Growing up, Boosie was hardened by the many difficult experiences he was put through. His neighborhood, notorious for drugs and violence, was a place feared by the general population. To outsiders, it was a jungle, to residents, it was life. Boosie got very involved in basketball to stay off the streets, and was actually expected to move on to college level basketball.
At 14 years old, Boosie moved in to live with his grandmother after his father was murdered over drugs. Growing up with no father figure and without a strong guiding hand, Boosie turned to drugs and crime. After being expelled from school, Boosie picked up freestyling and began to get serious about his music. Living in the 225, Boosie had no contacts, no real means of exposure. Lil Boosie teamed up with Baton Rouge rapper C-Loc in the late 1990s and made his debut on C-Loc's 5th album, "It's a Gamble", which also featured Three Six Mafia, South Park Mexican, and the rest of the Concentration Camp. This album was a saving grace for C-Loc, as he was slowly losing popularity. Releasing this album put him back in the spotlight, as he had a new young tallented rapper at his side. Baton Rouge couldn't get enough. Shortly afterwards, Boosie released his debut CD, "Youngest of the Camp", which sold over 10,000 units and featured fellow up and coming Baton Rouge rapper Max Minelli, which was exactly what boosie needed to jump start his career. The album spread like wildfire, every hood in Baton Rouge had flyers up for it, everybody was playing it.
After the incarceration, Boosie once again turned back to the streets. Ultimately, his behavior led to him also being incarcerated. At this point, Boosie felt as though he was a failure. However, fate lent Boosie a hand, and Boosie had an opportunity to join an up and coming record label called Trill Entertainment aka Trill Ent which was backed by Pimp-C of UGK. Trill signed Boosie and assisted him in bring his legal issues to an end. Soon after, Boosie and Trill independently released the CD "For my Thugs" under TrillEnt. This release went on to sell over 15,000 copies. Later in the summer of 2003, Boosie co-starred with one of his label-mates, Webbie, on the album "Ghetto Stories" which also went on to sell well over 15,000 copies.
Again paired up with Webbie, Lil Boosie's 2004 release, "Gangsta Musik" is what really gained him popularity. This CD featured the ever popular songs "Swerve" (which later made an appearance in the movie "Hustle and Flow"), "Give Me That", and "Bad Bitch". This was Boosie's first really popular album, actually penetrating the borders of Louisiana and reaching far beyond.
Boosie's talent was now undeniable, and he caught the eye of some Universal Records representatives. In late January of 2005, Boosie signed a deal with Universal, and released the CD "Boosie Bad Azz". This album, backed and promoted by Universal Records, was his strongest yet. Boosie continues to gain popularity at an astonishing rate, and is no stranger to trouble with the law. Already incarcerated for probation violation on drug and gun charges, the Trill Entertainment rapper and two associates (one of them only 17 years old) were indicted on first-degree murder charges by a grand jury on Thursday, June 17, 2010. The men are accused of being involved in the shooting of 35-year-old Terry Boyd in his own house in October. District attorney Hiler Moore stated that the killing seemed to be "over turf" and that if Lil Boosie is convicted the death penalty is not out of the question. The same day, Hatch was also indicted on multiple drug and conspiracy charges for smuggling large amounts of codeine, ecstasy and marijuana into prison with intent to distribute. His girlfriend, a prison guard and a fellow inmate were also charged as co-conspirators. In addition to these charges, prosecutors believe the 27-year-old rapper may have been involved in at least five other slayings.
Black Heaven
Boosie Badazz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up there in black heaven, black heaven
Know Dr. King still preaching about togetherness
But probably looking down saying it's irrelevant
Whitney Houston, she was heaven sent
A song bird prolly smiling right now listening to her own words
Rosa Parks so much heart, she an OG
Bernie Mack joking right now, him and Richard Pryor
Trayvon prolly looking down saying them nigga's wild
I know who giving knowledge up there, 2Pac
He looking down like what happened to this hip hop?
