The 'I Didn't Choose The Thug Life, The Thug Life Chose Me' meme is a parody of 1990s gangsta rap culture, specifically referencing the 'Thug Life' movement popularized by Tupac Shakur. While the original phrase spoke to the systemic struggles of urban youth, the internet turned it into a comedic trope used to highlight the 'toughness' of innocent or non-threatening subjects. It typically features babies, pets, or suburban residents performing mildly rebellious acts, often accompanied by pixelated sunglasses (Deal With It glasses), gold chains, and Dr. Dre's music. The meme peaked in the early 2010s through viral 'Thug Life' compilation videos on YouTube and Vine, cementing its place as the ultimate irony-based internet template.