Die Young

"Die Young" by Roddy Ricch is a poignant and introspective exploration of the anxieties and realities faced by a young man navigating success while haunted by the specter of premature death. The song was penned on the night of rapper XXXTentacion's murder and serves as a tribute to him, as well as other young artists like Lil Snupe and Speaker Knockerz who died young. More personally, it is also a dedication to a childhood friend of Ricch's who was killed in a high-speed chase. The central theme is a defiant refusal to succumb to the violent fate that has claimed many of his peers. Ricch articulates a deep-seated fear of being killed at a young age, a fear so pervasive that it necessitates carrying a gun for protection, encapsulated in the line, "I ain't tryna die young, so I gotta ride with one." The lyrics juxtapose the opulence of his new life—Balenciagas, Rolex watches, a Porsche—with the constant threat of violence and paranoia. This creates a narrative of a survivor who has achieved immense success but cannot escape the trauma and dangers of his past. He touches on themes of survival, loyalty, and the psychological toll of street life, including battling depression. The famous aphorism, "I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six," reinforces his survivalist mentality, choosing the possibility of a prison sentence over death. Ultimately, the song is a melancholic anthem about resilience, the desire to live a full life despite harrowing circumstances, and a reflection on the tragic trend of young legends dying before their time.

The song opens with a declaration of intent, a refusal to become another statistic of premature death that plagues the streets. This isn't just a passive wish; it's a statement of necessity, backed by the grim reality that survival often requires carrying a weapon for self-defense. The narrator stands firm, grounded in his expensive Balenciaga shoes, a symbol of his hard-won success, yet acutely aware of the dangers that surround him. He recounts a violent encounter, a 'shotta' or shooter, attacking, forcing a cold-hearted response in kind. This cycle of violence is underpinned by a core belief: it's better to face a jury of twelve for defending oneself than to be carried to a grave by six pallbearers. This sentiment is both a personal mantra and a widely understood street creed. The wealth, symbolized by a flashy wrist that can easily cover bail, stands in stark contrast to the existential dread. The narrator questions a tragic pattern: why do the most talented and influential individuals—the legends—so often meet an early demise?

As he moves through his city, the paranoia is palpable. He has to stay armed, a laser beam sight on his weapon, because the money he carries, literally bursting from his pockets, makes him a target. He is acutely aware of the envy and hate his success has generated. The acquisition of a Rolex watch becomes a metaphor for his new status; he no longer has time for trivialities or fake friends. His success, like flawless diamonds, cannot be diminished. He reflects on his come-up, comparing his rise in the Los Angeles rap scene to the basketball player DeMar DeRozan's prominence. He is surrounded by a tight-knit circle, a defense against those who would do him harm. The feeling of being cornered, of walls closing in despite his success, is a persistent theme. He remembers leaving the porch, a symbol of home and safety, and stepping directly into a high-end Porsche, a testament to his ambition to be the main event, not a secondary character. He drives his Rolls-Royce with a sense of entitlement born from overcoming adversity.

The narrative then delves deeper into the past, painting a picture of his hustle. He recalls trapping out of basements with his crew, counting large sums of cash, and stashing it in the mattress—a classic, if not entirely secure, method of hiding money. He asserts his authenticity and resilience, stating that anyone else in his position would have folded under the pressure. The hustle paid off, returning his investment tenfold. This success necessitates a low profile, hiding behind tinted windows to stay out of the way of danger. He revisits a period of intense struggle, fighting federal cases and battling depression with 'syrup' (a reference to lean or codeine cough syrup), which made him move slow. Despite being at his lowest point, he maintained his resolve and kept his head up, driven by the need to make money and, above all, to avoid dying young. The song's central plea is repeated, a powerful and recurring motif that encapsulates the core message of survival against the odds.

"Die Young" was written by Roddy Ricch on June 18, 2018, the same night he learned about the murder of fellow rapper XXXTentacion. The song was created during a period when Ricch was reflecting on the frequent deaths of young, talented individuals in the hip-hop community and the streets. In an interview, Ricch explained he was in a mode of thinking about artists like Speaker Knockerz and Lil Snupe, and wanted to create something in their memory while also raising awareness about this tragic trend. The song also holds a deep personal significance, as it was inspired by the death of one of his own best friends in a high-speed chase, an event that deeply scarred him as he was just beginning to achieve financial success.

The track was produced by London On Da Track and Rex Kudo. Their production provides a somber, melodic trap beat with "light, twinkling keys" that create a stark contrast to the dark and heavy lyrical content. Roddy Ricch doesn't write his lyrics down before recording; instead, he enters the studio and expresses his innermost thoughts and feelings at that moment, which contributes to the raw, authentic emotion of the track. The song was released on July 20, 2018, as the lead single from his mixtape Feed Tha Streets II. The accompanying music video, directed by JDFilms, was released shortly after on July 23, 2018.

"Die Young" utilizes a fluid rhyme scheme and rhythmic structure that are characteristic of the melodic trap genre. The song doesn't adhere to a rigid, traditional rhyme pattern like AABB, but instead employs a more free-flowing structure with frequent use of slant rhymes and internal rhymes to connect lines and ideas. For example, in the hook, "one" and "young" create a perfect rhyme, but the subsequent lines rely on assonance and looser connections like "six" and "wrist."

