Mean Streets highlights the everyday lifestyle of an Italian mobster. The movie focuses in on the moral paradoxes of Charlie, the principal character. At the beginning of the movie, the audiences is made cognizant of Charlie’s conscience. He contemplates his life as a Catholic, inquiring other ways for atoning  his sins rather than praying “Ten Hail Mary’s, Ten Our Fathers, ten whatever.” Being forgiven on the basis of prayer doesn’t sit right with him. Instead, he desires to find his own method of atonement.

Mean Streets , like all mob movies, revolves its plot around money. In the beginning, the audience learns oh Johnny’s reckless nature regarding money, given that he spends money despite being in debt to a collection of mobsters. Johnny begins to feel obligated in helping Charlie, given that they are friends and is sleeping with his cousin. He is loyal towards Johnny, a trait that is deemed of the highest importance in such organizations.

“Shakey Dog” further highlights this drive for money seen in partners involved in organized crime. In his rap, Ghostface Killah unveils a specific incident where he tries to get money from his end of a drug deal. The song centers on the violent aspect of organized crime. In it he raps, “Told him Freeze! lay the fuck down and enjoy the moment, Frank snatched his gat, slapped him, asked him Where’s the cash, coke and the crack? Get to smokin’ you fast.” Eventually, the rap ends with Ghostface’s companion, Frank, shooting people with his gun. Frank himself is then taken out, leaving the rap on a bit of a cliffhanger.