Biggie Smalls prolly swagged out, laid back
Him and Eazy talking bout how it was way back
Nate Dogg prolly reminiscin' about the A-Trak
Pimp saying prayers that Bun and Jay stay strapped
Michael Jackson? He prolly maxing and relaxing
Him and Marvin Gaye making a classic
In black heaven
I know you smiling down up there in black heaven
I know you're really proud of me up there in black heaven
I know you smiling down on me in black heaven
Thinking of you 'til the day we meet again
Billie Holiday thinking about the old days
Johnny Taylor making mixes with the Ojays
Rodney King prolly thinking bout his old ways
Thinking bout how they burned the city down bout his old case
Malcolm X prolly wishing he was down here
To take our hoods back from the people who ain't from round here
James Brown still hollerin' it's a man's world
But thinking damn all these girls taking man's girl
Know Jackie Neal talkin' bout how people roll
Know Tooki Williams still sticking to the G code
Wilt probably still saying nobody broke his record
Mac Dre still represent as a bay legend
Know I and Bleek prolly talking bout me
Them nigga's prolly jam with Big Stone, out the three
Dj Screw looking down at the culture that he started
Rest in peace Bob Marley
In black heaven
I know you smiling down up there in black heaven
I know you're really proud of me up there in black heaven
I know you smiling down on me in black heaven
Thinking of you 'til the day we meet again
Where do my nigga's go to when they pass?
And why do good nigga's never last?
Some get addicted to the fast route
The hand in hand, you know that cash route
I pray to God that we see better days
I caught a record while the record plays
I'm thinking Lord don't let 'em carry me
See I know one day when they bury me
I'll go straight to black heaven, black heaven
Yeah I go straight to black heaven, black heaven
Don't let the paranoia get to me
Can't take a trip to penitentiary
I make a flip and take the summer off
A half a brick? now that's a summer salt
I look to God, it's been along road
I got my braid up, like a cornrow
I've been through hell, one day I'll find my way
If not then maybe I can buy my way to black heaven
The song "Black Heaven" is an ode to the influential African American figures who have passed away, and the idea of a heaven specifically for black people. Boosie Badazz reflects on the contributions of prominent figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Whitney Houston, Rosa Parks, Bernie Mack, Tupac, Biggie Smalls, and Michael Jackson, among many others. He recognises the impact they had on black culture and how their legacies live on. Each verse encompasses the impact of certain great black icons on the world, how they left an indelible mark on the history of black people, and how their legacies continue to live on long after their passing.
"Black Heaven" highlights the idea that the world is a better place today because of the contributions of people like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, James Brown, Trayvon Martin, Jackie Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Mac Dre, and more. These black icons have paved the way for younger generations to follow in their footsteps and continue advancing the fight for equality and justice for black people everywhere. The song celebrates their contribution and places them in a world beyond where they continue to inspire, teach, and guide from the heavens.
In conclusion, "Black Heaven" by Boosie Badazz is a song that commemorates the departed black icons and creates a picture of Heaven reserved for black people. The lyrics embody the idea that the contributions of exemplary black individuals live on long after their passing, and their legacies inspire and guide the younger generation.
Line by Line Meaning
Black heaven is a place where people like me go
Boosie believes in a place called black heaven, where people who have passed away and share his identity, values, and culture go.
Up there in black heaven, black heaven
He envisions black heaven as a real place in the sky, where his ancestors and idols live together.
Know Dr. King still preaching about togetherness
Boosie acknowledges Dr. King's message of unity, even though he feels that racial discrimination is still present in our society.
But probably looking down saying it's irrelevant
Boosie believes Dr. King would be upset about the current state of race relations, where divisiveness and discrimination still exist despite his efforts.
Whitney Houston, she was heaven sent
Boosie admires Whitney's talent and believes that she was born to sing, as if an angel descended from heaven to bless us with her gift.
A song bird prolly smiling right now listening to her own words
Boosie pictures Whitney in black heaven, where she can enjoy her own music and be satisfied with her legacy, looking down upon those who appreciate her music.
Rosa Parks so much heart, she an OG
Boosie honors Rosa Parks, recognizing her bravery and leadership in fighting for civil rights, and seeing her as an original gangster who stands tall in history.
Know she smiling looking at the blacks in the front seat
Boosie believes that Rosa Parks would be happy to see that African Americans have made progress and achieved success, even getting to sit at the front of the bus.
Bernie Mack joking right now, him and Richard Pryor
Boosie imagines Bernie Mack and Richard Pryor, two legendary comedians, entertaining each other by cracking jokes together in black heaven.
Trayvon prolly looking down saying them nigga's wild
Boosie thinks that Trayvon Martin, a young African American who was gunned down in his neighborhood, might be disappointed by the lack of respect and civility among his peers on earth.
I know who giving knowledge up there, 2Pac
Boosie recognizes Tupac Shakur as a wise philosopher and teacher in black heaven who guides his people from above, spreading his message of hope and love.
He looking down like what happened to this hip hop?
Boosie suggests that Tupac is unhappy with the current state of hip hop culture, as it has changed drastically since his days, becoming more materialistic and shallow.
