While in Michigan, Westside Boogie headlined a local music event and shared more details about his anticipated new project.
Trip to Michigan
Ten days ago, fans watched Westside Boogie’s Instagram story from the Detroit airport hoping he was on his way to play his new album for Eminem. Some sceptics noted that there were plenty of other things to do in Michigan besides heading straight to Marshall’s studio. And it might be that both were correct.
Michigan-based hip hop music reviewer and podcast host Timmy 2Dope released an interview he recorded with Westside Boogie last Saturday at Flint’s Carriage Town BBQ. This event is a vibrant mix of a community fair, backyard cook-out, and a music festival. Organised by Flint rapper and artist Jeff Skigh, Carriage Town BBQ aims to bring the community together and provide local artists with a platform to get noticed.
This year, Westside Boogie headlined the music part of the event, leading the bill of more than 40 Flint artists. Timmy 2Dope, who covers and promotes the local Michigan hip hop scene, stopped Boogie backstage for a short conversation, which revealed that his upcoming project is close to completion, to the point where he has settled on a release date.
Connecting through music
With thousands of miles between Flint and Compton, where Boogie lives, what brought him to the Michigan event, Timmy 2Dope wondered.
“Me and Jeff initially connected ‘cause we were going to do a song together”, Westside Boogie explained. “I heard some of his music, and we were talking about doing a feature. Then last week I did an event with him, and I just realised he was a genuine dude and shit like this is so hard. Many artists with millions of followers can’t do shit like this. This sense of community is admirable”.
Michigan spirit
Besides this community spirit, Westside Boogie appreciated the respectful distance local fans kept, allowing him to enjoy the event without being mobbed. “I be walking around like a regular nigga. Even from people that recognise me, they just let me vibe. Ain’t nobody bothering me the whole time. I fuck with that”, Boogie chuckled.
There is something special about the state; the artist agrees with the host, who pointed out many ties connecting Boogie to the Michigan rap tradition: a deal with Shady Records, freestyling over Flint-style beats, and finally coming to one of the iconic local events. Apparently, Boogie feels an affinity for the state’s lyrical roots. “As one who cares about lyrics, I think when it comes to Michigan, even the ratchet artist or the street artist, they’re still clever with their wordplay”, the Compton rapper thinks aloud. “I’m a fan of people passionate about their art. It feels like here it’s not so industry based. People, if they do it here, they really care about it. So I fuck with that shit for real”.
Creative pause
Yet one of the most exciting topics that Timmy brought up was Boogie’s upcoming album. The Shady Records artist kept a low profile since the release of his previous project, More Black Superheroes. As a matter of fact, it has a lot to do with his creative process, explains Boogie.
“I’ve been taking the past couple years to be present in the moment. When I create albums, I like to talk about where I’m at in my present life. And I can’t create without life experiences. So, I’ve been using the past couple years to live life and enjoy being a father ‘cause I know it’s time I can’t get back. Even though it’s probably the same way with music, I feel like the time I’ve got over the past couple years with my kid matters more. And I’m still the best in the world. So, I’m going to come right back and be on top of niggas’ heads”.
Birthday present
When exactly should we expect this display of dominance? Apparently, Boogie just figured out this one. “My plan that I came up with last night while I was drunk is that I’mma drop an album on my birthday, August 30th. Hopefully I got a stand on it”.
That leaves him with relatively little time to finish the project. However, he’s not ready to reveal much more. The title, guest features and producers remain under wraps. But the project itself is almost done, the rapper confirms.
“I’m finishing the songs. I usually think about the features after, so I ain’t really thought it through yet. If Eminem or Kendrick bless me, I’m lit. I’m pretty sure I could get it if I ask, though. I just got to ask”. These are names that can get any hip hop head excited, and Timmy was no exception. When he suggested fans would love to hear either collaboration, Boogie smiled, “I would love to see it. I need a plaque”.
As for the album concept, while Westside Boogie did not reveal much, he reassured the fans that it will remain just as sincere and personal as his previous works. “It’s more vulnerability and just my growth as a person”, he said. “I’m in a different mindset than I was 3 years ago. Obviously, I think that’s how humans are. So, this is my present mind state. That’s all you can expect”.