“It’s rules to this sh**t. I wrote me a manual. A step by step booklet for you to get your game on track.” rapped Hip Hop legend The Notorious B.I.G. on his classic song ”Ten Crack Commandments.” On the surface it would appear that Biggie’s rapping about illegal drug sales, but if we pay close attention the knowledge dropped in this song actually applies to all businesses no matter the industry.

For Biggie, crack meant work. In fact, that’s why you’ll hear rappers refer to it as so. Some might see this song as an anthem for the hustler and wouldn’t expect to really gain anything remotely educational. However wisdom and guidance can be found in the most unlikely of places. Here’s why the “Ten Crack Commandments” isn’t just for drugs, but for success too.

1. Never let no one know how much dough you hold.

When it comes to finances, it’s just better to keep things to yourself. Don’t make the mistake of bragging about how well or mentioning how badly you’re doing unless you have a very good reason for it.

2. Never let ’em know your next move.

Keep your core strategies under wraps. It is tempting to talk about your plans or techniques, but just like commandment #1, sometimes it’s just best to shut up. Real gangsters move in silence.

3. Never trust nobody.

Words are words. You need to protect yourself. Get a contract. Live by this motto: “Everybody signs something.” Because… who knows what the future will bring?

4. Never get high, on your own supply.

Your resources are there to optimize your business worth, not your personal pleasure. Discover the customers’ needs; don’t substitute your own. While you may think you have it under control, your customer should come first.

5. Never sell no crack where you rest at.

Don’t mix business with personal life. If you do mix the two, you may need to break the connection to make the right decision.

6. That goddamn credit? Dead it.

Money up front. Always. Never provide someone a service without compensation offered on-sight. This goes back to commandment #3, don’t trust anyone.

7. Keep your family and business completely separated.

This is an elaboration on commandment #5, but don’t hire family or friends just because they are who they are. Do they have a strong skill-set? Can they contribute to your bottom line? If you can’t be honest here, you won’t make it far.

8. Never keep no weight on you.

Remove yourself from any positions of liability. Learn to delegate effectively.

9. If you ain’t gettin bags stay the fuck from police.

Watch who you are perceived as working with. There are probably a lot of people who in hindsight would have taken a different route when dealing with unsavory people. Biggie had the right idea, your colleagues will form their own assumption, some of them negative.

10. A strong word called consignment; if you ain’t got the clientele say hell no.

Don’t take credit without a means to repay. This is the flip-side of commandment #6, don’t take obligations you can’t repay. This is one very quick way of run yourself into the ground. If you already have revenue and need to grow, then by all means.

Head over to Dan Scotti’s article to get more insight into how the Ten Crack commandments aren’t just for drugs, but business too.  And in case you need a refresher, here’s the “Ten Crack Commandments” song.

Stay unfuckwittable!