Boosie had a major moment of redemption and recognition this past weekend at Funk Fest in Jacksonville, Florida, as he was awarded not one—but two—honorary doctorate degrees, transforming the rapper into Dr. Hatch. The vibe shifted from concert to commencement as he stepped on stage in full academic regalia, receiving honors that celebrated his impact on music and culture.
The awards came courtesy of Kingdom Heritage University, which recognized Boosie for his influence in Music Composition and Music Management. As he accepted the degrees, the crowd erupted in celebration, showing love to an artist whose journey has been anything but traditional.
A rep from the university delivered a powerful message that hit home: “Your pain has not been wasted, your platform has a purpose. Your legacy is just beginning. We know your name as Lil Boosie, heaven will now know you as Dr. Hatch.” It was a statement that echoed years of resilience, struggle, and unfiltered expression—hallmarks of Boosie’s career.
Boosie later hopped on Instagram to reflect on the moment, beaming with pride: “I’m a doctor, dog. Doctor Hatch.” His joy was unmistakable, especially following a rough day in court just 24 hours prior.
On May 10th, Boosie faced a legal setback when a court overturned the dismissal of his firearm possession case. The charges date back to a 2023 incident, where he was allegedly seen with a gun during an Instagram Live session. While the legal tide turned against him, the very next day delivered something much more meaningful.
“I was down on Friday, but Saturday came and Heritage University made me a doctor,” Boosie shared with fans online. “They can never take this away from me.”
In true Boosie fashion, the moment was bigger than a title—it was about validation, legacy, and rising above the noise. With two honorary degrees and a new name to match, Dr. Hatch reminded everyone that no matter the headlines, his story is still being written.