Personal Details :
- Full Name: Brandon Christopher McCartney
- Stage Name: Lil B, The BasedGod
- Date of Birth: August 17, 1989
- Birthplace: Berkeley, California, USA
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Black
- Education: Attended Albany High School in Albany, California
- Religion: Christian
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Black
- Marital Status: Single
- Children: None
- Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
- Profession: Rapper, songwriter, author, motivational speaker
Social Media Presence :
- Twitter: LILBTHEBASEDGOD
- Instagram: lilbisgod
- YouTube: LilBTheBasedGod
- Facebook: LilBTheBasedGod
- OnlyFans: LilBTheBasedGod
Career Overview :
Born on August 17, 1989, in Berkeley, California, Brandon Christopher McCartney, known professionally as Lil B and The BasedGod, began his musical journey in the mid-2000s. He first gained attention as a member of the hip-hop group The Pack, known for their breakout hit “Vans” in 2006. The group’s success led to a recording contract with Jive Records and the release of their debut album, Based Boys, in 2007. Despite the initial success, The Pack disbanded in 2010, and Lil B embarked on a prolific solo career.
As a solo artist, Lil B distinguished himself with an unconventional and prolific approach to music. He released numerous mixtapes, often self-produced, showcasing a blend of hip-hop, cloud rap, and experimental sounds. Notable releases include Baseworld Pt. 1 (2007), which introduced his unique “based” philosophy, and I’m Gay (I’m Happy) (2010), an album that challenged societal norms and received critical acclaim for its positive messages and innovative beats.
In 2011, Lil B released Angels Exodus, a more introspective project that marked a departure from his earlier work. The album, produced by Clams Casino and 9th Wonder, received mixed reviews but was noted for its artistic growth. Over the next few years, Lil B continued to release a series of mixtapes, including Red Flame: Devil Music Edition (2011) and Thugged Out Pissed Off (2015), further solidifying his reputation as a prolific and boundary-pushing artist.
One of his most significant releases came in 2017 with the mixtape Black Ken. The project was self-produced and received critical acclaim for its stylistic versatility and improvement over his previous work. Critics highlighted the 1980s West Coast hip-hop influences and considered it a more considered and structured statement than his previous releases.
Throughout his career, Lil B has been known for his extensive use of social media to build an online cult following. He popularized the term “based,” promoting a lifestyle of positivity and boldness. His influence extends beyond music, as he has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and has been a vocal advocate for mental health and personal well-being.
Personal Life & Interests :
Brandon Christopher McCartney, known professionally as Lil B, was born on August 17, 1989, in Berkeley, California. Growing up in the Bay Area, he was influenced by a diverse range of musical genres, including the sounds of Lenny Kravitz, DEVO, and New Edition, thanks to his mother’s eclectic taste. His early life experiences, such as dealing with childhood constipation, shaped his resilience and unique perspective on life.
Throughout his career, Lil B has been a vocal advocate for positivity, self-love, and empathy. He often emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and has encouraged fans to embrace a “Based” lifestyle—a philosophy centered around being true to oneself and spreading love. This ethos is evident in his public appearances, where he frequently engages with fans and promotes messages of unity and understanding .
Beyond his musical endeavors, Lil B has a deep appreciation for nature and the arts. He has expressed a love for photography, particularly capturing images of natural landscapes, and has showcased his work in art exhibitions. His connection to nature reflects his broader worldview, which values authenticity and emotional expression .
In terms of personal relationships, Lil B maintains a supportive connection with his family. While he acknowledges the challenges of growing up in a dysfunctional household, he emphasizes the strength and intelligence of the family members who have remained a part of his life. Their support has been instrumental in his journey, providing him with the strength to navigate the complexities of fame and personal growth.
Overall, Lil B’s personal life and interests are deeply intertwined with his artistic expression. His commitment to positivity, his appreciation for the arts, and his strong family bonds all contribute to the multifaceted persona that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Net Worth :
As of 2025, Lil B’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $7 million, according to various sources. His wealth is primarily derived from his prolific music career, which includes solo projects and collaborations with the Bay Area hip-hop group The Pack. Additionally, Lil B has diversified his income through motivational speaking engagements, book sales, and online ventures.
In 2009, he released a book titled Takin’ Over by Imposing the Positive!, which encapsulates his “based” philosophy—a lifestyle centered around positivity and self-confidence. He has also engaged in various philanthropic efforts and has been involved in discussions about mental health and personal well-being.
Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success on the scale of some of his peers, Lil B’s influence in internet culture and his dedicated fanbase have contributed to his financial success. His unique approach to music and public persona have solidified his place in hip-hop history.
Awards & Achievements :
- O Music Award Nominations (2011): Nominated for ‘Fan Army FTW’ and ‘Must Follow Artist on Twitter’ for his album Task Force.
- Influential Artist Recognition: Acknowledged by artists like Kendrick Lamar and Playboi Carti for his impact on hip-hop culture and internet influence. Kendrick Lamar praised Lil B as one of the most influential rappers, stating, “Thank you BasedGod. Teaching us all how to swag in videos. You and Wayne most influential.”
- Motivational Speaking Engagements: Invited to speak at prestigious institutions such as New York University, UCLA, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon University, sharing his philosophy of positivity and self-expression.
- NBA Blessings and Curses: Famously ‘blessed’ teams like the Golden State Warriors and ‘cursed’ players such as James Harden, becoming a unique figure in sports culture.
- Artistic Influence: Released the mixtape Black Ken in 2017, which received critical acclaim for its stylistic versatility and improvement over his previous work. Critics highlighted the 1980s West Coast hip-hop influences and considered it a more considered and structured statement than his previous releases.
Fun Facts :
- Lil B is known as “The BasedGod,” a nickname that represents his unique philosophy of positivity and authenticity.
- He once followed over 1.3 million people on Twitter, setting a record for most accounts followed by a single user.
- Lil B famously “cursed” NBA star James Harden in 2015, jokingly predicting he would never win an NBA championship.
- He has released over 50 mixtapes, showcasing an incredibly prolific and experimental approach to music.
- Lil B is also a motivational speaker and has given talks at universities like MIT and UCLA.
- He launched his own line of energy drinks called “Based Energy.”
- Lil B incorporates elements of internet meme culture and social media trends into his music and persona.
- He has a tattoo of the phrase “Based God” on his neck.