The rhythm is driven by a mid-tempo trap beat, characterized by prominent hi-hats and a deep 808 bassline. Ricch's vocal delivery is rhythmically complex, shifting between a sung melody and a more percussive rap flow. He often stretches syllables and varies his cadence to emphasize certain words and emotions, creating a conversational and heartfelt feel. This interplay between his lyrical rhythm and the underlying beat is crucial to the song's emotional weight. The pacing feels deliberate and contemplative, mirroring the introspective nature of the lyrics. The melodic hooks are rhythmically simple and memorable, which helped the song gain widespread appeal, while the verses contain more intricate and syncopated flows that showcase his technical skill as a rapper.

Roddy Ricch's "Die Young" showcases a blend of literary and musical techniques that define his melodic, emotionally resonant style.

• Vocal Delivery: Ricch employs a hybrid rapping-singing style, blurring the lines between the two. His delivery is clear and melodic, often compared to artists like Future and Young Thug but with a distinct West Coast narrative clarity. This melodic flow allows him to convey the song's somber and anxious themes in a way that is both catchy and emotionally impactful.
• Musical Production: The beat, crafted by London On Da Track and Rex Kudo, is a key element. It's described as a "somber requiem" featuring "light, twinkling keys that offset its dark subject matter." This instrumental choice creates a poignant juxtaposition, layering a sense of melancholy and contemplation over a trap rhythm.
• Narrative Storytelling: The lyrics function as a vivid narrative of Ricch's life experiences. He recounts specific struggles, such as "fighting fed cases," dealing with depression by "sippin' syrup," and "trappin' out the basement." This autobiographical approach lends the song authenticity and allows listeners to connect with his journey from hardship to success.
• Use of Aphorism: The line "I'd rather be judged by twelve, than carried by six" is a powerful use of a street aphorism. It's a concise and impactful way to communicate a complex survivalist ethos that is central to the song's meaning.
• Juxtaposition: The song is built on the contrast between wealth and danger. Ricch constantly juxtaposes images of luxury (Rolls-Royce, flawless diamonds) with the grim reality of his world (carrying guns, facing enemies, the threat of death). This technique highlights the central conflict of the song: achieving the dream while still living in the shadow of a nightmare.

"Die Young" was a breakout single for Roddy Ricch, significantly boosting his career and establishing him as a prominent new voice in hip-hop. Released as the lead single for his mixtape Feed Tha Streets II, the song became his first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 99, and reaching number 38 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In the UK, it peaked at number 84. The song achieved widespread streaming success, accumulating over 152 million views on YouTube and hundreds of millions of streams on platforms like Spotify. Critically, it was praised for its emotional depth and Ricch's melodic delivery, with Rolling Stone describing it as a "triumphant" and "somber requiem." The song's themes resonated deeply with listeners, particularly its raw reflection on the trend of young rappers dying tragically. It solidified Ricch's sound, which blends West Coast storytelling with Southern melodic influences. While "The Box" would become his biggest commercial hit, "Die Young" was the foundational track that captured the attention of fans and industry figures alike, including Nipsey Hussle, leading to future high-profile collaborations and accolades, including a Grammy award.

"Die Young" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate the artist's journey and mindset.

• Luxury Goods (Balenciagas, Rolex, Porsche, Rolls-Royce): These items are more than just symbols of wealth; they represent the fruits of his dangerous past and his successful escape from poverty. However, they also make him a target, highlighting the paradox of success: the things that signify his rise also increase his vulnerability. The Rolex, in particular, becomes a metaphor for his changed priorities; he "ain't got the time" for negativity or untrustworthy people since achieving success.
• "Judged by twelve, than carried by six": This is a well-known street aphorism that Ricch uses to articulate a stark choice. "Twelve" refers to a jury in a court case, while "six" refers to the six pallbearers who carry a coffin. It symbolizes his preference for facing legal consequences for self-defense over being killed, encapsulating a survival-at-all-costs mentality.
• "Walls closin' in": This phrase symbolizes the pressure and paranoia that accompany fame and wealth. Despite having escaped the physical confines of his old life ("knockin' down walls"), he feels a new kind of entrapment from the envy and dangers his new status attracts.
• The Porsche and the Main Course: Hopping "off the porch, and then I hopped inside the Porsche" is a powerful metaphor for his rapid transition from a humble, dangerous beginning to a life of luxury and prominence. Declaring he'll "be the main course" instead of the "side nigga" symbolizes his ambition and refusal to play a secondary role in life and the music industry.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Die Young" is the title line itself, often presented as the hook's central resolve: "I ain't tryna die young." This phrase functions as the song's thesis, a defiant declaration against the premature death that haunts the narrator's environment. Its repetition throughout the track, especially in the chorus, transforms it from a simple statement into a powerful, desperate mantra. It underscores the central conflict of the song: the struggle to survive and live a long life amidst circumstances that suggest the opposite.

Another key recurring motif is the necessity of carrying a weapon for protection, expressed in the line "so I gotta ride with one." This is directly tied to the refusal to die young, presented as a grim but necessary consequence of that desire. The question, "Tell me, why the legends always gotta die quick?" also serves as a recurring motif, appearing in the chorus to contextualize his personal fears within a broader, tragic pattern in his community and the music industry. Finally, the juxtaposition of luxury and danger is a constant motif, with images of expensive cars and jewelry repeatedly placed alongside references to violence and paranoia, reinforcing the idea that wealth does not guarantee safety.