Some things that they say clearly show that they know what they're talking about either cuz they've done it themselves, they know someone who's done it, or they just do a lot of research to sound authentic.
I believe that they have done some things in their pasts. But they are clearly not out there killing people. And they're also not selling drugs. The FBI has a task force that actually watches rappers. They monitor their money, their assets, keep a log of who they're friends with, etc. IF they were moving weight, they woulda BEEEEEN got locked up...the truth is, they're all getting rap money now. The ONLY way they're getting drug money is if they give money to one of their boys who goes and moves some weight and then brings back his cut. But let's be honest, you're not the one moving weight homie...your boy is. Stop frontin. But they do carry guns. But that doesn't validate your gangsta.
One thing I will say is that southern dudes are def more accustomed to dealing with weight. Most of our drugs come through mexico and miami and the price of a key goes up the further north it goes. Up in NY if you get caught with a key, you'll go away for like 15 years or more. In texas you'll get less. My boy is a mexican from texas...my nig got caught with 10lbs of weed and 5 lbs of crystal meth and did 1 year and got 5 years parole...I'm like whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! He tells me in texas that's nothing. They're not concerned with his measly pounds. They're worried about the truck behind him that might be carrying half a ton.