The Based God's Manifesto: 5 Reasons Lil B's 'Takin' Over' Book Is A $500+ Cult Classic In December 2025

Decades after its initial, quiet release, the literary debut of rapper and cultural innovator Lil B, *Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive!*, remains one of the most mysterious and highly-coveted texts in modern hip-hop culture. First published in 2009, this self-help manifesto by The BasedGod has transcended its status as a simple book to become a genuine cult classic and a rare collector's item, with copies frequently commanding astronomical resale prices on the secondary market in December 2025.

The book's enduring relevance and scarcity, coupled with the enigmatic nature of its author, Brandon McCartney, continue to fuel intense curiosity among fans, scholars, and collectors alike. It serves as the definitive written guide to the "Based" philosophy—a unique blend of optimism, self-acceptance, and unconventional thinking that defines Lil B's entire artistic output.

Brandon "Lil B" McCartney: A Brief BasedGod Biography

Brandon Christopher McCartney, born on August 17, 1989, in Berkeley, California, is a figure who defies easy categorization in the music and cultural landscape. Known professionally by a multitude of aliases, including Lil B, The BasedGod, Lil Boss, Based Lord, Captain 66, and Based Legend, his career began as a member of the Bay Area hip-hop group The Pack.

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• Full Name: Brandon Christopher McCartney
• Born: August 17, 1989
• Hometown: Berkeley, California
• Aliases: Lil B, The BasedGod, Lil Boss, Based Lord, Captain 66, The #1 Bitch, Tiny Pants Mobsta
• Early Career: Member of the rap group The Pack, known for the hit "Vans."
• Solo Debut: Released his first album, *Rain in England*, in 2010.
• Literary Debut: Self-published *Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive!* in 2009.
• Cultural Role: Widely recognized as a cultural innovator in digital hip-hop ecosystems, pioneering the use of social media and an unprecedented volume of releases (over 1,000 songs).

McCartney’s influence is rooted in his "Based" philosophy, which he defines as "being yourself, staying positive, and not caring what people say." This ethos of radical optimism and self-love is the central theme of his writing.

The Content and Philosophy of ‘Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive!’

The full title of the book is *Takin' Over: By Imposing the Positive! My Personal Rap to You*. Released when Lil B was only 19 years old, it is a self-published, rule-breaking text that serves as a spiritual and philosophical guide to the Based lifestyle.

It's a Collection of Raw, Unfiltered Based Wisdom

Unlike a traditional memoir or self-help book, *Takin' Over* is an unconventional compilation of the author’s thoughts. The content is famously a collection of emails and text messages that Lil B wrote, which he organized into chapters. This raw, stream-of-consciousness format perfectly captures the essence of the Based philosophy, making the text feel personal and direct, like a conversation with The BasedGod himself.

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The Core Message: Positivity and Self-Acceptance

The primary theme is an unwavering commitment to positivity and optimism. Lil B uses the book to give advice on living a truly "Based" lifestyle, which involves embracing who you are without fear of judgment. The term "Based" itself was originally a negative slang term (implying "dopehead" or "loser") that Lil B famously reclaimed and redefined as a force for good. The book challenges readers to start "taking over" their own lives by imposing a positive mental attitude on the world around them.

A Glimpse into the BasedGod's Journey

Beyond the philosophical advice, the book also gives a rare, intimate look into Lil B’s journey as an independent artist and his experiences growing up. For many fans, this "ghetto book" provides the necessary context to understand the sheer volume and often-parodied nature of his musical career. It explains how his commitment to being unapologetically authentic is the foundation of his entire artistic practice.

3 Reasons Why the Book is a High-Value Collector’s Item Today

In 2025, *Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive!* is not just a book; it is a piece of hip-hop history. Its scarcity and legendary status have driven its market value into the stratosphere, making it a highly desirable acquisition for any serious collector of music or literary artifacts.

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1. It Was Self-Published and Never Mass-Reprinted

The book was self-published, a common practice for Lil B, who controls his own intellectual property. This means the initial print run was small, and there has been no official, widespread reprint. The limited quantity immediately established it as a rare item.

2. The Extreme Resell Prices and Scarcity

Due to its rarity, the book frequently appears on resale sites like eBay and AbeBooks with exorbitant price tags. Fans actively search for copies, with many lamenting the "crazy expensive" resell prices that can reach hundreds of dollars, sometimes even surpassing $500 for signed copies or those that included the rare DVD bonus (titled "LIL_B_MASTER_DVD").

3. The Unreleased Second Book Fuels Demand

The mystique of *Takin' Over* is further amplified by the promise of a sequel. In March 2013, Lil B announced that he was actively writing his second book. The anticipation for this follow-up has kept the original book in the cultural conversation for over a decade. The original text is seen as the foundational document that fans must own before the next chapter of the BasedGod’s literary work is released, whenever that may be.

The Enduring Cultural Impact of Lil B’s Written Word

Lil B’s venture into authorship underscores his role as an artist who constantly pushes boundaries. His willingness to share his personal journey and philosophy through a literary medium, even one as unconventional as a collection of emails, cemented his status as a cultural innovator.

The book, much like his music, is a testament to the power of authenticity. It directly addresses themes of self-love, mental health, and overcoming adversity, resonating deeply with a generation that values unfiltered, personal expression. The influence of the Based philosophy can be traced through the independent music scene and the broader digital culture, where positivity and being "Based" are often used as shorthand for genuine, unironic self-expression.

For those who manage to secure a copy of *Takin' Over by Imposing the Positive!*, they hold more than just a book; they possess a piece of the BasedGod Manifesto—a primary source document that explains one of the most unique and enduring movements in 21st-century internet and hip-hop culture. Its high price is a clear indicator of its value, not just as a rare artifact, but as a timeless guide to living life the Based way.