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Genius Annotation

“llf”, the opener to Roddy’s second studio album LIVE LIFE FAST, begins the album with an introspective speech and accompanying vocals from previous collaborator Ty Dolla $ign. The song features instrumentation and string sections similar to the intro of Roddy’s debut. The song also interpolates Rick Ross and Kanye West’s July 2010 track “Live Fast, Die Young”.

Roddy initially teased the song in full on December 9, 2021 on Instagram with a short movie, among other platforms, in preparation for the album’s release.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Translations
Genius Answer
What did Roddy Ricch say about "​llf"?
Genius Answer

On the intro, we did the ‘'live fast’‘. And I remember, I was trying to think what my intro was going to be. I was thinking about the ’‘live fast’‘ themes. And then, I was listening to Teflon Don, the Rick Ross album, I stumbled across it. And I knew the song already but at that moment, it just clicked in my head. Like, damn. Live Fast, Die Young. It was like a full circle. So I felt that was the meaning, but it’s still relative to everything that I’ve ever been through. And Ye is a good friend now. I’ve really been tapping in with Ye a lot. Just having conversations with him, talking to him.

-via Apple Music

What is the song trying to explain or teach in ones life?
Genius Answer

The song perfectly gives an introduction summary of Roddy’s sophomore album. He grew up living his life fast, possibly thinking he had no greater purpose, but as his music career took off and he gained his said purpose, he understood he needed to cherish life.

Look at Roddy’s close friend, mentor and Crenshaw legend, the late-great Nipsey Hussle for example. He did live his life fast with his gang-ties and expensive jewellery, but also took time out to slow down, carefully construct his business moves and take care of his love ones and community – the latter in which built him an iconic and everlasting legacy.

I feel as if Roddy’s message with – not just the intro but the entire album – is that: as commendable, fun and at times needed it is to live your life on an impulse, your past catches up to you. So have fun, but also be constructive and concise about where you want to take your life as you don’t get a second time around. So don’t go so fast that you fall off the rails, but fast enough you gain the momentum to break any barrier put in front of you.

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