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Five Things Lil B Could've Done To Protect His Buzz

A little over a year ago, oddball West Coast rapper Lil B seemed to be on quite an impressive run, garnering praise and attention from growing fanatics and glassy-eyed critics alike. In fact, record labels were interested to take part in the Lil B'Mania. However, a year—filled with everything from landing on the 2011 <em>XXL</em> Freshman cover to a feature alongside Lil Wayne—later, the Based God's steam seems to have finally run its course. Just recently, the Berkeley, CA native revealed that he would release a track with Drake. Though it's uncertain whether or not the collaboration will happen (what's the status on those promised tracks with Lupe Fiasco and Jay Electronica?), Based God's buzz doesn't seem to be where it once was a year ago. Looking at several possible factors behind his decline, <em>XXL</em> came up with five ways Lil B could've maintained his once bubbling momentum. <em>Everything Based</em>...—<em>XXL Staff</em> (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/xxlstaff">@XXLStaff</a>)

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<strong>Stay With <em>I'm Gay</em> Album Title</strong>

After causing a stir with his controversial album title last year, pressure from critics caused B to change it from its original name. Though he defended his reasoning for the change, and the album was well-received, B loss points from fans because at the end of the day he gave into the media's outcry. "One-hundred years later, people gonna thank me, because people are going to be free. I'm not gonna stop and I'm not scared of anybody on Earth. That's why I [titled the album <em>I'm Gay</em>] and nobody gonna stop me," is what he initially said about the LP.

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<strong>Drop Less Number of Mixtapes</strong>

B's been releasing mixtapes one after another and though it's not a bad move considering his Based World fanatics, it appears his releases are more aimless than strategic. Cutting back could allow fans enough time to digest each offering and also anticipate the next. Not that there are much contents for cerebral <em>digestion</em>, but they're fans of Lil B to begin with so what's there to discuss?

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<strong>Cool Down On the Cross Dressing</strong>

While B is eccentric in his own right, his latest praxis of wearing women's clothing is a bit too much to bare. It's as if he's trying a little too hard to stand out. Just keep 'Cooking'!

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<strong>Work On A Collaborative Album With 9th Wonder</strong>

On March 9th, 2011, 9th Wonder, Phonte and Jean Grae set the blogosphere ablaze after the trio joined forces with Lil B to release the track “Base For Your Face.” The head-scratching collaboration saw the “Look Like Jesus” rapper step up to the plate alongside two respected wordsmiths, spitting bars that weren't impressive, but quite <em>impressive</em> knowing the rapper's previous efforts. What better way to capitalize on the reception than by linking with 9th to craft a whole collaborative project.

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<strong>Sign With YMCMB</strong>

Last summer, the Based God was spotted hanging with the YMCMB crew at Miami's LIV nightclub (seen above wearing the red hoody) and was even featured on Lil Wayne's buzzing <em>Sorry 4 the Wait</em> mixtape, joining the Louisianimal on the highlight track “Grove St. Party.” Signing with the team at this point could create some news stories. Having an album release date with a <a href="http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2012/05/breakdown-young-money-cash-money-billionaires-current-roster/">roster that deep</a>, though? Good luck.