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Takin' Over
Contents:
Anything is possible! --
It's about being based --
Who is the superstar of your life? --
Rappin' and The Pack --
I'm happy you're alive --
Women! --
Dreamin' --
Drugs and pain are the same thang --
And we all get rich! --
Rappin' and following dreams --
Sprituality and the Caveman --
I'm alive, I'm real and it's okay! --
The elderly are gifts --
Playing from the heart --
Colors! --
We are legend and we are takin' over!
Anything is possible! --
It's about being based --
Who is the superstar of your life? --
Rappin' and The Pack --
I'm happy you're alive --
Women! --
Dreamin' --
Drugs and pain are the same thang --
And we all get rich! --
Rappin' and following dreams --
Sprituality and the Caveman --
I'm alive, I'm real and it's okay! --
The elderly are gifts --
Playing from the heart --
Colors! --
We are legend and we are takin' over!
201 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
36 people are currently reading
1180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 15, 2013
this book is kinda like the bible except better and probably more important
March 22, 2012
Brandon McCartney, AKA Lil B, is a polarizing rap artist who's massive catalog of mixtapes is only rivaled by his legion of haters and detractors. An often glossed-over portion of his artistic output, however, is this book, Takin' Over. For many uninformed critics of Lil B, it may baffle them how exactly Lil B was able to write and publish an entire book. However, those with more extensive knowledge of his musical catalog know that Lil B has a mechanically satisfactory, and at times brilliant, flow, and addresses a large number of weighty topics about race, capitalism, and gender relations.
The text itself is interesting. McCartney articulates early on that his pages don't need to be "full," but simply "meaingful," and he makes interesting syntactical choices in terms of capitalization and, as implied, has entire pages with only a sentence or two. The text does adhere to it's own systematic set of syntactical and grammatical conventions for the most part, but there are some typos that will make readers cringe.
McCartney sets out, in the text, to articulate the overarching themes of what he calls the Anything Is Possible Generation or APG. He addresses the importance of self-acceptance and self-esteem, education, and self-fulfillment over the acquisition of material things. The majority of the assertions in the text aren't exactly groundbreaking, but he certainly articulates an incredibly positive way of living life and reminds readers of their inner-strength as human beings.
For Lil B fans, this text is even more interesting, as McCartney includes many autobiographical details and insights into his creative process and diverse influences. One of the most interesting comments he makes is about how he aspires to make his music create a "tropical" feeling in listeners which is reminiscent of Russian literary critic Mikhail Bakhtin's ideas about the Carnivalesque and it's easy to see how the text and Lil B's musical output mirrors the fun, attention to the body, defiance of authority, and variety that the idea of Carnival implies. Even more interestingly is McCartney's chapter devoted to colors and how he identifies them as representative of thought and feeling in others.
For every person who considers Lil B a genius, there are five who dismiss him as an idiotic and irrelevant internet celebrity. However, his critics are, in a word, wrong. It is easy for those same critics to nitpick this text and dismiss it, however, it's unfortunate that individuals would approach McCartney's book with those prejudices. The insights here are, while not groundbreaking, still inspiring. For Lil B fans, the text is far more enjoyable of a read, but even those casually interested in Lil B or those who hate him outright owe this book a look.
The text itself is interesting. McCartney articulates early on that his pages don't need to be "full," but simply "meaingful," and he makes interesting syntactical choices in terms of capitalization and, as implied, has entire pages with only a sentence or two. The text does adhere to it's own systematic set of syntactical and grammatical conventions for the most part, but there are some typos that will make readers cringe.
McCartney sets out, in the text, to articulate the overarching themes of what he calls the Anything Is Possible Generation or APG. He addresses the importance of self-acceptance and self-esteem, education, and self-fulfillment over the acquisition of material things. The majority of the assertions in the text aren't exactly groundbreaking, but he certainly articulates an incredibly positive way of living life and reminds readers of their inner-strength as human beings.
For Lil B fans, this text is even more interesting, as McCartney includes many autobiographical details and insights into his creative process and diverse influences. One of the most interesting comments he makes is about how he aspires to make his music create a "tropical" feeling in listeners which is reminiscent of Russian literary critic Mikhail Bakhtin's ideas about the Carnivalesque and it's easy to see how the text and Lil B's musical output mirrors the fun, attention to the body, defiance of authority, and variety that the idea of Carnival implies. Even more interestingly is McCartney's chapter devoted to colors and how he identifies them as representative of thought and feeling in others.
