While behind bars serving eight-years for drug related charges, Lil Boosie opened up to SPIN magazine about how prison and all of the struggles he's gone through have changed him and helped him to grow into a stronger more determined man.  His overall outlook on life has changed dramatically since he was sent to prison.

"I've coped by knowing in my heart that I'm someone special who many people love. If you lose hope in yourself, you'll make your time hard.  I always felt that my mission wasn't complete. I feel I haven't reached the star power that was destined for me. That makes me keep writing and thinking of ways to better myself as a man and artist...this situation forced me to look at things differently. I had to suffer to learn things about myself, those surrounding me, and God. He put me through this pain for me to come back stronger.

"I have about 500 songs at the moment.  I feel that I'm making the best music I've ever made. The more I go through in life the better my music gets and it's been crazy the last three years. I keep my music heartfelt and stick to making real music. I wouldn't even say it's Hip Hop music. My music is 'reality rap.' Hip Hop music can make you dance and bob your head, but it can't make you cry or touch your heart like reality rap.

"I just felt the world needed to hear my life story so those who don't understand certain things that I rap about, like the struggle, will understand that it's the struggle that made me who I am today.  I want people to know that it's bigger than rap with me. I have a good heart. I want people who never took the time out to listen to me, to give me a chance."

Source: hiphopblog.com