Boots Riley

My shoes used to wrap.

Every time my soles hit the street, they would flap.

Then in high school, Langston Anderson would cap because my jacket didn't have a brand name on it.

Back years later, this lady took me to her apartment.

It looked like the Macy's sportswear department.

Clothes on the chairs, on the couch, in the carpet.

A 20 had me icy like **** in the Arctic.

If it wasn't for the hard work of a booster, most couldn't go to the clubs that were used to.

If you don't fit the dress code, they'll boot you.

Like people who ain't dressed up won't.

Thanks.

Thanks for having me.

Well, I have been a broke rapper for a long time, having to stay fly.

You know, it's just a job requirement.

And so I've definitely had to deal with a lot of boosters.

When I wrote that song 20 years ago, it was a lifetime of experience.

And also just saw how much of a service it provided a community who's, in my case, the Black community.

I don't think they only exist in the Black community.

A community whose style is inspiring these things that are costing more than people can afford with the income that they have.

Yeah, it's funny because online there's this whole debate about where that term came from.