Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(orig. US black) to act positively, to perform as required, to do (something) well, to behave authentically; too support one’s own peer group.

1980		Treacherous Three ‘Body Rock’ 🎵 Represent the magnificent and tell the gang.
1996		Eble Campus Sl. Mar. 6: represent – promote, advertise, act on behalf of: ‘Were you at the party last night? NCCU was representing hard.’ Make a fashion statement by wearing a brand name: ‘Girl, you just represent with that Adidas jacket!’.
2000		W. Shaw Westsiders 6: To represent is not only to portray something, but to throw your whole self into doing it.
2001		D. Looser Boobslang [U. Canterbury D.Phil. thesis] 153/1: represent v. to remain true to one’s gang if one is transferred to a prison dominated by an opposing gang.
2002		Teen Lingo: The Source for Youth Ministry 🌐 represent Trying to do your best; to achieve some respect. ‘I’m just tryin’ to represent.’.
2012		C. Stella Rough Riders 66: ‘Michael Jackson was a pedophile piece of shit’ [...] ‘But the boy could represent. Could dance like a motherfucka’.