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to keep it one hundred
01
(African American) to be authentic, honest, or true to oneself
Idiom
What does "to keep it one hundred" mean in African American slang?
It is used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip hop culture to mean being authentic, honest, truthful, or real, without exaggeration or pretense, often in discussions about loyalty, character, or straight talk. People typically say "I gotta keep it one hundred with you" or "She always keeps it one hundred." The term originated in late 20th or early 21st century AAVE and hip hop, popularized by rappers like Jay Z and Drake, and remains common in casual speech, often shortened to "keep it 100" or "keep it a buck."
Examples
She keeps it one hundred no matter what people say.
