An emerging emcee from California, Lil B released his debut album, Rain in England in 2010. A rapper since his teens, he was a member of a local hip hop group called The Pack, with whom he recorded a few songs. Eventually signing to Soulja Boy’s music label in 2010, he released a couple of mixtapes before dropping his first full length project that December. Since then, the twenty something has come out with several other titles including Charlie Sheen, Show Me Sum Like a Gun, and Justin Bieber.
Born on August 17, 1989 in Berkeley, Lil B (Real Name: Brandon Christopher) first took up rap in his teens, while he was a student at Albany High School. As mentioned above, he eventually joined a Bay Area rap group called The Pack, with whom he performed and recorded with for many years. Following the release of a hit single, Vans, which went on to receive high praise from the Rolling Stone, the boys released their first album in 2007.
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How Lil B Became Famous
Ultimately, it was with The Pack that Lil B gradually began to rise in fame.
Their debut album titled, Based Boys was made available on October 30, 2007. Produced by MR. Collipark, Too Short, Traxamillion, and Young L, the hip hop project contained seventeen tracks including I Look Good, My Girl Gotta Girl Too, The Milky Way, Booty Bounce Bopper, I’m Shinin, and Club Stuntin. The album eventually peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Heatseeker, number 57 on the Hip-Hop Albums, and number 46 on the Independent Albums chart.
Three years later, The Pack came out with their second and final album, Wolfpack Party. A bit longer than their earlier effort, nineteen new tracks were introduced, most of which were produced by Young L. Featuring a few guest appearances from Husalah, Dev, Sleepy D, Mistah F.A.B., and D-Lo, some highlights include the titles Worried Bout Mine, Stuntin’ When I Roll Up, Sex on the Beach, Wolfpack Party, Drunk Off Money, and One U Need.
Considerably more successful than their first album, it peaked at number 34 on the US Heakseekers albums and number 65 on the R&B Albums. On iTunes, the LP also debuted at number seven on the Hip Hop chart with over 800 sales in the first week.
Lil B’s Solo Music Releases
Like many artists, Lil B eventually decided to try his hand at a solo career. On September 21, 2010, he released his debut album, Rain in England through the independent label, Weird Forest. Noted for its sincerity on topics such as love, death and family, the track list consisted of fourteen numbers including Letter to Family, God Kissed Me, Birth to Love, Love is Strange, and I am the Hellraiser. Though some reviews were mixed upon its release, many praised it for its unorthodox content- for instance, those writing for The Guardian described it as being a “peculiar rap album”.
The following year, he dropped the album, Angels Exodus, on January 18, 2011. A hip hop album, it gave rise to twelve tracks including The Growth, More Silence More Coffins, Bay Area Music, Life’s Zombies, Exhibit 6, and Frankie Silver. Written entirely by Lil B himself, it garnered both mixed and favorable reviews from critics.
Just a few months later that summer, his next album titled, I’m Gay (I’m Happy) was made available on June 29, 2011. Released as a digital download, the project’s production was handled by Clams Casino, Keyboard Kid, Surpreme Jean and BIgBoyTraks. Well received by critics, many lauded the project for its unique beats and inspirational theme. Though some criticized the name of the album, the overall reception was positive. Released through Amalgam Digital, twelve tracks were introduced including Open Thunder Eternal Slumber, Unchain Me, Get it While It’s Good, I Seen That Light, and Neva Stop Me.
On the music charts, I’m Gay (I’m Happy) debuted at number 56 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 20 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart.
Aside from the albums mentioned above, Lil B has dropped countless mixtapes since his debut- over 50 to be exact! His latest tape, Black Ken was released on August 17, 2017. Produced entirely by himself, he dedicated the project to many artists including Charles Hamilton, Iggy Azalea, Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco. Featuring contributions from iLoveMakonne, it boasted 27 tracks some of which included- Live from the Island Hawaii, Go Stupid Go Dumb, Getting Hot, Wasup Jojo, and Still Run It.
Described as “his first official mixtape”, its deep funk jams garnered a considerable amount of praise from critics such as Meaghan Garvey writing for Pitchfork Magazine.
Lil B’s Other Ventures
In 2009, the rapper released his first book titled, Takin’ Over by Imposing the Positive through Kele Publishing. Written such a way that the author is e-mailing and texting the reader, it revolved around several topics including optimism and positivity.
Aside from being an artist and author, Lil B is also a motivational speaker. Over the past few years, he has given several lectures at colleges such as Carnegie Mellon University and MIT. More recently in 2015, he gave a talk at ULCA where he touched upon subjects such as technology, money, awareness, and space.
That same year, he launched two separate apps- Basedmoji and vegEMOJI.
Lil B’s Snapchat Name – lilbrarebased
Last fall, Lil B revealed his public Snapchat via Twitter. If you’d like to add the rapper to your friend’s list, click here.
Lil B’s Other Social Media Accounts
Lil B’s Facebook Account
If you want to following the artist on Facebook, you can do so by liking his official page at @LilBthebasedgod- looks like he already has close to 400,000 fans on the site.
Lil B’s Instagram Account
Interested in seeing some photos/videos from Lil B? You’ll be happy to know that you can find him on Instagram at @lilbisgod.
Lil B’s Twitter Account
Want to stay connected with the rapper? You can find Lil B over on Twitter at @Lilbthebasedgod.
Lil B’s Youtube Account
Are you a fan? Don’t miss out on the videos that he posts onto Youtube- you can find him on the site at @lilbpack1.
