GO (feat. Juice WRLD)

"GO" delves into the turbulent and often contradictory emotions of a young, intense relationship. Lyrically, the song explores themes of toxic love, codependency, and unwavering loyalty despite conflict. Both The Kid LAROI and Juice WRLD articulate the struggles of a relationship where communication has broken down ("She always be talkin' like she know, know, know") and a sense of loneliness prevails even when together ("I told her don't ever leave me 'lone, 'lone, 'lone"). The core message revolves around a feeling of being "accident-prone" in love—a metaphor for repeatedly falling into dysfunctional patterns and getting hurt. The artists express a deep-seated attachment to their partners, to the point of self-destruction ("I'll die for you"), while simultaneously acknowledging the pain the relationship causes. Juice WRLD's verse adds another layer by referencing his drug addiction, linking his personal demons to his relationship struggles and promising loyalty. Ultimately, the song is a raw depiction of youthful love filled with turmoil, a desperate plea for stability, and a testament to the powerful, often painful, bond between two people.

The narrative of the song unfolds around the complexities of a volatile romantic relationship, characterized by mistrust and emotional dependency. The protagonist, The Kid LAROI, finds himself entangled with a partner who seems to know him all too well, yet their dynamic is fraught with conflict. He pleads with her not to leave him, admitting his own vulnerability and tendency to make mistakes, describing himself as "accident-prone." This phrase suggests a pattern of self-destructive behavior or perhaps just being unlucky in love. He acknowledges his own flaws, admitting he doesn't know any better way to act, and wishes he understood his partner on a deeper level. Despite the turmoil, he's become deeply attached, a situation he didn't anticipate. He feels stuck and unsure of what to do next, yet expresses an unwavering, almost dangerous, loyalty, suggesting he would do anything for her.

This sentiment of fierce devotion is a central theme. He grapples with the idea of committing everything to this person, even while recognizing the unhealthy nature of their bond. He feels that he is pursuing his own path and ambitions for himself, not for her, indicating a desire for independence that clashes with his emotional attachment. The relationship is a source of mental anguish, as he states she messes with his brain, yet he continues to engage in this pattern because it's all he knows.

Juice WRLD's verse enters as a complementary perspective, echoing similar themes of loyalty and past mistakes while also touching on his well-documented struggles with substance use. He mentions "perky with the lean," which has slowed him down, a candid reference to his drug use. He reassures his partner that despite his past errors and involvement with other women, he is now committed solely to her. His promise is one of absolute devotion, declaring he would ride and even die for her. He asks her not to judge him for his actions, reinforcing the plea for acceptance that runs through the song. His verse serves as a bridge, connecting the theme of romantic struggle with the darker realities of his personal life, adding a layer of poignant authenticity given his premature death. Both artists portray a relationship where love is intertwined with pain, loyalty is tested, and the fear of being alone drives them to hold on, despite the chaos.

"GO" is a significant collaboration as it represents the close mentorship and friendship between The Kid LAROI and the late Juice WRLD. The song was recorded in August 2019 when the two artists were in Greece. The creation was spontaneous and served as a 16th birthday gift from Juice WRLD to The Kid LAROI. As the story goes, Juice had missed LAROI's birthday dinner because he was sleeping. To make up for it, he offered a verse, which he valued at $200,000, as a present. LAROI had previously recorded a hook for the track but wasn't fully satisfied with it. He accidentally sent this demo to Juice's engineer, but Juice insisted it was "the one" and freestyled his verse on the spot. The song was produced by Tito Beats, Omer Fedi, and Neek. After Juice WRLD's death in December 2019, the song took on a new, poignant meaning. It was released on June 12, 2020, as the lead single from The Kid LAROI's debut mixtape, F*ck Love. The accompanying music video, directed by Steve Cannon, serves as a tribute, incorporating footage of Juice WRLD in the studio and on the road, capturing the genuine bond between the two artists.

The song employs several key metaphors to convey its emotional weight.

• "Accident-prone": This is the central metaphor of the chorus. It symbolizes a recurring pattern of emotional pain and mistakes within relationships. Rather than being a result of deliberate actions, the turmoil is framed as an unfortunate, almost fated, part of the narrator's experience with love. It suggests a lack of control and a vulnerability to getting hurt.
• Riding/Dying for Someone: This is a common hip-hop trope, but in the context of the song, it symbolizes an extreme, all-consuming loyalty. Both artists express a willingness to go to the ultimate lengths for their partners ("And I'll die for you, I'ma slide for you"). This hyperbolic expression highlights the intensity and perhaps the immaturity of their devotion, where love and self-destruction are closely linked.
• Drug References as Emotional State: In Juice WRLD's verse, the line "Perky with the lean, it got me slow, slow, slow" functions on two levels. Literally, it refers to his drug use. Metaphorically, this slowed state can also represent the numbing or disorienting effect of his toxic relationship and personal struggles, creating a parallel between substance abuse and emotional pain.

The emotional landscape of "GO" is overwhelmingly melancholic and bittersweet. It captures a state of emotional turmoil, blending feelings of deep attachment and love with pain, frustration, and resignation. The Kid LAROI's verses convey a youthful angst and confusion, caught between the desire for independence and the fear of being alone ("I told her don't ever leave me 'lone, 'lone, 'lone"). There's a sense of being trapped in a cycle he can't escape. Juice WRLD's contribution deepens this melancholy, adding a layer of world-weariness and sorrow, particularly through his references to drug use and past mistakes. His posthumous presence lends the entire track a profound sense of tragedy and loss for listeners. The music itself, with its sad guitar melody and slow-paced trap beat, perfectly mirrors the lyrical content. The vocal performances are raw and strained, emphasizing vulnerability and emotional sincerity. While the song details a toxic relationship, the underlying emotion isn't anger but a sad acceptance of a painful reality.

