Big Boogie opens up about dealing with Memphis street politics while signing with Yo Gotti’s CMG label.
The rapper explained how he stayed away from the violence in a city that has seen the murders of high-profile rappers in recent years, notably Young Dolph and Sayso P.
“A lot of people put themselves in positions where they have to pick a side,” Big Boogie told Cam Newton. “They already know what side you’re on. They know what’s going on. They know which chain you represent, right? No matter what. No matter what. For me, I don’t talk business to anybody. Never talk business. Like, never.”
The Memphis native broke what he calls the city’s unspoken rules. Big Boogie emphasizes that many artists create their own problems by getting involved in conflicts that don’t directly concern them.
Big Boogie’s comments come as Memphis hip-hop remains divided into two camps.
Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG) represents one side, while the late Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire (PRE) remains in opposition following his murder in 2021.
The CMG artist emphasized his business-first mentality when discussing potential conflicts. He made it clear that being signed to Gotti’s label does not automatically make him a target or require him to engage in public controversy.
“Of course, I’m CMG. So, a lot of people do talk about CMG, do I have the right to open my mouth and try to take it on the internet? No. For what?” Big Boogie said. “You’re not spitting on me. You’re not holding a chain. You’re not calling me names, beating me, exchanging bullets. We don’t even know each other, bro.”
The rapper’s approach reflects a calculated distance from Memphis street politics. Big Buggy explained that public response should be determined by personal involvement, not label affiliation or neighborhood loyalty.
Young Dolph’s November 2021 murder heightened tensions in the Memphis hip-hop community.
The conflict dates back to 2014, when Dolph publicly said he turned down an invitation to join the Gotti label. The rivalry escalated through diss tracks, shootings, and public confrontations, culminating in a fatal finale over Makeda’s homemade butter cookies.
Prosecutors say Yo Gotti’s brother Anthony “Big Jook” Mims paid Dolph $100,000 as part of an ongoing feud between CMG and Paper Route Empire.
Prosecutors revealed disturbing details during Jan Dorf’s trial. Cornelius Smith testified that he and Justin Johnson each received $40,000 for the hit song. Hernandez Govan allegedly masterminded the plot and was paid $20,000.
Johnson was sentenced to life in prison. Govan was acquitted and Smith has yet to be sentenced.
Big Jock was murdered outside a Memphis restaurant in January 2024 in what appeared to be a targeted assassination.
Big Boogie distances itself from the violence while acknowledging the realities of Memphis. He emphasized that artists can succeed without getting involved in conflicts that don’t directly involve them.
“If your name isn’t mentioned, or there’s nothing like that, why express your opinion? You know you’re going to be in the shoes of this brand. There’s no point in being with you, with these people.”
Big Boogie positions itself as focused on wealth creation rather than street cred, emphasizing its role as a businessman first and rejecting the traditional “OG” mentality that often leads to conflict.
“I’m too busy being the CEO, not the OG,” he declared. “I’m trying to be the real daughter that I’m done with. You know what I’m saying? I’m on that path. I’m a fucking big brother.”
