If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately or keep your ear to the ground in the Southern rap scene, you've definitely heard the name. But who is Big Boogie beyond the viral snippets and the high-energy stage presence? He isn't just another face in the crowded Memphis rap landscape. He’s a survivor. He is a father. Honestly, he is one of the most polarizing and charismatic figures to come out of the 901 in years.
Memphis music has always had a specific "grit." It’s a city built on the blues, Three 6 Mafia, and the heavy, rattling bass of the underground. Big Boogie—born John Lotts—fits right into that lineage while simultaneously breaking the mold. He’s signed to CMG (Collective Music Group), the powerhouse label run by Yo Gotti, which is basically the gold seal of approval in the streets. But his journey to that dotted line wasn't exactly a straight shot. It was messy. It was dangerous. It was, in many ways, a miracle.
From Louisiana to the M-Town: The Roots of John Lotts
A lot of people think he’s a Memphis native through and through. That’s actually a common misconception. Big Boogie was actually born in Louisiana. He moved to Memphis when he was a kid, and that's where the transformation happened. You can still hear a bit of that Southern bayou soul in his delivery, even when it's layered over a menacing Memphis beat.
The transition wasn't easy. Growing up in North Memphis, specifically areas like the Northside and various apartment complexes, exposed him to a reality that most people only see in movies. We are talking about genuine struggle. We're talking about wondering where the next meal comes from. This is the foundation of his "Redrum" persona—a name he often uses that reflects a darker, more aggressive side of his artistry.
He didn't just wake up and decide to rap. It was a necessity. In interviews, Boogie often talks about how he used music as a vent. He wasn't trying to be famous initially; he was just trying to stay sane. The streets of Memphis can swallow you whole if you don't have an outlet. For John Lotts, that outlet was rhythm.
The CMG Factor: Why Yo Gotti Bet the House on Him
Signing to CMG is like getting drafted into the NBA for a Memphis rapper. Yo Gotti doesn't just sign anyone. He looks for "hustle" and "longevity." When Gotti brought Big Boogie into the fold in 2020, it sent a shockwave through the city.
Why? Because Boogie brings something the rest of the roster doesn't: pure, unadulterated energy.
If Moneybagg Yo is the smooth, luxury-rap king and GloRilla is the anthemic powerhouse, Big Boogie is the live wire. He’s the guy who performs like his life depends on it. Watch a video of him on stage. He’s dancing. He’s sweating. He’s interacting with every single person in the front row. That's the Louisiana in him—that "Zandaba" energy.
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The Music That Defined the Name
You can't talk about who is Big Boogie without mentioning the songs that changed his life. "Mental Healing" is arguably his most important track. It’s not just a song; it’s a therapy session. In a genre that often prioritizes toughness and "acting hard," Boogie went the other way. He talked about his trauma. He talked about his daughter. He talked about the friends he lost.
- Mental Healing: A vulnerable look at PTSD and street life.
- Pussy Power: A massive club hit that showed his ability to make radio-ready records.
- Pop Out: The quintessential CMG collaboration.
Then there’s the dancing.
Some "traditionalist" rap fans poked fun at him early on for his dance moves. They thought it made him look "soft" or "goofy." They were wrong. He leaned into it. He turned those moves into a brand. Now, you can’t go to a club in the South without seeing people mimic his footwork the second the beat drops. He realized early on that entertainment is about more than just rhyming; it’s about a feeling.
Staying Independent in Spirit While Being Signed
Even with the backing of a major label machine, Boogie keeps a tight circle. He’s fiercely loyal to his "Big Dude" family. This isn't just a rap collective; it's a brotherhood of people who were with him when he was performing in tiny holes-in-the-wall for $200.
This loyalty is a double-edged sword in the industry. It keeps you grounded, but it also keeps you tied to the environment you’re trying to transcend. Boogie has been open about the difficulties of "making it out" while still feeling a responsibility to those he left behind. It’s a tension that fuels his best verses. He’s caught between the private jets of CMG and the porch steps of his old neighborhood.
What People Get Wrong About the "Redrum" Label
There’s a lot of chatter online about his nickname "Redrum." To the uninitiated, it sounds like he’s promoting violence. And yeah, his music can be violent. It’s a reflection of his environment. But if you listen to the deep cuts, "Redrum" is more about the death of his old self and the birth of the artist.
He’s a father first. If you follow him on Instagram, you see his daughter constantly. He isn't just "flexing" for the cameras; he’s showing a generation of young men in Memphis that you can be a "tough guy" and still be a present, doting father. That nuance is what makes him a "human-quality" artist. He isn't a caricature.
