Catching up with rapper Boodah is hard these days. He’s been on a grueling press tour, answering the same questions many times over, but with a shine in his eyes and sincere enthusiasm. In a few hours, he will perform his single “Semano Mambo” from his new CD, Amame o Dispárame (Universal Music Latino) on LATV in West L.A. He wears his dark shades at 7 p.m., looks comfortable in his white G-UNIT shirt, jeans, a Buddha symbol around his neck and a do–rag protecting his braids.
The Mexican/Cuban rapero, never thought that the Spanish rap game would take him this far. He’s not what rapper Twista would call an overnight celebrity. This progression was years in the making, starting as a 16-year old in the San Fernando Valley, rapping with his boys and writing poetry to today, seeing his rewards about to bloom at the age of 28. Music was always around him so the transition to a rap career wasn’t far fetched. “It’s something I grew up around. It’s not like I had a choice,” he said. “There was so much around me. It’s part of my culture.” His environment inspires his lyrics. All Boodah does is think about his earlier years, mix that with what’s going on today and you have his story in music. “My reality is from the streets, what I go through. Money, having it, not having it, wanting to have it. My whole album is basically kind of like a hustle album. What I preach more than anything is: don’t be stupid with your money.”
“I’ve come up in neighborhoods where I’ve seen balers go at it. All of a sudden they’re doing a bid of 15.”
Boodah is an upcoming artist dominating the reggatone movement that’s slowly reaching die-hard and new fans in the States. He relates this new genre of music to hip-hop in its’ infancy, when some thought it wouldn’t last. “People are starting to recognize reggatone. Hopefully I’m in the right wave.”
He also understands that the rap is a game to be won. He doesn’t get caught up in the familiar traps of expensive rides, blind shiny jewelry or buying $1,500 worth of cognac. “I consider myself to be a realistic person, very logical. I know that money won’t last forever. I’m going to put that money to work any way I can.” And he does. He’s got a stake in a barbershop, clothing store, and is part of the family real estate business in West Palm, Florida.
Two nights later, at the House of Blues on Sunset, Boodah is part of the Urbano Moviemento 2004 show, which highlights up and coming Latino artists in Spanish Hip Hop. The midnight hour is drawing near and the natives are restless. Wearing his signature do-rag, dark shades and holding a champagne bottle, Boodah comes out on stage with friends and performed “Semana Mambo” to a weary crowd. As soon as the first beat drops, the energy is back and everyone joins in. He leaves the crowd feeling satisfied, heading back up to the VIP room where he’s earned a spot.
