Why Lil Boosie's "Set It Off" Still Defines His Controversial 2024 Legal Battles

The 2006 track "Set It Off" by Lil Boosie, now known as Boosie Badazz, remains one of the most defining anthems of his career, a raw, uncompromising declaration that captures the defiant spirit of Baton Rouge street rap. As of late 2025, the song’s confrontational message—a promise to "set it off" or start trouble when disrespected—has taken on a new, almost cyclical relevance, paralleling the rapper's continuous high-profile legal and public struggles, including a major federal gun case that saw a significant development in 2024. This deep dive explores the track's history, its enduring cultural impact, and how its legendary status is inextricably linked to Boosie's ongoing narrative of controversy and resilience. The track is more than just a party starter; it's a foundational piece of Southern hip-hop, a pivotal moment on the Bad Azz album that cemented Boosie's reputation as a raw, unfiltered voice for the streets. Its legacy is not just in its catchy beat but in its reflection of the "Bad Azz" persona that Torrence Hatch Jr. has embodied for two decades, a persona that continues to clash with the legal system and public opinion.

Boosie Badazz: Full Biography and Profile

Torrence Ivy Hatch Jr., known professionally as Lil Boosie and later Boosie Badazz, is one of the most influential and controversial figures to emerge from the Southern rap scene. His music, often characterized by its emotional depth, vivid storytelling, and raw intensity, has garnered a massive, loyal following despite—or perhaps because of—his turbulent life.

• Full Birth Name: Torrence Ivy Hatch Jr.
• Date of Birth: November 14, 1982
• Place of Birth: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
• Stage Names: Lil Boosie (Original), Boosie Badazz (Current)
• Primary Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Record Producer
• Debut Album: Youngest of da Camp (2000)
• Key Albums: Bad Azz (2006), Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz (2009), Incarcerated (2010), Touch Down 2 Cause Hell (2015)
• Associated Acts/Collaborators: Webbie, Lil Phat, Foxx, Trill Fam, Pimp C, Young Jeezy
• Record Label: Trill Entertainment, Bad Azz Music Syndicate
• Notable Health Battles: Diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes (2009), Leg Amputation Surgery (2020)

Boosie’s career began in the late 1990s as a member of the Baton Rouge-based group Concentration Camp, before signing with Trill Entertainment. His transformation from *Lil Boosie* to *Boosie Badazz* marked a period of personal and artistic evolution, though his core themes of loyalty, struggle, and defiance have remained constant.

The Enduring Legacy of "Set It Off" (2006)

"Set It Off" is the second track on Boosie's third solo studio album, *Bad Azz*, released on October 24, 2006. The song, produced with a hard-hitting, signature Southern beat, quickly became an underground hit and a staple in clubs and on the streets. The track's lyrical content is a direct expression of the "Bad Azz" persona. It’s a message of readiness for confrontation, a warning to rivals, and a declaration of intent to escalate any disrespect. The phrase "we fixin' to set it off in this motherfucker" is delivered with a visceral intensity that resonated with a generation of listeners, particularly in the Southern hip-hop market.

Why the Song Remains a Boosie Classic:

• Authenticity and Rawness: Unlike many polished commercial tracks of the era, "Set It Off" felt genuine. It spoke directly to the realities of street life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• Topical Authority: The song is a cornerstone of the *Bad Azz* album, which also featured hits like "Zoom" (featuring Yung Joc) and "Wipe Me Down" (a remix featuring Foxx and Webbie), establishing Boosie as a major force in the game.
• Cultural Impact: The track is widely credited by fans on platforms like Reddit for its ability to instantly "turn a dull ass gathering into a full blown party," highlighting its enduring energy.

The song’s longevity is a testament to its power. Even years later, the track is often cited in news articles and fan discussions as a shorthand for Boosie's uncompromising nature, linking his past musical declarations to his present actions.

The 'Set It Off' Mentality in Boosie's Recent 2024 Legal Battles

The concept of "setting it off"—a willingness to engage in high-stakes conflict—has been a recurring theme in Boosie Badazz’s life outside of music, most notably in his recent legal troubles. The most significant recent development, as of 2024, involved a long-running federal gun possession case. In a major legal update in 2024, Boosie accepted a federal plea deal related to a 2023 gun possession charge. This followed a period where state charges tied to the incident were dismissed, but federal prosecutors pursued the matter because Boosie is a convicted felon, making firearm possession a federal offense. The rapper celebrated the dismissal of the state charges, framing it as a "new chapter" and a moment that revealed his true allies.

Connecting the Music to the Man:

* Defiance vs. The System: The legal battles, including the intense scrutiny over his lyrics in past "Rap on Trial" cases, mirror the confrontational stance of "Set It Off." His life has often been a high-stakes game of pushback against authority. * Public Persona: Boosie continues to dominate headlines with his unfiltered comments on social issues, celebrity feuds, and even playful digs at figures like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during appearances like REVOLT WORLD in 2024. This constant, unapologetic presence is the living embodiment of the *Bad Azz* attitude the song champions. * Resilience: Despite health challenges, including his battle with Type 1 Diabetes and a 2020 surgery, Boosie continues to release music, including recent projects like *Goat Talk 3* (2021) and *Heartfelt* (2022). His ability to bounce back and continue to "thug it outside," as he once rapped, is the ultimate expression of the "Set It Off" spirit. The track "Set It Off" is a time capsule of a pivotal moment in Southern hip-hop, but its energy is still very much alive in the career and controversies of Boosie Badazz. His ongoing legal saga and public life prove that the "Bad Azz" mentality is not just a stage name or a song title—it’s a way of life that continues to define one of rap’s most compelling figures.