BooQie’s story isn’t the kind you hear every day—it’s the kind that hits you in the chest and makes you respect the strength behind the music. Hailing from South Central Los Angeles, his journey has been anything but easy. From constantly moving between the Slauson district, the Jungles, Gardena, the East Side, and back to South Central, BooQie’s childhood was a lesson in survival. With a father who left when he was two, his mother became the backbone of the family, raising BooQie and his sister while juggling up to five jobs at a time.
Life tested him early and often. At seven, he, his mother, and sister were on the run for nearly a year, fleeing from a stepfather who threatened their lives. Even after finding temporary refuge with family and then in a hotel, tragedy struck—his mother was stabbed nearly to death, and his sister was thrown down a flight of stairs. It would have broken most people, but BooQie kept moving forward, learning to channel pain into positivity. From facing bullying to street conflicts, he never let life’s chaos steal his smile.
Music became his sanctuary, though it took years before he pursued it seriously. BooQie started taking music seriously in 2018, following the loss of his mother, and officially began dropping tracks in 2019. Early influences ranged from the soulful grooves of Michael Jackson, Al Green, and The Temptations to the hard-hitting realism of Tupac and N.W.A., a reflection of his upbringing—both the love and the struggle.
His first recording came unexpectedly in Brazil in 2017, while traveling overseas for football—a game that also gave him the chance to see the world and broaden his perspective. BooQie laughs recounting the moment: “We were just chilling, smoking, listening to tunes, and my big bro asked if I wanted to record. I said, ‘Hell yea!’ and that was it. I didn’t take it seriously yet, but that day planted the seed.”
South Central shaped him not just as a person but as an artist. Hangout spots like Darby Park, Rowley Park, St. Andrew’s Park, Crenshaw Mall, Fox Hills, South Bay Galleria, and the legendary World on Wheels gave him a backdrop of culture, community, and street wisdom that now pulses through his music.
BooQie’s latest release, FREEDOM, a collaboration with Shawn Rude, exemplifies the melodic, smooth, and introspective sound he’s been cultivating—a sound that feels personal yet universal. He describes it as music you can vibe to, a soundtrack for reflection and escape, and a work still evolving as he continues to explore his artistry.
Behind the music is a tight-knit support system that fuels him. From his late cousin Javonnta (aka Tank), whose memory drives him forward, to mentors like Hit-Boy and collaborators including SurfclubJB, La.SkyyWalker, Trillie Hutch, and countless others, BooQie credits the people around him for helping him navigate the complex world of music. His brother Aston, his cameramen, and his friends have all contributed to his growth and continue to keep him grounded.
