You’ve seen him on stage, probably covered in diamonds, moving with a kind of energy that most rappers just can’t touch. He’s the guy who turned "Pop Out" into a literal lifestyle. But when the lights go down and the CMG chain comes off, who is he? Honestly, most people just call him Big Boogie, but the government knows him as John Lotts.
It’s a simple name. John Lotts. It doesn’t necessarily scream "viral rap sensation," but that’s the point. The distance between John from Louisiana and Big Boogie from Memphis is where the real story lives.
Big Boogie Real Name and Why It Actually Matters
So, yeah, his name is John Lotts. He was born in Tallulah, Louisiana, but if you ask him, he’s Memphis through and through. He moved to the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis as a teenager, and that’s where the "Big Boogie" persona really started to cook.
Why do fans obsess over a real name?
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Usually, it’s because they want to know if the person on the screen matches the person in real life. With John, it’s kinda deep. He lost his father—also named John—when he was only in the 10th grade. His dad struggled with alcoholism, a detail Boogie doesn't shy away from. In fact, he’s even mentioned wanting to do a song with Akon called "John" just to honor his father's memory. When you realize the "Big" in his name represents the weight he carries for his family, the name John Lotts feels a lot more heavy.
From Tallulah to the CMG Roster
Boogie didn’t just wake up signed to Yo Gotti. It was a grind. He started taking music seriously around 2017. Back then, he was just another kid in Memphis with a drum and a dream. Literally—he grew up playing the drums and dancing. That’s why his music feels so rhythm-heavy. You can’t listen to a Boogie track and stay still. It’s impossible.
His breakout moment didn't happen overnight. He dropped Definition of Pain in 2017, and the song "Life Story" started buzzing locally. But the real shift happened when Yo Gotti saw him.
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Gotti isn't just a label head; he’s a scout. He saw the energy John Lotts brought to the stage at a Birthday Bash in 2018. He didn't sign him right then, though. He mentored him. He watched him. Eventually, in 2020, the paperwork got signed, and Big Boogie officially joined the Collective Music Group (CMG) lineup alongside heavyweights like Moneybagg Yo and Blac Youngsta.
The Turning Point: "Pop Out" and Viral Success
If you were on TikTok or Instagram in 2021, you heard it.
"Pop Out" wasn't just a song; it was a phenomenon.
It’s got over 75 million views on YouTube now.
That track solidified his spot.
But with that fame came the spotlight on his personal life, including the legal troubles that often haunt rappers on the rise.
In April 2021, John Lotts was arrested in Mississippi. It was a whole mess involving a highway shooting investigation. He ended up facing a felony charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm. It was a scary moment for his fans because, let’s be real, we’ve seen too many careers end just as they were starting. Luckily for him, he managed to navigate those waters and keep his focus on the music.
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Beyond the Music: Being a "Big Dude"
He calls himself "Big Dude" a lot. It’s the title of his 2023 project, Definition of a Big Dude. But it’s not just about size. To John, being a "Big Dude" is a mindset. It’s about handling your business, taking care of your family, and staying solid when things get shaky.
He’s a father, too. If you follow him, you know his daughter is his world. He’s gone on record saying that Yo Gotti taught him that if you aren't taking care of your family, the hustle is pointless. That’s the "John" side of him—the side that worries about legacy and stability rather than just the next club hit.
What’s Next for Big Boogie?
As of 2026, the momentum hasn't slowed down. After the success of Redrum Wizard (that Gangsta Grillz tape with DJ Drama was legendary), he’s been touring non-stop. He’s performing in cities like Philadelphia, Atlanta, and New Orleans, proving that he can move a crowd anywhere, not just in the M-town.
He’s also leaned into his vulnerability. Songs like "Hurt Times Hurt" and "Mine" show a different side of John Lotts. He’s not just the guy dancing in the video with a stack of cash; he’s a man who has dealt with violence, loss, and the pressure of everyone depending on him.
What you can do next:
If you really want to understand the man behind the name, go back and listen to "Mental Healing" or "Life Story." You’ll hear the transition from John Lotts, the kid from Louisiana trying to find his way, to Big Boogie, the Memphis icon. It's a journey worth paying attention to. Keep an eye on his socials for his next tour dates—seeing the "Big Dude" energy in person is a completely different experience.