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Cross the Tracks: A Memoir
From one of rap’s most evocative writers comes a stirring memoir and “masterpiece of a book” (Snoop Dogg) about how Boosie Badazz, one of the industry’s most controversial figures, was able to overcome insurmountable odds to make his music dreams a reality.
A Baton Rouge native who began rapping at age fourteen, Boosie Badazz was already a cult hero in Louisiana when, in 2009, he was sentenced to two years in prison. The next year, he was indicted on even more serious charges, eventually landing him on Death Row. Prosecutors played Boosie’s music in the courtroom to paint him as a thug with no chance of redemption. However, against overwhelming odds and the backdrop of a social media campaign to #FreeBoosie, he was freed in March of 2014 with a rare second chance to make his music dreams come true.
With illuminating prose, this “truly great read” (DJ Vlad, CEO of VladTV) explores the relationship between Boosie’s life on the streets with his ceaseless tear through the rap industry. From near-death experiences to a ruthless bout with kidney cancer to a life-threatening diabetes diagnosis, Boosie has overcome remarkable challenges to make a name for himself as one of rap’s most influential voices. A redemptive story with an urgent voice, Cross the Tracks is the survival tale of a man who wasn’t sure he would live to see another day...but who rose from the ashes to change the rap industry forever.
A Baton Rouge native who began rapping at age fourteen, Boosie Badazz was already a cult hero in Louisiana when, in 2009, he was sentenced to two years in prison. The next year, he was indicted on even more serious charges, eventually landing him on Death Row. Prosecutors played Boosie’s music in the courtroom to paint him as a thug with no chance of redemption. However, against overwhelming odds and the backdrop of a social media campaign to #FreeBoosie, he was freed in March of 2014 with a rare second chance to make his music dreams come true.
With illuminating prose, this “truly great read” (DJ Vlad, CEO of VladTV) explores the relationship between Boosie’s life on the streets with his ceaseless tear through the rap industry. From near-death experiences to a ruthless bout with kidney cancer to a life-threatening diabetes diagnosis, Boosie has overcome remarkable challenges to make a name for himself as one of rap’s most influential voices. A redemptive story with an urgent voice, Cross the Tracks is the survival tale of a man who wasn’t sure he would live to see another day...but who rose from the ashes to change the rap industry forever.
- GenresMemoir
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
19 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 23, 2022
My first thought....
Who the hell got Boosie a book deal with Simon and Schuster? Don't get me wrong, I think Boosie deserves a book deal with one of the top five publishing houses because he is entertaining as hell. However, in this censorship crazed culture this man is about the most uncensored piece of work on the planet. How did the publishing world that is currently obsessed with having authors on their Ps and Qs decide this was the move?
Well...come to find out a "P" was in the room. And then it all made sense.
If you don't know what a P is, please do check out my series called Dial 323 L O V E.
Now back to regular scheduled programming. If you don't know who Boosie is you probably do not listen to rap. If you listen to rap and still don't know who Boosie is, let me break it down to you like this. Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper is Boosie. Your favorite rapper's best friend, brother, and cousin's favorite rapper is Boosie.
If you don't listen to rap? Well...you don't have to in order to enjoy Boosie. Ask yourself these questions: Do you like to laugh? Boosie is for you. Do you like memoirs that aren't just bemoaning a rough childhood, sustained trauma, trials, and tribulations...but memoirs that turn that tumultuous life into a blend of bitter and sweet lemonade flavored life lessons? Boosie is for you. Do you like books where it feels like you're jumping into the passenger side of the ride you're about to go on? Boosie is for you.
There's really nothing bad for me to say about this book. Some of the things in it I already knew because I've been a Boosie fan. Not always, though. Back in the end of the 2000s and beginning of the 2010s I was more into Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane. But I had certain male friends who lived and breathed Boosie. They liked the artists I just named, but Boosie was the one. And the older I've gotten, the more I've come to appreciate Boosie. Not just musically, but as someone who is absolutely not afraid to be his authentic self and tell it how it is and how he feels regardless of how it's perceived.
You have to appreciate the person who is not under a thumb and who does not bite his tongue.
And if you don't....Boosie is not for you.
SN: Sometimes with celebrities you question how much of their book did they really write or did they hire out. Boosie admits to having two seasoned authors to help him get his thoughts across. But I really think Boosie wrote a lot of this. It has Boosie-isms, and his voice comes through just as clear as it does in his music. There's just certain wordings Chad from the ghost writing department of Big Pub isn't going to pull out of his ass. "I was hurt off the back of that breakup." or "I called myself getting loaded before surgery." So real Boosie fans rest assured.
Who the hell got Boosie a book deal with Simon and Schuster? Don't get me wrong, I think Boosie deserves a book deal with one of the top five publishing houses because he is entertaining as hell. However, in this censorship crazed culture this man is about the most uncensored piece of work on the planet. How did the publishing world that is currently obsessed with having authors on their Ps and Qs decide this was the move?
Well...come to find out a "P" was in the room. And then it all made sense.
