WESTSIDE BOOGIE

Fusing West Coast rap techniques with nods to East Coast production styles, Compton rapper Westside Boogie gracefully balances regional loyalty and nationwide appeal. • Born in Compton, raised in Long Beach, Boogie grew up in the church and started out rapping about the Bible. When a friend at church introduced him to gangbanging, he switched to harder-edged lyrics. • After the 2009 birth of his son, Boogie enrolled in music-recording courses at Long Beach City College. Five years later, he delivered his debut mixtape, Thirst 48. • In 2015, Boogie dropped his blaring Jahlil Beats–produced single “Oh My” and his career-making project The Reach. Shortly after its release, Pitchfork called Boogie “one of the best young rappers in the country.” • Eminem gave Boogie a cosign in 2017 and signed him to his Shady Records label. Boogie’s 2019 debut album, Everythings for Sale, features Em on the track “Rainy Days.”