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The Struggles With the Law and the Industry
It hasn't been all gold chains and sold-out shows. Like many artists coming from his background, Big Boogie has faced significant legal hurdles. There were incidents involving shootings at his concerts—events he often had no direct control over but was blamed for by association.
In 2021, a shooting occurred following a caravan headed to a concert in Mississippi. It was a mess. It led to arrests and a lot of negative press. This is the reality of being a "street rapper" in America. Even when you're trying to do right, the shadow of your past or the environment of your fans can pull you back into the headlines for the wrong reasons.
He handled it by staying quiet and letting the music talk. He didn't go on a "Twitter rant." He didn't play the victim. He went back to the studio. That’s the difference between a flash-in-the-pan viral star and a career artist.
Why the "Underdog" Label Still Fits
Despite the millions of views, Big Boogie still carries an underdog chip on his shoulder. He isn't always mentioned in the same breath as the Lil Babys or the 21 Savages of the world. He’s okay with that. He dominates a specific niche: the "Pain Music" scene of the Deep South.
His flow is erratic. Sometimes he’s rapping ahead of the beat, sometimes he’s trailing behind it. It’s purposeful. It creates a sense of urgency, like he’s trying to get the words out before the song ends. This "untrained" sound is exactly what makes it authentic. It hasn't been polished by a hundred A&Rs in a boardroom in New York. It sounds like Memphis. It smells like BBQ smoke and swishers.
The Evolution of the Memphis Sound
We have to look at the context. Memphis is currently the center of the hip-hop universe. Between Pooh Shiesty (currently incarcerated), Key Glock, and the late Young Dolph, the city has a vice grip on the charts.
Who is Big Boogie in this hierarchy? He’s the soul.
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While others focus on the "trap" elements—the bricks, the cars, the jewelry—Boogie focuses on the internal struggle. He’s the descendant of 8Ball & MJG. He’s the one who makes you feel the humidity of a Tennessee summer.
Practical Insights: What You Can Learn From His Rise
If you're looking at Big Boogie’s career as a blueprint, there are a few things that stand out. These aren't just "rapper tips"—they are life lessons for anyone trying to build a brand in a noisy world.
- Vulnerability is a Superpower. Boogie’s biggest song is his most emotional one. People crave authenticity. Stop trying to look perfect and start being real about your "Mental Healing."
- Own Your Quirks. People laughed at his dancing. He made it his trademark. If you have something about you that’s "weird," that might be the very thing that makes you a millionaire.
- Loyalty Matters, But Growth is Mandatory. He stayed with his team, but he listened to Yo Gotti when it came to professionalizing his business. You have to evolve without selling out.
- The "Live" Experience is Everything. In a world of streaming, your ability to connect with people in person is your greatest asset. Boogie wins because he’s the best performer in the room.
Navigating the Future
What’s next? He’s been dropping projects at a frantic pace. Underrated, Final Destination, and the Realest series. He’s building a catalog that will sustain him long after the TikTok trends fade.
The biggest challenge for Big Boogie will be safety. It sounds grim, but it’s the truth. The rap game is dangerous right now, especially for artists who remain accessible to their communities. His ability to navigate the transition from "street legend" to "global superstar" without losing his life or his freedom is the only thing standing between him and legendary status.
He’s already proven he can rap. He’s proven he can dance. He’s proven he can sell records. Now, he just has to survive the fame.
Final Thoughts on the Big Boogie Phenomenon
So, who is Big Boogie? He’s a Louisiana-born, Memphis-raised survivor who turned his trauma into a rhythmic empire. He’s a key player in the CMG dynasty and a beacon for people who feel overlooked. He isn't just a rapper; he’s a testament to the idea that you can come from the absolute bottom and, through sheer force of will and a bit of "Zandaba" energy, change your family's trajectory forever.
If you want to understand the modern South, listen to his lyrics. Don’t just hear the bass; listen to the stories of the nights he spent in the dark, the friends he buried, and the daughter he’s building a kingdom for. That’s where the real story lies.
To truly appreciate his impact, go watch the "Mental Healing" music video, then immediately watch a live performance of "Pussy Power." The contrast between those two worlds is the essence of Big Boogie. He contains multitudes. He is both the saint and the sinner of the Memphis streets.
Actionable Next Steps to Explore His Music:
- Listen to the "Underrated" Album: This is the best entry point for new fans to understand his range.
- Watch the "Off the Porch" Interview: For a deeper look at his Louisiana roots and his move to Memphis.
- Follow the CMG YouTube Channel: Stay updated on his collaborations with Yo Gotti and the rest of the roster.
- Check Out "Mental Healing" Lyrics: Read them like poetry to see the depth of his songwriting beyond the beat.