If you don't know what a P is, please do check out my series called Dial 323 L O V E.
Now back to regular scheduled programming. If you don't know who Boosie is you probably do not listen to rap. If you listen to rap and still don't know who Boosie is, let me break it down to you like this. Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper is Boosie. Your favorite rapper's best friend, brother, and cousin's favorite rapper is Boosie.
If you don't listen to rap? Well...you don't have to in order to enjoy Boosie. Ask yourself these questions: Do you like to laugh? Boosie is for you. Do you like memoirs that aren't just bemoaning a rough childhood, sustained trauma, trials, and tribulations...but memoirs that turn that tumultuous life into a blend of bitter and sweet lemonade flavored life lessons? Boosie is for you. Do you like books where it feels like you're jumping into the passenger side of the ride you're about to go on? Boosie is for you.
There's really nothing bad for me to say about this book. Some of the things in it I already knew because I've been a Boosie fan. Not always, though. Back in the end of the 2000s and beginning of the 2010s I was more into Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane. But I had certain male friends who lived and breathed Boosie. They liked the artists I just named, but Boosie was the one. And the older I've gotten, the more I've come to appreciate Boosie. Not just musically, but as someone who is absolutely not afraid to be his authentic self and tell it how it is and how he feels regardless of how it's perceived.
You have to appreciate the person who is not under a thumb and who does not bite his tongue.
And if you don't....Boosie is not for you.
SN: Sometimes with celebrities you question how much of their book did they really write or did they hire out. Boosie admits to having two seasoned authors to help him get his thoughts across. But I really think Boosie wrote a lot of this. It has Boosie-isms, and his voice comes through just as clear as it does in his music. There's just certain wordings Chad from the ghost writing department of Big Pub isn't going to pull out of his ass. "I was hurt off the back of that breakup." or "I called myself getting loaded before surgery." So real Boosie fans rest assured.
January 6, 2023
A very descriptive memoir of a rapper and the life of a black man and the struggles faced. Also, a lot of drugs and guns that both got him through and caused many of the issues. Way too much thanking God for things money, doctors and lawyers did for him. Overall a positive message for getting through but, many issues were created that had to be overcome.
May 17, 2023
I love Boosie! I enjoyed his book! I love how he cares for his family and friends! Boosie said he is a prayer warrior and I’m here for that! I do wish he would’ve narrated.
June 26, 2023
Pretty decent book. Boosie is polarizing. Some people really love him or really hate him. Growing up I heard a lot of his music being from the south. I feel like some of his important moments we have heard about were kind of skipped over. He talked about the time he did a lot. He really loves his children. He can say something really positive and something really toxic at the same time it’s kind of just a Boosie thing, but you can definitely se he has matured from Lil Boosie the young artist that came out. He like most older rap artist are now understanding business and trying to build upon that especially if you are one of the ones blessed to make it to an older age in rap music. And of course I read it all in his voice so that made it entertaining enough for me.
July 25, 2023
Boosie is about as entertaining as they come, but I promise I didn’t expect to get much out of this book. I was wrong. I even laughed out loud at some parts…especially the part when he talked about jumping out of a moving car and leaving his girl when the cops were behind him LOL!
August 20, 2023
I loved it it definitely open my eyes to exactly what boosie had to deal with I grew listening to this man and now I have a new found respect for him
November 18, 2022
Boosie is talented, funny, and he's my birthday twin so I just had to read his memoir. Although it was a little insightful I expected way more stories about his life and struggle. He did share some things like how he lost a few friends, his relationship with his father, and how God fearing his mom is, and his health issues. I enjoyed reading about his children and the joy fatherhood brings him because if you're a Boosie fan you know he loves the kids. Overall this was an ok read for me.
May 9, 2023
Great read
I have always been a fan of the music. Thanks for writing this book. I learned a lot about his life and I admire how boosie puts God first and takes care of his family.
I have always been a fan of the music. Thanks for writing this book. I learned a lot about his life and I admire how boosie puts God first and takes care of his family.
November 25, 2022
This was quite an interesting read and provided great insight on the rapper Boosie. Well told and full of interesting stories and perspective...
December 8, 2022
I enjoyed it
It was a good read. Boosie is a real survior7.its an inspirational book . I enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it .
It was a good read. Boosie is a real survior7.its an inspirational book . I enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it .
January 20, 2023
I'm glad he wrote this book. I think a lot of people can learn and relate to him.
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November 16, 2023No. 09 - #10BooksByBlackMen (2023)
January 19, 2024
It’s hard to put a review on a book about the life of someone. But the way this was written and told did a disservice to boosie. It was all over the place.
November 13, 2024
Great story
February 28, 2023
Almost Reads like a fictional novel, I think it was the narrator lol cuz at any moment I thought another character was about to chime in on the dialogue
April 26, 2024
Boosie is a natural born hustler! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his life and how he got to where he is today. He has faced a lot throughout his life, but never let anything stop him. Faith is truly what got him through!
November 4, 2025
Bossie had a lot of close calls. He is truly blessed to still be here! I rate this book a 4-4.5.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews