Boosie Badazz has come a long way since his humble trap beginnings as “Lil’ Boosie”. Although he has experienced his share of success in the rap game, he’s also had a multitude of problems with the law which led to him being incarcerated for five years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary. You can Google those incidents if you’d like, because we’re going to focus on the evolution of the man and his music. His time behind bars, compounded by the time away from his family has molded his morals as well as his principles. He has now become a reflection of what the streets need; a spokesperson who has seen it all, but overall sees the bigger picture now. He’s now taking the OG position, putting others on to game since he’s witnessed and experienced heaven and hell. He’s been planning his comeback since he was released from prison early March 2014, and his first offering to the rap game since being incarcerated is a solid one. No, this isn’t like that instance when Mase came back as a pastor, only to revert to “Murda Ma$e”. You can tell that Boosie has gotten his mind as well as his principles in order and is ready to continue his career on the correct path. The quality of music on this album truly reflects this notion. Though his subject matter and intent has changed, we still get the same signature Boosie sound throughout the project.
In 2013, while still in prison, Boosie stated that he refers to his music as “reality rap” and that phrase perfectly sums up what he offers on Touchdown to Cause Hell. The intro to the album is very aggressive and will induce the “ugly face” as soon as you hear it. The drums, sample, piano keys, bassline, and his machine gun flow make it a memorable one.
The next two songs dive into Boosie’s psyche on a more serious note. “Windows Of My Eyes” is a reflection on the life he’s leading while locked in his jail cell. He’s reflecting on all the things that are going on in the world while he’s stuck in a box. He’s getting older, missing his family, and people are also assassinating his character. He states, “I’m mad for being Boosie, so sad my eyes hurt/ Only way the sun shine, I get out the rain first.” He understands that in order to live the life he wants to as a free man, he has to pay his dues and serve his time first. “Mercy On My Soul” is a hood sermon preached to us by Boosie and Jeezy with the harmonization of Akelee, which sets a tranquil tone. The chemistry that has been built between Jeezy and Boosie is irrefutable, and the two take off from where they left on “Beez Like” off Jeezy’s album Seen It All: The Autobiography. This song is another reflection piece where each MC questions the decisions they made in their past as they speak about the hard times they went through in retrospect to their current position.
The next maneuver in Boosie’s comeback plan was to collaborate with two of the biggest, young trap stars today. “Like a Man” and “On Deck” feature Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug respectively. These two songs are musical departures from the previous few tracks where he takes help from the two artists for their patented hook treatment.
Boosie gets aggressive once again, as displayed on the intro, on “Retaliation”. “I ride for my niggas, I die for my n*ggas, we searching for blood. Retaliation”, Boosie harmonizes on the hook. The London on da Track produced track is an ode to those who did Boosie wrong, or thinks they can cross him. Long time friend Webbie lends his helping hand on “On That Level” and “Hip Hop Hooray”, and it’s definitely refreshing to see these two southern veterans together once again. “On That Level” in particular is one of those bangers that makes you think about strippers and dollar bills.
We shift tones once again with “Black Heaven” ft. the two Coles, Keyshia and Jermaine. Boosie paints a picture of how Heaven looks at the moment, naming famous icons we’ve lost, all living in harmony together. They’re looking down at us and smiling, knowing that we’re doing what we can to live better. The mood shifts on Touchdown are effective; shifting from somber tones to cut-throat cadence. The following few tracks have a more mainstream appeal that could bubble on the charts. “She Don’t Love Me” is a description of a ride or die chick that isn’t holding it down like she should. Chris Brown lends a helping hand on the hook, and this sounds like it could be single potential in the future.
Touchdown 2 Cause Hell is a solid delivery from Boosie Badazz, although it has its weak moments every now and then, one of them being the monotonous subject matter of reality rap. The flow of the album constantly switches throughout the nineteen tracks; bouncing from solemn to contentious every couple of songs which is definitely appreciated. He’s in a different place in life now than where he was in early stages of his career, and this album verifies that. Boosie seems to be exhibiting the age old wine characteristics — he’s getting better with age. We’re excited to see what else he has in store for us as he continues his growth as an artist and a man.
Repeatable: “Black Heaven”, “She Don’t Love Me”, “Get Em Boosie”
Skippable: “Kicking Clouds”
– by Kelly Velez