For every person who considers Lil B a genius, there are five who dismiss him as an idiotic and irrelevant internet celebrity. However, his critics are, in a word, wrong. It is easy for those same critics to nitpick this text and dismiss it, however, it's unfortunate that individuals would approach McCartney's book with those prejudices. The insights here are, while not groundbreaking, still inspiring. For Lil B fans, the text is far more enjoyable of a read, but even those casually interested in Lil B or those who hate him outright owe this book a look.
March 8, 2014
The most valuable book ever created, undoubtably.
THANK YOU BASED GOD
THANK YOU BASED GOD
April 12, 2018
Up there with Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Aurelius' Meditations
Read
December 19, 2022Wow.
I didn't mean to read (absolutely melt) this book today, but once I read the first page I was absolutely taken over by positivity; frankly, hooked.
I have no doubt in my mind that this is the most meaning-dense 200 pages I will ever read. This is the most BASED book I will ever read. This is the most positive book I will ever read.
I would sooner believe that Brandon is a time traveler than I would believe this book was written at the age of 19.
Genuinely feel positive after reading this. I will continue to impose the positive forever hereafter.
Yet another banger that I don't have the guts to quantify on Goodreads. TYBG.
I didn't mean to read (absolutely melt) this book today, but once I read the first page I was absolutely taken over by positivity; frankly, hooked.
I have no doubt in my mind that this is the most meaning-dense 200 pages I will ever read. This is the most BASED book I will ever read. This is the most positive book I will ever read.
I would sooner believe that Brandon is a time traveler than I would believe this book was written at the age of 19.
Genuinely feel positive after reading this. I will continue to impose the positive forever hereafter.
Yet another banger that I don't have the guts to quantify on Goodreads. TYBG.
December 10, 2012
A beautifully rare and positive story. He reminds me of a young Don Delillo. Thank you based god.
August 21, 2012
I thoughtful and positive read. I have a suspicion Lil B is more well read than he's letting on. I loved it and re-refernce it often, thank you based god.
March 7, 2022
BASED is how you feel inside.
Found a pdf of this online and breezed through it this morning. Reads like poetry more than anything, some real gems in there.
Found a pdf of this online and breezed through it this morning. Reads like poetry more than anything, some real gems in there.
Read
December 23, 2022Takin' Over renders every other self-help book redundant. It's all here. I now know what it's based on. It was actually based on something this whole time. Gotta read to find out.
Read
December 10, 2022tybg
"We are based, and we are taking over"
"We are based, and we are taking over"
February 24, 2014
Fantastic message. Perspective is everything. #positivity
Read
June 10, 2020I feel strangely at ease now
July 11, 2022
Thank you based god
August 20, 2012
This rare, history making book, saved my life. Thank you based god.
August 11, 2023
be here now for sexy people who hate ugly nasty bugs and spiders. tybg &c.
Read
September 24, 2025A first-term Obama-era relic. Self-help is cringey by nature, but Lil B’s earnestness sells it for me. At 19, fresh off a rough childhood and sudden success, he really seemed driven to pass along the tools that helped him survive. Raw, goofy, and always sincere. He’s based, what else can you say.
January 18, 2013
BasedGod went too dumb! i see the whoodie on the news inspirational book. thank you BasedGod.
wow maybe one of the best books i've ever read. lil b has a fenominal story and in this ghetto book, the basedgod explains his journey.
at a young age lil b was exposed to the streets. Growing up in the ruff and rummble niegborhood of berkley california, lil b learned how to struggle. there wasn't much economic oppertunity in Lil B's life. he never had a father or a job until he started raping.
the Based god goes in deep context to his life just before he started "takin over." when lil b was 14 years old he started raping. he didn't rap for money he did it because it was something he enjoyed. all teen's need to have something they like. however lil b's rap career didn't get serious until he went to jail.
lil b was always getting in trouble with the law. he was playful by nature and opposed any athority he found. one day he got caught for stealing a car. he only spent 8 months of his life in juvenile hall, but that was enough. while in jail lil b decided to turn his life around and give all his efforts to a future rap career. that would be a promise he would keep. he was discovered by 'Too Short,' a bay area rapper. he put him in the up and coming rap group the pack. no spoilers but lil b has more than what meets the eye. there is a lot more in this book that will keep your interest to the end. absolutly amazing book.
wow maybe one of the best books i've ever read. lil b has a fenominal story and in this ghetto book, the basedgod explains his journey.
at a young age lil b was exposed to the streets. Growing up in the ruff and rummble niegborhood of berkley california, lil b learned how to struggle. there wasn't much economic oppertunity in Lil B's life. he never had a father or a job until he started raping.
the Based god goes in deep context to his life just before he started "takin over." when lil b was 14 years old he started raping. he didn't rap for money he did it because it was something he enjoyed. all teen's need to have something they like. however lil b's rap career didn't get serious until he went to jail.
lil b was always getting in trouble with the law. he was playful by nature and opposed any athority he found. one day he got caught for stealing a car. he only spent 8 months of his life in juvenile hall, but that was enough. while in jail lil b decided to turn his life around and give all his efforts to a future rap career. that would be a promise he would keep. he was discovered by 'Too Short,' a bay area rapper. he put him in the up and coming rap group the pack. no spoilers but lil b has more than what meets the eye. there is a lot more in this book that will keep your interest to the end. absolutly amazing book.
