When you were a teenager, your group The Pack was signed to a major label. But as a solo artist, you’ve never wanted that. Why not?

It’s not that I never did, I just knew I could do things myself, and I liked having control of the Lil B experience. I wasn’t trying to split up anything with nobody. I don’t have any contracts, so I don’t have to split any money up. That was my main thing—just making sure I’m taking care of myself and taking care of Lil B. Just learning to survive, for myself and as a human in America. I’m definitely not opposed to major labels.

Why do it yourself then?

That’s just naturally how it came. As an artist, I just loved hearing my verses. I loved hearing myself rap. And I’m an only child.

What did your mom think of you becoming a rapper?

She was not the biggest supporter and not the biggest motivator of me personally. She didn’t really believe in my dreams until I made her believe in them. But she came around once she saw people starting to gravitate toward me.

Where did “based” come from? As The Pack, you called yourselves “based boys.”

It really came from tripping, just tripping out. It was something that we all embraced, and it was something that I really took to heart. I just took it to that next level, just with being loyal to based.

When did Based God start being a thing?

After I started based freestyling. Just spending a lot of time learning about myself and entering a higher level within my mind. I was exploring my mind, and I ended up finding the Based God.

For years, you released music almost constantly—a new mixtape every month. But that’s slowed down recently. Why?

I wanted to live a little bit this year. I wanted to refocus my meditation and get in tune with the art, in tune with the music. In order to get new things to rap about, you’ve gotta live. I don’t want to force anything.

With your TV appearances, a lot of people are getting to know you from things besides music. Does that worry you?

Nah, it doesn’t worry me. My music speaks for itself. I’ve always had a plan. All this is just extra for me. It’s not like I asked for it.

Do you think you’ll write another book?

Yup, always in the process. Been in the process for years now. People definitely want it, but I’m keeping it private and putting that away.