I don't use that word because that's not how I speak. I'm considered white (1st gen Latino American), I'm educated, and I don't speak like I have a ghetto twang because that ain't me.
My friends who speak that way use the word, and it works for them. They use it as a term of endearment.
I have a white friend who is classic blue eyed, blonde haired, skinny ass German kid. He speaks like that and uses the word constantly. No one is offended because he doesn't intend to offend. It's a term of endearment.
On the other hand, I've seen it used as a racially charged provocation, and as the lowest insult available. But it seems to be how you say, in what context, and the insult tends to add the "R" at the end.
Keep in mind, I live near Detroit. We have lots of folks of all types around here.