5 Ways Lil B's 'Takin' Over' Philosophy Still Dominates Modern Hip-Hop In 2025

The phrase "Takin' Over Lil B" is not just a song title; it is the core philosophical mantra of one of hip-hop’s most polarizing and influential figures, Brandon McCartney, better known as Lil B The BasedGod. This concept originated with his 2009 book, Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive! My Personal Rap to You, which laid the groundwork for the "Based" lifestyle that has since permeated internet culture and the global music scene. As of late 2025, Lil B continues to embody this philosophy, with new releases like the single "Tengo racks pero no puedo gastarlos en ti" and the 2024 album The Book of Flame proving the enduring nature of his unique artistic vision.

The "Takin' Over" mindset is a direct call to action: to conquer negativity with radical self-love, individuality, and unbridled positivity. This article dives deep into the origins of the BasedGod's manifesto and explores five distinct ways his decade-old philosophy is still actively shaping the sound and culture of contemporary rap, cementing his status as a true progenitor of the modern hip-hop landscape.

Brandon 'Lil B' McCartney: The BasedGod's Biography

• Full Name: Brandon Christopher McCartney
• Stage Names: Lil B, Lil B The BasedGod, Based Lord, Lil Boss, Captain 66, Based Legend, The #1 Bitch, Tiny Pants Mobsta
• Date of Birth: August 17, 1989
• Hometown: Berkeley, California, U.S.
• Genre: Hip-Hop, Cloud Rap, Experimental Rap
• Career Highlights: Founding member of the group The Pack; releasing over 70 mixtapes; publishing the book Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive! (2009); lecturing at MIT and other universities.
• Key Albums/Mixtapes: 6 Kiss (2009), I'm Gay (I'm Happy) (2011), B.O.R. (Birth of Rap) (2009), The Book of Flame (2024).

The Origin of 'Takin' Over': A 2009 Manifesto

The concept of "Takin' Over" is intrinsically linked to the "Based" philosophy that Lil B cultivated in the late 2000s. The term "Based" itself is a reclamation of a derogatory slang term, transforming it into a badge of honor that signifies being yourself without fear of judgment.

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The Book That Changed Everything

In 2009, Lil B published his book, Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive! My Personal Rap to You. This wasn't a typical celebrity memoir but a stream-of-consciousness guide to life, positivity, and self-acceptance.

The book’s core message was revolutionary for the often-macho world of hip-hop: embrace vulnerability, reject traditional definitions of success, and spread unconditional love. It was the blueprint for his entire career and the cultural movement that followed.

This manifesto positioned Lil B not just as a rapper, but as a spiritual and philosophical leader—The BasedGod—whose goal was to "take over" the world by injecting pure, unfiltered positivity into the mainstream consciousness.

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5 Ways The 'Takin' Over' Philosophy Defines Modern Rap Culture

The philosophical seeds planted in 2009 have fully blossomed, and their influence is undeniable across the entire music industry. Here are the five most significant ways Lil B is still "Takin' Over" in 2025.

1. The Normalization of Radical Individuality and Vulnerability

Before Lil B, many rappers adhered to a strict, hyper-masculine persona. The "Takin' Over" philosophy encouraged a radical shift toward self-expression.

Lil B was famous for wearing women's clothing, rapping about mundane activities, and releasing music that often sounded intentionally "bad" or unpolished, all in the name of being "Based." This embrace of the absurd and the vulnerable directly paved the way for artists like Young Thug, Playboi Carti, and even the early sound of artists like Tyler, the Creator, whose styles thrive on pushing boundaries and challenging genre norms.

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2. The Birth of Cloud Rap and Lo-Fi Production

The sheer volume of Lil B's releases—over 70 mixtapes—was a key part of his "Takin' Over" strategy. This rapid-fire, low-fidelity approach to music creation, often using simple, ethereal, and melancholic beats, birthed the entire subgenre of Cloud Rap.

Artists like A$AP Rocky and Mac Miller (who collaborated with Lil B) adopted and refined this sound, which is now a staple of the streaming era. The idea that authenticity trumps polished production, a core Based belief, is now the industry standard for many independent artists.

3. The Power of Internet Virality and Direct-to-Fan Connection

Lil B mastered the internet as a tool for cultural dominance, a true "Takin' Over" of the digital space. He was one of the first artists to use social media (Twitter, MySpace, YouTube) to cultivate a massive, intensely loyal following, the "Based World."

His use of "cursing" celebrities, his infamous MIT lecture, and his endless stream of content created a new model for artist-fan interaction. Every modern artist who uses a constant social media presence and meme culture to build their brand is, in a sense, following the BasedGod's playbook.

4. The Enduring Message of Mental Health and Positivity

The subtitle of the book, "Imposing the Positive!," speaks to Lil B's commitment to mental well-being. His music and lectures often touch on themes of acceptance, tolerance, and resilience.

In a 2024 interview, Lil B discussed how his philosophy continues to influence modern hip-hop by encouraging self-love and being unafraid of who you are. This focus on internal peace and positive thinking has resonated deeply with the younger generation, making him an unlikely but potent figure in the conversation around mental health in music.

5. A New Era of Music in 2025: The BasedGod Continues to Create

The "Takin' Over" mission is far from complete. In 2025, Lil B continues to release new music, proving that his creative engine is still running on the fuel of the Based philosophy.

His recent releases, including the 2024 album The Book of Flame and the 2025 single "Quemar Quemar O Ohh," show a continued commitment to his prolific, experimental style, blending his classic sound with new elements. This continuous, uninhibited output is the ultimate expression of "Takin' Over": a relentless, positive force that refuses to conform to industry cycles or expectations.

The Legacy of 'Based' and The Future of Lil B

The legacy of "Takin' Over Lil B" is the legacy of the BasedGod himself: a cultural and musical paradigm shift. What began as a self-published book and a collection of lo-fi mixtapes has evolved into a foundational pillar of modern hip-hop.

Brandon McCartney's influence can be seen in the fashion, the production choices, the lyrical vulnerability, and the direct-to-fan marketing of countless artists today. He didn't just take over the game; he fundamentally changed the rules, proving that the most powerful form of conquest is simply to be yourself. Thank You BasedGod.