Biggie Smalls prolly swagged out, laid back
Boosie assumes that Biggie Smalls, a fellow rapper who passed away, might be cool and relaxed in black heaven, enjoying his afterlife in style.
Him and Eazy talking bout how it was way back
Boosie envisions Biggie and Eazy E, another late rapper, reminiscing about their past glory days, sharing stories and memories from their prime.
Nate Dogg prolly reminiscin' about the A-Trak
Boosie thinks that Nate Dogg, a deceased R&B singer, might cherish his memories of creating music and collaborating with others, particularly in the A-Trak (a DJing and scratching technique).
Pimp saying prayers that Bun and Jay stay strapped
Boosie sees Pimp C, a deceased rapper, as someone full of concern for his peers, praying that Bun B and Jay Z, two fellow rappers, stay safe and protected.
Michael Jackson? He prolly maxing and relaxing
Boosie believes that Michael Jackson, a legendary musician, might be chilling and enjoying his time in black heaven, finally free from the turmoil and controversy of his life.
Him and Marvin Gaye making a classic
Boosie imagines Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, two soul icons who passed away, collaborating on a masterpiece of music, perhaps inspiring other artists to follow their footsteps.
Where do my niggas go to when they pass?
Boosie ponders the afterlife and wonders where his friends and peers go after they die, hoping they might be reunited in black heaven.
And why do good niggas never last?
Boosie expresses his frustration and sadness with the injustice of life, why good people often have short and tragic lives, while evil seems to thrive.
Some get addicted to the fast route
Boosie recognizes that some people get caught up in the fast lane of life, chasing money, fame, and pleasure, which often leads to their downfall.
The hand in hand, you know that cash route
Boosie points out that greed and materialism often come together, as people who value money over everything else tend to sacrifice their principles and relationships for profit.
I pray to God that we see better days
Boosie hopes that things will get better and that people will learn to love and respect one another, rather than being divided by their race or money.
I caught a record while the record plays
Boosie reflects on his own life, acknowledging his success as a rapper, and recognizing the power of music to heal and inspire even when times are tough.
I'm thinking Lord don't let 'em carry me
Boosie asks God to spare him from a violent death, as many of his peers have suffered, hoping to live his life to the fullest and make a meaningful impact.
See I know one day when they bury me
Boosie accepts his mortality and realizes that one day he will pass away, hoping to leave a legacy that is remembered and respected.
I'll go straight to black heaven, black heaven
Boosie looks forward to the day of his death, when he believes he will join his ancestors and idols in black heaven, a place of peace and joy.
Don't let the paranoia get to me
Boosie worries about his safety and that of his family, asking God to protect them from harm and not let his fears consume him.
Can't take a trip to penitentiary
Boosie has struggled with the law in the past, having served time in prison, and does not want to go back to that place or lifestyle again.
I make a flip and take the summer off
Boosie talks about his financial success, crediting his ability to make money and support his family, while also enjoying some leisure time as needed.
A half a brick? now that's a summer salt
Boosie refers to a large amount of drugs (half a brick of cocaine) that he once sold, having participated in illegal activities before turning his life around.
I look to God, it's been a long road
Boosie acknowledges his spiritual faith and his reliance on God, which has helped him overcome many obstacles and challenges throughout his life.
I got my braid up, like a cornrow
Boosie describes his hairstyle, which is long braids, resembling cornrows, a popular style in black culture.
I've been through hell, one day I'll find my way
Boosie has faced many hardships and struggles in his life, including incarceration, violence, and discrimination, but hopes to eventually overcome them and find peace.
If not then maybe I can buy my way to black heaven
Boosie acknowledges that black heaven might not exist or be accessible to everyone, but hopes that his contributions and wealth might convince God to let him in.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Maurice Jordan, Jermaine L. Cole, Torence Hatch, Keyshia M. Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Moneymanemitch
Boosie always keep it real especially this song it touches my heart
jerin browder
Right... I love how he's commemorating black legends
dagulshyneshard
Yasssssssssss. I love Boosie. He's the only one that kept his soul, kept his heart in his music and keeps it real. I just bought the cd just based on this song and didn't download for free cause I support what I love Man.
Xavier Turner
Don't forget about yo gotti
Malaika Brinson
J
jatzke609
I still bump badazz actin on the regular
Det 313
Wow this is my first album I actually bought as well. Idk why but boosie music hit me spiritually
Gavin Sweeting
!a
OmegaSai
I'm white and even I recognize how much this song means to the black community. Beautiful song yo
Frank Davis
Much reepect