Despite announcing it would arrive today, Lil Durk didn’t wind up dropping his highly anticipated new album Almost Healed—but he didn’t leave fans totally empty-handed, either. The Chicago-born rapper shared the LP’s lead single, “All My Life,” and it’s since climbed into the upper reaches of the Genius Top Songs chart.
“All My Life” features J. Cole, who was one of two rappers Durk considered for the track. His other pick wasn’t exactly feasible, so he’s really glad Cole pulled through. “We were just trying to figure out like what’s the right person to put on it,” Durk told XXL. “‘Cause it’s one of those songs where if it’s not the right person to do the second verse… I feel like Cole can bring the energy that I’m looking for to it. So, if it wasn’t J. Cole, it’d be [Kanye], but Ye, he tucked away somewhere.”
Produced by Dr. Luke, “All My Life” is an anthemic track about overcoming hardships. “It’s just a rap that’s just showing you what I been going through—what I been doing lately,” he told XXL. On the hook, Durk—backed by a children’s choir—reflects on his ability to persevere over the years.
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryin’ to keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
Durk takes the first verse, too, where he seems to reference some of the work he’s been doing outside of music—like his new charity foundation Neighborhood Heroes–to better himself and his community.
I decided I had to finish, but the media called me a menace
I done sat with the mayor and politicians, I’m tryna change the image
Towards the end of his verse, he offers some words of wisdom to and strives to be a good example for younger generations who are going through dark periods.
I know some kids wanna hurt theyself
Stop tryna take drugs, I refer to myself
Tryna better myself, tryna better my health but
Cole steps in for the second verse, where he addresses the tragic number of rappers who have died over the past few years. Cole recalls not being familiar with an unnamed late rapper’s work until his death made headlines, and he’s disappointed to find out the talented MC didn’t live long enough to tap into his full potential.
These days seein’ rappers be dyin’, way before they even gettin’ they shine
I never even heard of lil’ buddy
’Til somebody murdered lil’ buddy
Now I’m on the phone, searchin’ lil’ buddy name
Got ’em playin’ his tunes, all day in my room
Thinkin’, “Damn, this shit is wicked, to get they name buzzin’ some niggas just gotta go lay in a tomb”
“All My Life” arrived alongside an official music video where Durk and Cole spend a sunny day in the neighborhood with a group of kids.
You can read all the lyrics to “All My Life” on Genius now.
