Boosie Badazz returned from prison to much fanfare in 2014. Already the best-known rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, it seemed like his post-prison run would lead to bigger stardom. Instead, the attention subsided and Boosie settled back into making music for his core fan base.
That reality is why releasing a double album isn’t a crazy move for Boosie. Its title, BooPac, made some waves for being the thousandth rapper to compare himself to 2Pac, but this project is designed for diehard fans. It’s for the people who actually do view him as their personal Makaveli the Don.
While many of these listeners surely appreciate getting so much music from Boosie, it’s still too much. Few double albums, particularly in Hip Hop, have been justified, and this is yet another that’s longer than it needs to be. There’s lots of quality music – the stripped-down “I Hope You Make It” is the most inspiring song of his entire career — but redundancy is an issue. His hard knock life plays out on wax for 90 minutes when the material probably warrants an hour at most.
That said, there’s a lot to like on BooPac. “I’m That Nigga Now” is reminiscent of Masta Ace’s “Born To Roll” with its booming bass as Boosie declares himself a legend. The Big B produced “Get Ya Mind Right” is a nice throwback to Baton Rouge’s jig music era. The opener, “Don Dada,” showcases two of his Bad Azz Music Syndicate artists, Lee Banks and B. Will, though Boosie’s verse reminds anyone why he’s the organization’s top dog. The closer, “Trust Nobody,” parallels 2Pac’s patented paranoia but there’s sadness in hearing Boosie speak about his inability to even trust family due to the deceit he’s dealt with over the years.
Much like his previous releases, Boosie’s finest work on BooPac explores his psyche and hardened ways from growing up in the rough streets of Baton Rouge. The funky twang and gentle keys of “My Pain Run Deep” allow him to revisit the death he’s witnessed and his own dire circumstances. There’s a fitting callback to his classic “Goin Thru Some Thangs” on the cut. Reflections on his relationships with his mother and longtime partner-in-rhymer Webbie provide keen insight into the respective dynamics. He also aims to provide context and nuance he’s normally not afforded. “You Know Me Like That” addresses his more controversial comments and what he believes are misconceived perceptions. He even admits to not wanting kids looking up to him on “Wrong Role Models,” realizing he admired the wrong people at a young age.
There are some distinct clunkers though. “Liar” is cringe-worthy with its “liar, liar, pants on fire” hook. There’s also a sequence near the end the first half with generic production and uncharacteristically egotistical bars, a jarring juxtaposition to much of the other content. And Boosie’s inclusion of Yung Bleu on disc two is a critical mistake, producing two of the most forgettable songs in his extensive discography.
BooPac could easily be one of Boosie’s best releases if he trimmed the fat. Instead of creating a body of work that should be championed as must-hear for Boosie’s doubters or newcomers, BooPac will simply have to settle for being another good option for those who already appreciate him.
Dumb title. Too long. Some good music on here though
Album is the truth, it’s not for square reviewers
I hear Boosie gay though
Thats that bullshat
Y’all just don’t know real hip hop no more every song a story that’s why he our generation PAC
It’s not about knowing real hip hop. If you take a look and compare 2pac’s influence to Boosie’s and it’s fairly obvious why the comparison (like every other rapper who has done so) just doesn’t fit.
The Rap game saturated with that clown shit. Y’all should be happy to hear some real gangsta shit
Easily 7 great songs on this album not for reviewers stictly for listeners.Who will take the time to enjoy the music maybe in a car or a card game with rush to go somewhere.Not a turn up album but there are a few bangers to.
Boosie = The truth
Song about webbie is the standout junt to me. Love that song dude
I gave 5/5
Boosie BadAzz is Raps voice when it comes to Real Music. Every song tells a story or gives information on something going on in today’s Rap/hipop World. Boosie BadAzz is even on the Political side aswell. Speaking on what he’s been through dealing with street life, prison life and speaking on the System of dirty Judges, Police and politics of the world. Boosie BadAzz in bodies similarities of Tupac A. Shakur (2pac). All I can say is listen to his words, listen to his story and his Message! #BoosieBadAzz#Boopac#G.O.A.TofRAP#LivingLegend
He went all out on this one but may have not made pac status. It does seem to run long and and his artist need sum work still not sure if they was his outlaws but they no where close to pacs outlaws.. Boosie will always be legendary in the south but not very much talent compared to tupac. We all know 2pac was more than just a rapper and boo cant be compared on his level but maybe his struggle.. Idk if called for double album seems his obsession just kept going on. Cant knock boo he is the realist mfka out rn just as pac was. Wtf do i know im not black so really have no room to say shit but listen. Boopac r u still dwn or all eyez on me ?? It dnt hold up to either dub albm.
It was good to hear the growth of this artist thru his music
Straight fire ?
I could respect somebody music who really been through it. Its like medicine!!
?????
Lil boobs aint shit! I’m not a big fan of tupac but he would murder this bum. These bums from the rap years 2000-2018 think they actually have skills. They been gassed up so much that they believe being hot is the same thing as having skills. NOBODY IS THE NEXT TUPAC ESPECIALLY RAPPERS FROM THE RAP YEARS
I’m talking about the rap years 2000-2018 not hip hop artists. I said nobody from that era could beat tupac. Think before you start speaking. Plus, i disagree with some of the hip hop artists that could beat tupac. I’m from the east coast too but one hit wonder big pun has nothing for tupac. The G unit are more pop rappers than hip hop artists. There skills are kind of weak. Big and hov did too much commercial rap. Big l, jada and nas are on tupac’s level. Joey badass i’m not to familiar with him.
One hit wonder Big Pun???!! You lost your fucking mind.
Ain’t nobody spitting with the conviction of this man today. This album is powerful!
5/5 great overall sound, reality rap, nd its soulful. Tempo a lil slow though bt it’s a classic.
The album is not trash but its far from great… We just gotta be real here this is not a double disc i would even put in the same categories as Pac shit tbh… Whats really new that he aint been saying the 3 yrs he been out…forever will i be a fan of bro but this ain’t it bro
Heartless hearts, motherless child, i hope you make it and get ya mind right… Is the only ones i can really listen to real shit and America’s most wanted other than that he sounds like the typical rapper nowadays… It aint hating just a real honest opinion of it…. It probably would sell better if tha album didn’t have Pac name in it
Once again i ain’t hating on bro but this double disc ain’t touching either one of Pac’s…. Maybe cuz Pac background was deeper still dont mean Boosie cant address more world issues other than telling rappers leave thru city or just constantly calling yourself a boss… A boss and a leader r 2 different things… Bosses are temporary leaders r 4ever.. He practice that tho he coo
Best album of the year
Ok, I feel if you really listen to this album you’ll like it. You can’t have selective hearing when playing “BooPac “ because it’s therapy music. “I testify” is a song I just can’t stop playing. To me this is a mature Boosie album and like I said it’s overall what the streets needs. Free game, music leading the right way with consequences told in lyrics, not “go pop a Molly etc etc. it’ll take a good ear to realize this is a classic.
Awfully bad
Shit got me through a painful confusing betrayal. This & Neighborhood Nip