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.
u down to ride
Lil Boosie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man I was raised round thugs nigga
Man it's Lil Boosie the 2005 juvie
In the hemi with the tooley
I got them yellow eyes like my daddy eyes
With a look upon my face that say homicide
Come take a ride in Baton Rouge where I'm runnin' loose
Got my lil nigga in the back seat with a black hood with a doja of that backwoods
Rubber bands on his fingers you know my nigga stack wood
In this song, Lil Boosie expresses his loyalty to his friends or homies, asking if they are willing to ride or risk it all with him. Growing up in a tough environment, he was surrounded by thugs and violence, which shaped his character and outlook on life. He was only 21 when this song was released in 2005, but he already had the reputation of a gangsta rapper, reflecting his experiences and struggles.
Lil Boosie mentions his car, a hemi with a tooley, which is a type of gun that he usually carries around. He inherited his father's eyes, which are yellow and express his fierce determination and fearlessness. He warns his enemies that he is not to be messed with, and his face has a look that could mean homicide, indicating his willingness to retaliate with deadly force if provoked.
He then invites his listeners to come take a ride with him in Baton Rouge, which is notorious for its high crime rates and gang activity. He likens himself to 2Pac, another rapper who was famous for his rebellious and confrontational lyrics. He is accompanied by his "lil nigga" in the backseat, who also carries a gun and smokes backwoods, a brand of cigarillo. They are both hustlers, as evidenced by the rubber bands on their fingers, which symbolize money.
Overall, the song U Down To Ride is a testament to Lil Boosie's street credibility and his willingness to defend himself and his crew at all costs. It speaks to the dangers and realities of life in the ghetto, where violence and crime are often the only way to survive and thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
You down to ride nigga
Are you ready to be loyal and ride with me no matter what?
Man I was raised round thugs nigga
I grew up around dangerous people who taught me how to survive in the streets.
Man it's Lil Boosie the 2005 juvie
I'm Lil Boosie, a former juvenile delinquent, known for my reputation and music back in 2005.
In the hemi with the tooley
I'm driving a Dodge Challenger with a gun, ready to defend myself if necessary.
I got them yellow eyes like my daddy eyes
I inherited my father's sharp, intimidating, and alert eyes.
With a look upon my face that say homicide
My facial expression clearly shows that I'm dangerous, and I'm not afraid to kill if I have to.
Come take a ride in Baton Rouge where I'm runnin' loose
Join me on a trip to Baton Rouge, the city where I roam around freely.
With a gun in hand everyday like 2Pac I'm juiced
Like Tupac Shakur, I'm always ready to fight and protect myself, and I feel empowered because of it.
Got my lil nigga in the back seat with a black hood with a doja of that backwoods
My little partner is sitting in the rear with a black hoodie, smoking weed (Backwoods).
Rubber bands on his fingers you know my nigga stack wood
My friend has rubber bands on his fingers, signifying he's making money and stacking cash (financially successful).
Contributed by Luke T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ISMET PLEH
...in the back seat with a black hood with a dozer of the back wood, rubberbandz around his wrist cause my homie stack good
Jacob Benavidez
Drill music before Keef
Uncommon
On me
Chynyfa Slayden
Hot mouthing
Brian Carpenter
My g