5 Ways Lil B's "Takin' Over" Philosophy Predicted And Shaped Modern Hip-Hop (2025 Update)

The phrase "Lil B Takin' Over" is far more than a simple boast; it is a declaration of a philosophical and cultural movement that started over a decade ago and continues to define the landscape of modern music as of December 15, 2025. This mantra originates from the title of his 2009 self-help book, *Takin' Over by Imposin' the Positive!*, which laid the foundation for the entire "BasedGod" persona and the subsequent revolution in hip-hop. The "Takin' Over" ideology is rooted in radical positivity, self-love, and an open-minded approach to life and art, a concept that has quietly permeated the mainstream and solidified Brandon McCartney’s legacy as an overlooked originator. This article dives deep into the enduring relevance of the "Takin' Over" mindset, exploring how Lil B's seemingly chaotic, yet deeply intentional, approach to music and life has manifested in his current status and the culture at large. From pioneering the sound of cloud rap to popularizing gender-fluid fashion in hip-hop, The BasedGod's influence is undeniable, proving that his prophecy of taking over was not a fleeting trend, but a permanent shift in artistic freedom.

The BasedGod Blueprint: A Brief Biography of Brandon McCartney

Before he became the transcendental figure known as Lil B The BasedGod, the artist was Brandon Christopher McCartney, an Oakland, California native who first gained recognition as a member of the Bay Area hip-hop group, The Pack.

• Full Name: Brandon Christopher McCartney
• Born: August 17, 1989 (Age 36 as of 2025)
• Origin: Berkeley, California, U.S.
• Aliases: Lil B, Lil B The BasedGod, The BasedGod
• Group Affiliation: The Pack (2006–present)
• Debut Project: *6 Kiss* (2009)
• Landmark Book: *Takin' Over by Imposin' the Positive!* (2009)
• Controversial Album: *I'm Gay (I'm Happy)* (2011)
• Discography Volume: One of the largest in music history, featuring over 50 mixtapes and thousands of songs, including projects like *God's Father* and *Blue Flame*.
• Current Status (2025): Continues to be an active, influential figure, performing at major festivals like Summer Smash (2024) and maintaining the BasedWorld movement.

McCartney's early success came with The Pack's hit single "Vans" in 2006. However, his solo career, launched under the Lil B moniker, is what truly cemented his status as a cultural icon. He adopted the term "Based," a word he notes was originally a derogatory slang for being addicted to crack cocaine or acting crazy, and redefined it to mean the exact opposite: being yourself, embracing positivity, and not caring what others think. This re-appropriation of language is the core mechanism of his "Takin' Over" philosophy.

The True Meaning of "Takin' Over": Imposing the Positive

The keyword "lil b takin over" directly references his 2009 literary work, *Takin' Over by Imposin' the Positive!*. This self-published book is a collection of life advice, aphorisms, and philosophical musings that serve as the manifesto for the Based movement. The title itself is the clearest explanation of Lil B's ultimate goal: to take over the world not by force or aggression, but by the sheer, overwhelming power of positivity. The book preaches a doctrine of intense self-love, open-mindedness, and radical acceptance. It encourages his followers, known as the BasedWorld community, to ignore negativity and embrace their true selves, no matter how unconventional. This message was a profound counter-narrative to the often-aggressive and materialistic themes prevalent in mainstream hip-hop at the time.

The Based Philosophy: 3 Core Tenets

The "Takin' Over" strategy relies on three fundamental principles that Lil B has consistently promoted throughout his career:

1. Radical Self-Acceptance: The belief that true power comes from fully embracing every part of yourself, including flaws and vulnerabilities. This is exemplified by his controversial 2011 album, *I'm Gay (I'm Happy)*, which was a statement on homophobia and self-acceptance, not a declaration of sexual orientation.
2. Unfiltered Output (Quantity over Quality): Lil B's massive, often unmixed, discography—including releasing hundreds of songs and several albums in a single year—is a form of "imposing the positive." It’s a rejection of commercial gatekeepers and a democratizing of the creative process, flooding the market with pure, unedited expression.
3. The Power of the Curse/Blessing: Lil B became famous for placing "curses" on NBA players who slighted him, only to "bless" them later. This viral, meme-like behavior is a meta-commentary on the power of belief and attention, demonstrating how a positive mindset can ultimately "take over" a negative situation.

This philosophical approach—the idea that being genuinely positive and authentic is a form of power—is what makes the "Takin' Over" movement so potent and enduring into 2025.

How "Takin' Over" Influenced the Modern Music Landscape (2025 Legacy)

The true impact of Lil B's "Takin' Over" movement is best measured by its pervasive influence on the generation of artists who followed him. What seemed like bizarre, lo-fi rap in the late 2000s is now the standard for authenticity and genre-bending.

1. Cloud Rap and Lo-Fi Aesthetics

Lil B is widely credited as a pioneer of the Cloud Rap subgenre. His early work with producers like Clams Casino established a sound characterized by ethereal, hazy, and atmospheric beats, often sampling unexpected sources. This lo-fi, stream-of-consciousness style broke the mold of polished, major-label hip-hop, paving the way for artists like A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, and even the entire SoundCloud Rap movement. The acceptance of "imperfect" music is a direct result of his philosophy.

2. Viral Marketing and Internet Persona

Before social media influencers were a defined career path, Lil B mastered the art of the internet persona. His constant, unfiltered Twitter presence, his engagement with fans (and detractors), and his use of video platforms to release thousands of songs created a blueprint for modern music marketing. His "Takin' Over" strategy was to use the internet to bypass traditional industry structures entirely, making him one of the first truly independent, viral superstars.

3. Fashion and Gender Fluidity

Lil B's willingness to wear women's clothing, notably his famous pink vest and his general disregard for traditional masculine hip-hop aesthetics, was revolutionary at the time. This radical self-expression, a key component of the "Based" philosophy, normalized gender-fluid fashion and helped to create space for artists like Young Thug and other contemporary rappers to express themselves outside of rigid stylistic boundaries.

4. The Endurance of Positivity

In a 2024 interview at Summer Smash, Lil B continued to champion the same message, confirming that the "Takin' Over" is an ongoing process. His longevity is tied to the fact that his message is fundamentally positive and timeless. While other artists' viral moments fade, the core tenet of "imposing the positive" remains a powerful, unifying force for his dedicated fanbase. In conclusion, "Lil B Takin' Over" is not a reference to a single song or event, but the name of a personal growth manifesto. It is the ultimate expression of the BasedGod’s mission: to conquer negativity and industry constraints through radical self-acceptance and a relentless stream of creative output. As of 2025, the culture he helped to create is still being defined by his early prophecy, proving that the BasedWorld takeover is complete.