Cross the Tracks: A Memoir

Boosie Badazz

Sep 2022 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

From one of rap’s most evocative writers comes a stirring memoir and “masterpiece of a book” (Snoop Dogg) about how Boosie Badazz, one of the industry’s most controversial figures, was able to overcome insurmountable odds to make his music dreams a reality.

A Baton Rouge native who began rapping at age fourteen, Boosie Badazz was already a cult hero in Louisiana when, in 2009, he was sentenced to two years in prison. The next year, he was indicted on even more serious charges, eventually landing him on Death Row. Prosecutors played Boosie’s music in the courtroom to paint him as a thug with no chance of redemption. However, against overwhelming odds and the backdrop of a social media campaign to #FreeBoosie, he was freed in March of 2014 with a rare second chance to make his music dreams come true.

With illuminating prose, this “truly great read” (DJ Vlad, CEO of VladTV) explores the relationship between Boosie’s life on the streets with his ceaseless tear through the rap industry. From near-death experiences to a ruthless bout with kidney cancer to a life-threatening diabetes diagnosis, Boosie has overcome remarkable challenges to make a name for himself as one of rap’s most influential voices. A redemptive story with an urgent voice, Cross the Tracks is the survival tale of a man who wasn’t sure he would live to see another day...but who rose from the ashes to change the rap industry forever.

Ratings and reviews

it's life changing and motivating to hear someone who came from similar struggles and still became successful, is inspiring

Boosie new book is true definition of how we all grow up down in the bottom of Southside.

from what I read so far I'm digging it!

About the author

Torrence Hatch Jr. is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and executive, better known by his stage name Boosie Badazz or simply Boosie (formerly Lil Boosie).