Read
December 18, 2013Lil B is awesome!
December 20, 2013
After reading this book, I can only say: Thank you, Based God!
September 23, 2012
A truly rare piece of based art.
June 22, 2023
Takin' Over, while having some grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, adds to the BASED charm of Brandon McCartney's motivation to improve the world with the power of positivity. McCartney is an enigma who is true to himself and isn't afraid to be vulnerable or introspective. Many people view him as a joke, but he is unphased by the memes as he's just being his true self. He knows how the Internet works, and he's unafraid of the future. I appreciate that about McCartney.
The part of the book where McCartney talks about his love of reading is so true. I wish I could thank the people whose books I've read, too. At least I'm living in the era of Lil B, so I can shoot him an email saying thank you.
Thank you for choosing kindness. Thank you for choosing hope. Thank you for letting me be a part of the Anything is Possible Generation (APG). Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Brandon McCartney. #TYBG
The part of the book where McCartney talks about his love of reading is so true. I wish I could thank the people whose books I've read, too. At least I'm living in the era of Lil B, so I can shoot him an email saying thank you.
Thank you for choosing kindness. Thank you for choosing hope. Thank you for letting me be a part of the Anything is Possible Generation (APG). Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Brandon McCartney. #TYBG
May 12, 2025
Lil b the based god has blessed us all with his positivity. This book is a bible on how to be based and lead a positive lifestyle. In all honesty I started reading this due to the undeniable influence "internet rap" has on me, but ended up really enjoying it for reasons that surprised me. I will probably end up reading this book a few more times in my lifetime, it'll go down as a timeless classic for me.
Being a figurehead for positivity in a genre where there many themes of negativity is very bold and inspiring honestly. His message comes across clear and concise and I felt aligned with a-lot of the topics he was speaking about in this book. Such as being yourself, appreciating others, not being afraid to speak about what you believe in, oh and that we are built to dance. Anyways, Lil B is the goat and was the first rapper to write a book
I will always be searching for a physical copy of this elusive book.
5/5
Thank you based god
Being a figurehead for positivity in a genre where there many themes of negativity is very bold and inspiring honestly. His message comes across clear and concise and I felt aligned with a-lot of the topics he was speaking about in this book. Such as being yourself, appreciating others, not being afraid to speak about what you believe in, oh and that we are built to dance. Anyways, Lil B is the goat and was the first rapper to write a book
I will always be searching for a physical copy of this elusive book.
5/5
Thank you based god
October 29, 2023
Its a pretty good book. One of the best I've yet to read. And I've read just about everythang. I picked up a copy years ago when it could still be found for less than $100.… Seems like I can't find it for less than. $190 now. But do yourself a favor and read it somehow. Find s way to keep access to a copy even if it has to be a pdf so you can always reference it and turn to it the way a Christian does with their bible book. It's good stuff. Super based. Also shout out task force. Stay protecting lil b at all costs. Peace.
July 26, 2025
Lil B/Based God is perhaps one of the greatest minds of modern philosophy and rap. I had absolutely no swag or any direction before reading this but now I am enlightened. I've found peace. I am BASED.
I don't know if I can become a rapper or finally have swag but this life is truly a blessing.
fuck kd
TYBG
I don't know if I can become a rapper or finally have swag but this life is truly a blessing.
fuck kd
TYBG
December 26, 2020
based. historical. raw. positive but also honest and clear discussion of lil b's life and philosophy. another important step on my life journey of learning to love better. took pictures of a bunch of pages to remember their messages
May 2, 2025
That is the best book I've ever read! I hope many more people will find it and embrace the ,,Good" in it. I hope lil B's dream of a good community everywhere will someday come true.
Stay based and know you are here for a reason don't give up! <3 :)
TYBG
Stay based and know you are here for a reason don't give up! <3 :)
TYBG
June 3, 2025
Important read for everybody out there. Full of positivity and knowledge. It might not be anything new, but maybe because of that even more important to remind yourself of.
We are the APG and we're taking over.
We are the APG and we're taking over.
April 11, 2018
TYBG. Masterpiece right here
October 5, 2019
INSANE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews