Roddy Ricch has released his debut album Sorry For Being Antisocial after a landmark two years. With just two official mixtapes under his belt, Ricch has catapulted himself to one of the most hyped new rappers on the scene thanks to co-signs by everyone from Meek Mill to Kendrick Lamar. 

Sorry For Being Antisocial marks his first star-studded affair featuring work from Gunna, Ty Dolla $ign and Mill. It’s Ricch’s work that shines the brightest though, letting us peer even deeper into his autobiographical lyricism and melodic rap work. If you’re just catching on, we’ve put together a trip through his essential releases from the beginning. 

Chase The Bag

Chase The Bag proved that Ricch was worth the hype. With its piano-led start, it introduced Ricch as an emotional, technical rapper who had a finesse beyond the wave of viral trap rappers coming up. His initial Feed Tha Streets tape nabbed the attention of Meek Mill, Nipsey Hussle, Mustard and more, all of which featured him on songs in the two years following this project. 

Die Young

Die Young was Ricch’s first solo release to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. It snuck in at 99 but has since pulled more than 100 million streams which is pretty impressive for a young rapper only on his second project. The song is the defining moment of his Feed Tha Streets II tape, defined by its minimal production courtesy of London On Da Track and lyrics paying tribute to hip-hop legends that have left the earth too soon. 

Every Season

Feed Tha Streets II’s second charting song is a stark contrast to Die Young. It still maintains a distinctly emotional instrumental but Ricch takes the time to flex about his success while remaining lyrically autobiographical. The song initially went viral when Ricch shared a clip of it featuring Ukelele player Einer Bankz that was shared by Meek Mill. 

Project Dreams (W/ Marshmello)

Ricch’s first big feature was with EDM giant Marshmello. Coming off one of his biggest hits to date Happier, Marshmello detoured into the hip-hop sphere, stepping into Richh’s world not the other way round. Ricch took the platform and gave an emotional, melodic performance that made it one of Marshmello’s notable singles of last year. 

Splash Warning (W/ Meek Mill, Future & Young Thug)

Meek Mill’s comeback album Championships was a star-studded affair but he made room for Ricch after championing him hard on social media. Going toe-to-toe with Future and Young Thug is no easy feat but Ricch stood out on this charismatic, wonky cut. Ricch may have only appeared briefly but it was proof that he was able to kick it with the legends without being deterred or intimidated. Mill has returned the favour by featuring on Richh’s debut. 

Ballin (W/ Mustard)

Legendary producer Mustard’s 2019 record Perfect Ten was one of the most accomplished projects of the year but few songs resonated as much as Ballin. With Ricch the sole feature, it’s an autobiographical track that features that classic Mustard bounce. 

Racks In The Middle (W/ Nipsey Hussle)

Ricch had the bittersweet honour of featuring on the last track Nipsey Hussle released before his passing earlier this year. Both rappers share California as their hometown and the track is an unmistakable West Coast cut. The song was nominated for a Grammy and when Ricch found out he tweeted, “grammy nominated in the studio shedding tears, all this money power fame but i can’t make u reappear.”

Start Wit Me (Feat. Gunna)

Gunna and Ricch have both had breakthrough years so it makes sense that Start Wit Me feels like a celebration. The pair were highlights from this year’s XXL Freshmen and represent where hip-hop is headed. The public agreed with the pairing two, making it Ricch’s second entry on the Billboard Hot 100. It also features some of Ricch’s most personable lyricism as he plays with lines like, “My diamonds offset like Cardi.”

Tip Toe (Feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie)

Bringing back those acoustic guitars that were featured all over Every Season, Tip Toe feels like a flip of a rock tune. It’s a braggadocious flex from both Ricch and A Boogie but there’s a strangely emotional backbone to it thanks to the beat that comes courtesy of 19 year-old Netherlands producer Niaggi. Just a week into its release, it’s already picked up close to 10 million streams suggesting that it’s going to be another hit for Ricch.