The success of an independent artist can be measured by attributes such as sales, relevancy, popularity, skills, and impact. Being able to curate the perfect combination can either play in your favor or send you into the hip-hop abyss of falling off while everyone is wondering what happened to you since then.

Many artists try hard to find their combination to leave their mark and imprint on the cultures of Hip-Hop. Few can make a dent in hip-hop, but this would not be the case for this featured artist.

Rapper Lil B has been reverenced by West coast artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Danny Brown, and producer Metro Boomin for his role during the hyphy movement shows the respect held for the artist.

Who Is Lil B

Lil B

Lil B, like many of his fans, know him as his alter ego The Based God is a successful independent artist from Berkly California who started with a hip-hop group called The Pack in 2006.  Since then, he has made quite a name for himself in and outside of the industry.

As an independent artist, you want to ensure enough musical material on and with accessible websites. Lil B was able to make sure that his internet presence was just as successful, and it moved in his favor. Uploading music on early platforms like Myspace, Lil B started by making over 155 music pages to help grow his presence and base.

With a formless rapping style, he established a strong enough fan base dropping no albums but only mixtapes as Lil B, his flows of positivity, creativity, and social media presence helped him connect with his fans more.  Even going so far as to name mixtapes after the things they discuss on his social media platforms. He was able to release 7 albums under his alter ego BasedGod.

Not only known as a rapper but a public speaker and writer, Brandon Christopher McCartney aka Lil B pushed positivity while stepping on a few toes along the way with his solo debut from the group in 2010.

Lil B First Mixtapes

His official first mixtape I’m Thraxxed introduced many of us to Lil B in his world and opened the door for a new perspective of what a hip-hip could look like and be accepted as.

BasedGod went as far as to title one of his tapes I’m Gay (I’m Happy) which was more about how he felt as a person than his sexual orientation.  Sparking conversations on acceptance within the hip-hop communities and the taboo of the sexuality of men in hip-hop. Providing future artists and members of the hip-hop community an opportunity to open the doors for a different kind of hip-hop representation.

Clearing the lane to eliminate the stereotypes of what a rapper/artist should look like or talk about, Lil B embraced the heterosexual lifestyle. All while advocating for the LGBTQIA community in the spaces they are most likely to be overlooked or shunned.  Even getting being for some of his responses in songs and social media posts.

Lil B - B.O.R.(Birth Of Rap) BASED MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY LIL B!!!!! ANSWER TO "D.O.R."

The Lil B Unique Lifestyle

Credited for creating the based lifestyle of positivity through the sense of living and flow of saying what you want how you want whether it’s on the beat or not. Many received it as a spiritual movement or a way of life. As an independent artist, your message to your fans through your music should inspire.

Another benefit of being a successful independent artist is one’s authenticity. As an independent artist, you want to be able to be true to who you are as your authentic self. Even if it goes against what’s normally accepted in hip-hop even though he made it clear he is a metrosexual.

Lil B rocked lipstick, earrings, and women’s clothing whenever he felt like it. Even if it bothered many of his rap peers. They were very vocal and went out of their way to try and alienate and outcast the rapper for his differences. Lil B continued to respond to all with nothing but love and positivity.

Lil B Effect on Pop Culture

Winning over more fans as each incident occurred it would soon evolve into Lil B introducing us to the BaseGod Curse. Those not familiar with the curse it’s placed on anyone negative towards the rapper

In 2015 Lil B wrote a book called, Takin’ Over that gave an account of his journey as an independent artist and how positive thinking can help you overcome many obstacles you face while on your path.

Not to say that Lil B avoided controversy while living his based life, but he thrived in many of those challenges as well. From beef from other artists like Freddie Gibbs, Odd Future, Asap Rocky, Joey Bad A$$, and a few athletes.

Kevin Durant once criticized Lil B’s music on Twitter in 2011 while he was on the Oklahoma City Thunders.  After a few tweets, Lil B cursed Kevin Durant who didn’t win a championship until 2016 after he went to the Golden State Warriors and Lil B lifted his curse.

James Harden also was placed on the curse list after being accused of stealing a dance move for in-game celebratory shots that was done by Lil B in 2015 while on the Houston Rockets. With Harden refusing to acknowledge Lil B, Bun B cleared the air about the origin of the Cookin’ the pot dance. Ultimately the Rockets were knocked out by the Warriors and are currently playing for the 76ers in Philadelphia. The curse has yet to be lifted.

Lil B Living With Controversy

In 2017 during a Rolling Loud set, he was jumped by A Boogie with a hoodie and PnB Rock after some comments were made before performing at a Rolling Loud Set. His response to his assault was quite the opposite of what was commonly expected of hip-hop artists. Openly admitting where it went left and how he would choose to not respond with violence helped reinforce his Based God stance and lifestyle.

It is not deniable the impact, relevancy, and popularity that Lil B has as an independent artist for hip-hop. In 2016 Young Thug released one of his best works Jeffery in a designer dress made by Italian designer Alessandro Tricone.  The dress is now hanging on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Lil B became a very successful independent artist as a solo artist, but he forgot one major thing. As a successful independent artist, there is a responsibility of avoiding scandals that may help steer you off your path to success. Controversy will always have you a topic of discussion, but the results of that discussion can promote you just as much as it can demote you.

Though he gained many fans and supporters throughout his independent career, Lil B had to step back from the limelight due to accusations of not properly handling business with his staff and other team members.

Lil B's time in the limelight appears to be over, however, his impact on indie Hip Hop can never be understated as a successful example of how any indie artist can make a name for themselves with little to no help. Lil B has shown that some smarts, hard work, and dedication can go a long way.

Images provided by: Generation Bass | Taffy Dale