Rising from the streets of Compton but with a distinct Southern flair, rapper Roddy Ricch laid his introspective rhymes atop melodic trap, resulting in a hybrid form that captured the ears of both regions. In a big year for the rising MC, he released his 2018 breakthrough single, “Die Young,” which landed on Feed tha Streets II.

Influenced by artists such as Meek Mill, Future, Speaker Knockerz, and Young Thug (as well as the stylings of Atlanta trap and Chicago drill), Ricch began recording in his bedroom at the age of 16, honoring his family’s Louisiana roots while chronicling Los Angeles street life. His debut effort, Feed tha Streets, arrived in late 2017. The following year would see Ricch’s big breakthrough, starting with the release of his Be 4 tha Fame EP. That summer, he issued the single “Die Young,” produced by London on da Track. The song became a viral hit and propelled the young rapper into the mainstream consciousness, racking up millions of streams within months. In November, Ricch released Feed tha Streets II, a second collection of his melodic rap and hypnotic beats.