"Mean Reefer and Chemicals" on 42 Street

Yeah, I know how cheesy 42 Street is now, what with McDonald's and Disney having replaced the XXX shows. At least the theatres were different from what you'd find at the Paramus shopping malls. But let's not be too nostalgic.  The Times Square of the 1970s was a dump, and people understandably avoided it. Here's one incident.

Back in 1977 I was hanging around in front of King Carol, a large record shop on the South Side of 42 Street between 6 and 7 Avenues, waiting for a friend. This young guy approaches me and extends his hand.  I've never seen the guy before in my life. The dialogue has not been lost to memory:

Him: Hey, what's happenin' Soul Brother? (extends his hand)

Me:  Nothing. (For the record, I am not Black).

Him: Come on, man, shake my hand!

(I shake his hand).

Him: Whatcha doin'?

Me:  Waiting for a friend.

Him: I know what you're doing, man. Some guy was gonna sell you some reefer or chemicals, man, and he didn't even show up!

Me:  Look, I...

Him: I'm tellin' you this, man, 'cause I got some mean reefer aaaand chemicals!"