Boots Riley

Rapper, Producer, Screenwriter & Director; Known for "Sorry To Bother You"

Travels From Travels From:
Oakland, CA, USA
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Boots Riley Biography

Raymond Lawrence Riley, better known by his stage name Boots Riley, is an American rapper, producer, screenwriter and film director. He is the lead vocalist of The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club. His feature film directorial debut Sorry to Bother You, which he also wrote, was released in July 2018 and received positive reviews from critics.

In 1991, Riley founded the political hip hop group The Coup with a fellow United Parcel Service worker E-roc. Pam the Funkstress, DJ for the group, joined in 1992. Boots was chief lyric writer and produced the music on the albums. They released a song on a 1991 compilation album called Dope Like a Pound or a Key along with fellow former UPS worker Spice-1 and future Thug Life member Mopreme Shakur, then known as Mocedes. The album was released on Wax That Azz Records, which was owned by Pierre "The Beat Fixer" James, Too Short's DJ.

In 1992, The Coup signed to Wild Pitch Records/EMI. The group released their debut album Kill My Landlord in 1993. Two singles from that album, Dig It and Not Yet Free, received play on BET, Yo! MTV Raps, and mix shows on national Black radio.

In 1994, The Coup released their second album, Genocide & Juice. It featured guest appearances by E-40 and Spice-1. Fueled by video play and some radio play for the single Fat Cats And Bigga Fish, the album shot up the charts, but stalled when EMI suddenly absorbed Wild Pitch. At this point, E-roc left The Coup on amicable terms.

At this time, Boots decided to stop making music in favor of forming an organization called The Young Comrades, with a few other radical, black community organizers. The organization mounted a few important campaigns in Oakland which yielded some minor victories, such as the campaign against Oakland's "no cruising" ordinance.

In 2002, Riley taught a daily high school class, "Culture and Resistance: Persuasive Lyric Writing", at the School of Social Justice and Community Development in East Oakland.

In 2003, Vibe Magazine named Boots Riley one of the 10 most influential people of 2002.

During the fall of 2011, Riley became heavily involved with the Occupy Oakland movement.

In 2018, Boots Riley made his directorial debut with Sorry to Bother You which received critical acclaim.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/01/2025.

Boots Riley Videos

  • Boots Riley Talks About His New Series ‘I’m A Virgo’: A Must-Watch Show
    Boots Riley, the mastermind behind the movie Sorry to Bother You, has been making waves with his new TV series, ‘I’m A Virgo’. This new series...
  • Jharrel Jerome & Boots Riley On ‘I’m a Virgo’ | SXSW 2023
    Jharrel Jerome & Boots Riley share why they wanted to tell the unique story of 'I’m a Virgo’ and the practical effects that went in it while...

FAQs on booking Boots Riley

  • How do I book Boots Riley to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Boots Riley for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Boots Riley, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Boots Riley or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Boots Riley

    Speaking fees for Boots Riley, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Boots Riley are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Boots Riley, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Boots Riley speak about?

    Boots Riley is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actors, Anti-Racism, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Creativity, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Music, Social Activism, Television & Film.
  • Where does Boots Riley travel from?

    Boots Riley generally travels from Oakland, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Boots Riley’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Boots Riley for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Boots Riley for your next private or corporate function.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Boots Riley or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
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Boots Riley is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Boots Riley for your event is $50,000 - $100,000. Boots Riley generally travels from Oakland, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Spike Lee, Issa Rae, F. Gary Gray, Janelle Monáe and Ice Cube. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Boots Riley for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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