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Other locales have risen to power over the past few decades, but New York City is still regarded as an epicenter for hip hop with the city’s five boroughs experiencing an uptick in rising talent with star potential. One of NYC’s most successful exports in recent years has been A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, who first gained a buzz off the strength of Highbridge the Label: The Takeover Vol. 1. The collaborative mixtape, which also featured partner-in-rhyme Don Q, lead to A Boogie and Highbridge The Label inking a record deal with Atlantic Records. This set the stage for the release of the rapper’s solo studio album, The Bigger Artist, as well as his sophomore effort, Hoodie SZN; the latter of which peaked atop the Billboard 200. However, in spite of his meteoric rise, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie continues to stay true to his roots. He makes it clear that every win for him is equally a win for The Bronx, as he continues to come into his own as a superstar.
In celebration of his loyalty to his stomping grounds, REVOLT highlights five ways A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie embodies the spirit of The Bronx, and how the borough informs his music and style.
1. Crew Love
As the home of rap greats like KRS-One and Fat Joe, The Bronx is no stranger to its native sons changing the game. A Boogie continued to carry on that tradition when he became the leader of Highbridge The Label, which he founded with his childhood friends Boogie Quincy “QP” Acheampong (CEO), Bubba (CFO), and Michel “Emm” Acheampong-Boateng (COO). Home to fellow BX rappers Don Q and Trap Manny, as well as A Boogie himself, Highbridge The Label is primed to become the next legendary collective out of the Boogie Down.
2. Hometown Pride
Since first bursting on to the scene with the singles “My Shit” and “Bag On Me,” A Boogie has worn his affection for The Bronx on his sleeve, openly repping his ties to the borough through songs and during interviews. To hail from the area is viewed as an honor for those in the hip hop community and beyond, as everyone from local residents to its biggest stars speak of the borough and its culture with an air of reverence.
3. His Swagger
Often referred to as hip hop’s birthplace, The Bronx helped establish what it means to be considered part of the culture by making itself the standard bearer for all things hip hop. The star’s infectious swagger can be credited in part to coming of age in the rough and tumble streets of the BX, where glamour and style underlies the gritty rules of engagement the borough is known for.
4. His Versatility
Growing up in a place as culturally rich and diverse as The Bronx, it’s only right that A Boogie possesses an innate ability to adapt his style to various sounds and sub-genres. Whether his appearance on a track calls for crooning or flexing his lyrical chops, The Bronx bomber is fully able to draw from his multiple influences and channel it through his artistry.
5. His Truck Jewelry
If you’ve ever walked the streets of The Bronx, you’re aware of the importance of one’s jewelry, which can reveal a lot about their personality. Following in the footsteps of the OG Slick Rick, A Boogie is the latest rapper out of the borough to make waves for his pricey collection of trinkets; which include gaudy chains, iced-out watches and an assortment of rings.
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