After five years of incarceration, rapper and Baton Rouge native Lil Boosie has been released from prison.
Boosie held a press conference Monday at the W Hotel in New Orleans to address questions about his release and his future as an artist. Projector screens covered the walls of the conference room as two golden throne-like chairs sat on the center of the stage, awaiting the rapper’s arrival.
Lil Boosie, also known as Torrence Hatch, was arrested on drug charges in 2009. After violating his probation, Boosie’s sentence was doubled to eight years at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. He served 52 months before his release and is currently on probation, which could last up to four years.
Boosie has had a strong support system during his career. His family and fellow artists, such as Bun B, Webbie and Jeezy, were in attendance to celebrate his homecoming.
The rap artist has a large following, and his fan base has grown despite his years away from the public eye. Boosie further explained that in the beginning of his career his sole purpose was to raise enough money to help his family. As his popularity grew, he realized the effect his music had on his listeners.
“The support system I have now is insane,” Boosie said. “I’m getting letters from fans in Europe and Australia.”
During the press conference, Boosie said he intends to remain with his current record label, Trill Entertainment. He also revealed that he wrote 1,018 songs while in prison on a variety of topics. Boosie mentioned he is already recording material for his next album, which will feature artists like Jeezy and Lil Wayne. He is planning a tour to begin later this spring.
“I’ve got more stories to tell about my life and my family,” Boosie said.
The rapper said he has written his own movie, titled “Boosie: The Movie,” which he hopes to release in theaters later this year. Boosie said he would like to venture into acting after the release of his album.
Angela Yee, radio personality for 105.1 FM and host of the press conference, said the event was “huge for the hip-hop community.”
“He said, ‘There’s no king of the South right now,’ and that title is his for the taking,” Yee said.
Rumors of Boosie’s prison release began rising in early 2014. The dates changed multiple times before the March release was confirmed.
“I had more release dates than Jordan,” Boosie said.
Roy Maughan, a member of Boosie’s legal team and University alumnus, elaborated on the changes in Boosie’s release dates. Maughan said the shift in dates was caused by the court’s assessment of the good deeds Boosie did while incarcerated.
“He participated in things like anger management and drug awareness, which reduced his time,” Maughan said. “It was just a matter of determining how shortened it was.”
Boosie said he is most excited about returning to the top of rap music and being able to take care of his family.
“This is who I really do it for, my family,” Boosie said. “I want them to live the best life possible and I know I can make that happen.”
“I’ve got more stories to tell about my life and my family.”