"GO" had a significant cultural impact, primarily as it marked The Kid LAROI's mainstream breakthrough and served as a poignant tribute to his mentor, Juice WRLD. The song debuted at number 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving The Kid LAROI his first-ever entry on the chart. In his native Australia, it debuted at number 23 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The song was praised by critics for the seamless chemistry between the two artists and for showcasing LAROI's potential as a melody-driven star. The emotional weight of the track, amplified by Juice WRLD's posthumous feature, resonated deeply with fans of both artists. The music video, which beautifully visualizes their friendship, further cemented the song's status as a heartfelt tribute. "GO" was a key track on LAROI's successful debut mixtape F*ck Love, which eventually reached number one on the Billboard 200, making him the youngest Australian solo artist to achieve this feat. The song solidified The Kid LAROI's position as a prominent figure in the emo-rap scene, carrying on the sound and style that Juice WRLD had championed.

The rhyme and rhythm of "GO" are central to its emotive and catchy appeal. The song largely follows a simple, flowing rhythm that aligns with its trap and emo-rap influences. The tempo is moderate, creating a laid-back yet somber mood. Rhythmically, The Kid LAROI's verses feature a conversational cadence, with phrases that often spill over traditional bar lines, enhancing the track's raw, freestyled feel. Juice WRLD's flow is similarly fluid and melodic, seamlessly integrating into the song's structure. The percussion is built on a foundation of trap-style hi-hats, often programmed in a two-step pattern with occasional rolls, and a distinct clap on the backbeat. Rhyme-wise, the song utilizes a mix of perfect rhymes and slant rhymes. The chorus employs a simple AAAA rhyme scheme with "go," "know," and "'lone," making it incredibly memorable. The verses are more complex, using internal rhymes and assonance to maintain flow and musicality. For example, in Juice's verse, the long 'o' sound in "slow," "know," and "hoes" creates a cohesive sonic texture. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the instrumental beat is smooth, with the vocal melodies often carrying the main hook of the song over a relatively sparse instrumental.

"GO" is a prime example of the emo rap subgenre, blending melodic, sung vocals with hip-hop rhythms and melancholic themes. Musically, the production by Tito Beats, Omer Fedi, and Neek features a guitar-driven melody, a common element in Juice WRLD's and The Kid LAROI's music, creating a melancholic yet catchy foundation. The beat incorporates trap elements like hi-hat rolls and a prominent 808 bass, but the overall feel is more subdued and emotive. Vocally, both artists utilize a melodic delivery that blurs the line between rapping and singing, characterized by expressive crooning and a raw, emotional tone. Critics noted how their voices "blend effortlessly." Literarily, the song uses repetition effectively, especially in the chorus ("Go, go, go," "know, know, know," "'lone, 'lone, 'lone"). This repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of their thoughts and the inescapable feeling of their situation. The narrative voice is deeply personal and confessional, a hallmark of the emo rap style, drawing listeners into their intimate emotional struggles. The lyrics also employ direct address, speaking to their respective partners, which enhances the song's sense of intimacy and raw honesty.

What is the meaning behind The Kid LAROI's song 'GO'?

'GO' explores the turmoil of a toxic relationship. The Kid LAROI and Juice WRLD sing about feeling attached to someone despite the pain and conflict, using the metaphor of being 'accident-prone' in love to describe a cycle of getting hurt. It's a song about loyalty, heartbreak, and emotional dependency.

How was 'GO' by The Kid LAROI and Juice WRLD created?

The song was recorded in August 2019 in Greece. Juice WRLD freestyled his verse as a 16th birthday gift for The Kid LAROI after missing his celebration dinner. LAROI had a demo hook, and Juice insisted on using it, creating the track on the spot as a sign of their close friendship and mentorship.

When was 'GO' released?

"GO" was officially released on June 12, 2020. It served as the lead single for The Kid LAROI's debut commercial mixtape, 'F*ck Love'.

What genre of music is 'GO' by The Kid LAROI?

The song is primarily categorized as emo rap and trap. It blends melodic, sung vocals and introspective, emotional lyrics with hip-hop beats, a style popularized by both The Kid LAROI and his mentor, Juice WRLD.

What does Juice WRLD's verse in 'GO' mean?

Juice WRLD's verse touches on his struggles with drug addiction ('perky with the lean') and his commitment to his partner despite past mistakes. He apologizes for his past and pledges extreme loyalty, a common theme in his music that adds a layer of raw, personal honesty to the song.

What is the significance of the music video for 'GO'?

The music video, directed by Steve Cannon, is a tribute to the late Juice WRLD. It features footage of Juice in the studio and on the road with The Kid LAROI, capturing their genuine friendship and mentorship. It opens with Juice promising the verse as a birthday gift, contextualizing the song's creation.

Who produced the song 'GO'?

The song was produced by the trio of Tito Beats, Omer Fedi, and Neek. They crafted the guitar-driven, melodic trap beat that defines the track's melancholic sound.