5 Shocking Ways Lil B's 'Takin' Over' Book Prophesied The Digital Age (And Why It Still Matters In 2025)

The enigmatic literary debut of Brandon "Lil B" McCartney, *Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive! My Personal Rap to You*, remains a foundational text for understanding one of hip-hop's most influential and bizarre figures. Released in 2009, this self-published work—a collection of emails, text messages, and philosophical musings—is far more than a novelty; it is the spiritual blueprint for the "BasedGod" persona and a surprisingly prescient guide to navigating the chaos of modern internet culture. As of late 2025, the book's core message of radical self-acceptance and positivity continues to resonate with a new generation of fans discovering the "Based" lifestyle. This deep dive explores the enduring cult status of *Takin' Over*, dissecting its unconventional structure and the five key philosophical tenets that cemented its place as a cornerstone of the BasedGod's legacy, proving that Lil B was not just a rapper, but a digital-age prophet.

The BasedGod's Biography: Brandon McCartney's Profile

Brandon Christopher McCartney, known professionally as Lil B and Lil B The BasedGod, is an American rapper, record producer, author, and motivational speaker.

• Full Name: Brandon Christopher McCartney
• Stage Names: Lil B, Lil B The BasedGod
• Born: August 17, 1989 (Age 36 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Berkeley, California
• Initial Career: Began his career as a member of the Berkeley-based hip-hop group The Pack, known for the hit single "Vans."
• Solo Debut: Rose to prominence in the late 2000s with an unprecedented volume of music releases and an eccentric, stream-of-consciousness style.
• Literary Debut: Self-published *Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive! My Personal Rap to You* in 2009 at the age of 19.
• Key Philosophy: The "Based" philosophy, which he defines as "being yourself, staying positive, and not caring what people say."
• Influence: Widely credited with pioneering the use of social media (specifically Twitter and MySpace) to cultivate a massive, devoted cult following, fundamentally shifting how artists interact with their fans.
• Notable Lectures: Has given lectures on his philosophy and positivity at major institutions, including a famous appearance at NYU in 2012.

The Unconventional Structure of *Takin' Over*

*Takin' Over* is not a traditional book. It’s a foundational document for the Based lifestyle, reflecting the chaotic, unfiltered energy of the early social media era that Lil B was simultaneously mastering. The book is a sprawling collection of raw, unedited communication. It is divided by chapters, but the content itself consists of actual emails and text messages, alongside one-line sayings, phrases, and philosophical ideas listed one by one on each page. This structure is a direct extension of the Based philosophy itself: authentic, rule-breaking, and deeply personal. It challenges the reader to embrace a similar level of unfiltered self-expression, mirroring the way Lil B released thousands of songs and mixtapes, such as his debut album *Rain in England* (2010), without concern for traditional industry gatekeepers. The inclusion of a bonus DVD with some original releases further cemented its status as a multimedia artifact, blending text, video, and personal communication into a single, cohesive statement on "imposing the positive."

5 Ways the Book Prophesied the Digital Age

Published in 2009, *Takin' Over* appeared before the true ubiquity of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, yet its core principles perfectly captured the evolution of the internet and modern celebrity.

1. The Rise of the Unfiltered Digital Persona

Lil B’s book is the ultimate display of radical transparency. By publishing his actual emails and text messages, he blurred the line between the artist and the person, Brandon McCartney. This move foreshadowed the current era of influencer culture, where authenticity—or the appearance of it—is the most valuable commodity. The book’s rawness taught a generation that vulnerability and lack of polish could be a strength, not a weakness, directly influencing subsequent artists and internet personalities.

2. The Power of "Imposing the Positive" (Toxic Positivity's Antidote)

The full title, *Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive!*, is a call to action. The "Based" philosophy is simple: be yourself and stay positive. While the internet is now saturated with superficial motivational content, Lil B's version is an antidote—it's about "bein' tough enough to be BASED." It champions resilience and self-love in the face of judgment, a crucial message for those navigating the constant criticism and comparison inherent in social media.

3. The Cult of Personality and Fandom

Long before the term "stan culture" became mainstream, Lil B cultivated one of the most devoted cult followings in modern music. The book served as the movement's manifesto, giving his fans, the "BasedWorld" community, a shared text and set of values. This provided a sense of belonging and exclusivity, transforming casual listeners into devoted disciples who understood the deeper philosophical context behind his music and prolific output.

4. The Importance of Prolific, Unconventional Content

The sheer volume of content in *Takin' Over*—hundreds of short, punchy statements—mirrors Lil B’s musical strategy of releasing thousands of tracks and mixtapes. This approach perfectly predicted the modern content economy: prioritize high volume and unconventional delivery over traditional quality control. This strategy, which he used to "take over" the internet, is now the standard for success on platforms that reward constant engagement and content drops.

5. The Blurring of Self-Help and Celebrity

In 2009, a rapper publishing a self-help book was seen as an oddity. Today, celebrity self-help and motivational guides are a common genre. Lil B positioned himself as a motivational speaker and philosopher, not just an entertainer. *Takin' Over* established him as a guru of the digital age, a figure whose wisdom was derived from his lived, public experience, rather than academic authority. This blending of entertainment and life coaching is a hallmark of the modern celebrity brand.

The Enduring Legacy in 2025

In 2025, the principles laid out in *Takin' Over* are more relevant than ever. The book's focus on inclusion and positivity continues to influence the younger generations of hip-hop artists, many of whom cite the BasedGod as a key inspiration. The desire for a reprint, often discussed in fan communities, underscores its status as a rare, sought-after artifact. The book is the physical manifestation of a philosophy that has helped countless individuals embrace their true selves, encouraging them to be Based—to be authentic, to be positive, and to challenge the status quo. It is a testament to Brandon McCartney's visionary thinking that his 2009 collection of digital detritus became a timeless guide for the internet generation. Thank You BasedGod.