’s with no judgment, you make a difference in my life . I could only imagine what changes you are making being able to give these being people a platform for so many people that have judgmental ideas. To this man I’m sending you love and healing energy. Thank you for being so real and authentic.
As soon as I saw Cigarette Man, I couldn’t click play fast enough
Me too!! I likes him and his interviews!
@@mariyahj8609 likes?
No reason to click it fast click it regular
The Bard of Skid Row. This seems like a modern interview but this man is an example of a culture that is as old as time. He's passing on oral history. The Vikings called men like this Skalds, West Africans called them Griots,
they were responsible for mentally documenting and retelling stories of heroism, significant events and struggle. Good luck to the man. He's timeless.
He’s one of my favorites, captivating
Mine too. I wish him the best !
Me too, he makes sense, alot of em burnt out
love his stories.. he’s seen a lot and still here to speak on it.
I had to pause this video half way and say.................I love these story’s keep this man talkingggggg
we need another interview from Mark 😩 just to see how his mindset how he feels after hearing all these type of stories. its a lot to take in.
Wow, couldn't imagine the stories he has to tell.
Never been so attentive to anyone like this.
I love him! He helps out beauty 2 the streets with feeding the homeless on skid row
Definitely The most interesting and real one I've listened to....you can tell how he tells the story.... Shit was crazy, unbelievable!!!!
He tells stories which you can just visualise in your head. Amazing