If you’ve never heard of lilbootycall, you’re not alone, but don’t let the name fool you. His name stems from his friends and women reaching out when all else planned goes wrong, hence the name booty call. “Hell no. People ask me that, but I named myself that because this is who I am,” he remarks when asked if he’ll ever change his name. The 22-year-old artist serves as one of Texas’ many emerging artists.
lilbootycall propelled to popularity in 2017 with his breakout single “Sailor Moon,” which has nearly 4.5 million Youtube views. The melancholy Soundcloud rap single details his struggles with dating and relationships. The song’s title stems from a critically-acclaimed 90s anime show of the same name. “Sailor Moon” arrives alongside other loosies that pay homage to anime, including songs like “Yugioh,” which has amassed nearly 2 million views since it’s release.
The Texas rapper unveiled his major-label debut, Jesus Said Run It Back, in late-June. The 11-track offering boasts high-profile features from GoldLink, Juicy J, and smaller acts like Cuco and Kwe$t. It also includes standout tracks like “777” and “Prescriptions,” which LBC dropped visuals for earlier this week. Check out our interview below:
Walk me through your childhood, what were your musical influences then?
For me, it was Kanye West, Meek Mill, Childish Gambino, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slim Thug and Paul Wall for sure. As of now, or my teenage years, Travis Scott, Tyler, The Creator, Mac Miller. I fucking love Mac Miller. Wiz Khalifa too.
Do you ever get overlooked because of your name?
Yeah (laughs).
Do you think you’ll ever change it?
Hell no. People ask me that, but I named myself that because this is who I am. This is my name and it stands because this is the life I live. I’m not going to change it.
Let’s talk about Jesus Said Run It Back, How did you come up with the title?
Before I became a professional artist, I lived a different life. I wasn’t really a popular kid so I was fucked with a lot. I feel like I had to deal with being bullied, depress, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and all of that crazy stuff. Thoughts that I learned how to cope with. I feel like Jesus gave me another life as an artist with potential, a voice. To speak to the youth and the word to show people how to cope and express themselves. I feel like Jesus was like “yo, run that shit back.” Like, you lived that life. We’re going to run it back and you’re going to get a second chance.
What’s your favorite song on it and why?
I really like all of them ’cause it’s me. I can listen to the whole thing straight through.
What was it like working GoldLink & Juicy J on your last project?
It was pretty lit. I didn’t get to meet them in person, but when I was making the record I was like “I can totally see Juicy J on this. I can totally see GoldLink on this.” My people reached out to their people and we got it cracking. It was really dope working with Juicy J because I grew up on Three 6 Mafia ’cause I’m from San Antonia, Texas. I thought it was really dope working with someone I grew up.
You’re from Texas which happens to be the home of Travis Scott and Megan Thee Stallion. What artists from your hometown would you love to work with?
Paul Wall and Slim Thug for sure. Travis Scott but I don’t know about that one ’cause that might be hard to pull.
What’s next for lilbootycall?
I have a 12-stop tour coming up next month. I’m thinking about releasing another project sometime this year in the winter or early next year. I just want to keep hustling and putting out music. Go stream Jesus Said Run It Back out on all platforms now.
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