Roddy Ricch's Steady Incline: The FADER Interview

The pace at which Compton rapper Roddy Ricch has transformed street-level success and high-profile cosigns into commercial superstardom has been not just impressive, but a strong signal of a significant artist in the making. This year, he's been nominated for three Grammys thanks to standout features on Nipsey Hussle's “Racks in the Middle" and Mustard's "Ballin."
"A steady incline is the best thing," he told The FADER's Lawrence Burney during a recent interview at our New York City office. "You never wanna rise to the top too fast in anything." His quiet maturity was on display over the 19-minute conversation - topics covered include the new album, his slain friend Nipsey Hussle, when he plans to leave music behind, and much more.
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[@ya109den6]

You can tell both the interviewer and Roddy are introverts. he understands Roddy more and not all in his face like other interviewers.

[@Kal-El207]

Alot of artists are introverts. Then you got people that just wanna be introverts cuz they wanna be cool and mysterious. But you hit it on the head.

[@eddykhreg]

Def.

[@Kal-El207]

@ZLONE I love when niggas talk tough like you over the internet. Cuz you'd never say that to my face. And you'd be suprised my guy. People wanna ACT like they a character in a movie. If you was perceptive to shit you'd see how many people wanna ACT like they some invincible mysterious character. People want attention 24/7 you telling me I'm wrong about that. Maybe not everyone but a vast majority of humans do. Look at Kevin Gates. He cool and all. But he says he an introvert and he's clearly not. It's cuz it sounds cool to be closed off and silent and mysterious. Tell me I'm wrong my guy.

[@one_of_wun]

The 9ine God u hit it right on the head 💯

[@premelosv]

The 9ine God facts. people wanna act like an introvert when they be flexin like a dummy their whole career

[@nicolettecoppage6778]

He’s so wise , it’s so attractive

[@unluckyobserver6532]

YhungJaah women love who other men respect

[@Lo2smoove]

Nicolette Coppage he got a pending domestic case, that’s sexy as hell too ain’t it. 😍

[@yungmatro]

Faith Fitness for bitches like you that would straight turn you on

[@chymarsowell]

He got MAD game from Nipsey

[@MB_xoxo]

Faith Fitness You do know that the girl lied on him and all he did was grab her arm. Before you post some negative ass shit please find the facts for it first.

[@prettygirlrican4859]

He is so humble and laid back 😩 it’s so attractive 😍

[@lexxlutha2754]

PrettyGirl Rican as hell girl ! I got a crush 🥰 lol

[@veronicawild8501]

@Lisa Jones how is compliementing someone being thirsty luv. Let her be great. Stop being bitter

[@op-.]

Chill

[@yourstrength1314]

Lisa Jones lmao tf u delusional

[@matthewjgilles7282]

PrettyGirl Rican he’s black youre Spanish

[@abifeliciaxo4668]

I’m loving all of these interviews he’s doing lol Sidenote: Black boys love twisting that one piece of hair 😂😂😍

[@MakiahRoam]

Abi Feliciaxo never fails lol

[@aquakisses3742]

Anxious, it’s a coping mechanism.

[@444bakari9]

Guilty of it

[@nicolettecoppage6778]

I was searching for the haha button

[@deshaunrichardson1650]

doing it as I’m watching this 😂😭

[@nukilla3276]

his personality is a lot like mine. i noticed when the interview first started he was stiff , “awkward”, & his energy was kinda off . but once he started talking & opening up & getting to know the interviewer, he perked right up & started talking less low & didn’t stutter as much & he wasn’t looking down when he talked he was using eye contact. i swear this is exactly how i am & i feel so much better knowing that i’m not the only one !

[@FLLLLTBEEP]

tanasia yea same it take me a min to get somewhat comfortable. after about 5-10 i start to become my true self 😭

[@WrathOfEvo]

There’s people like us all over it’s just that we’re not used to celebrities showcasing their flaws like this it reminds us that they’re still human

[@chilledout2906]

That’s me too but sometimes I notice I’m doing it and then I get awkward again 😂

[@kiccz39]

Chilled Out fr😂

[@MB_xoxo]

Yess, I stutter a lot when I’m nervous or when I’m talking to a person idk and I’m uncomfortable, I mean I stutter a lot in general lol

[@christinad314]

Awww at the end he said that’s the best interview he ever had

[@PrettybuoyJones1992]

I had to go back and listen,that was so nice..

[@drmossy9673]

Kudos to the interviewer, he really brought the best out of Roddy.

[@johnhigiro3704]

What's his name though?

[@Peace65483]

"I Dont discriminate cause he got a marshmallow on his head" 3:18

[@kaz6151]

had me dying lol

[@dipmeingloss]

I SCREAMED.💀🤦🏾‍♀️

[@denejaaa]

Peace 😭😭😭

[@teabag3620]

💀💀💀💀💀💀😭

[@Drea1204]

We stan a nonjudgmental king.

[@Donvercettii]

You could tell Roddy fw the interviewer as the interview went on he look so much more relaxed and comfortable compare to the other recent ones hes had. Great interview how it should be done!

[@taniaroberts2478]

k_Fargo they both are the same that’s why so it was easy so both of them to relax like “I’m just as nervous as you” and once they got comfortable with each other it was smooth as butter the both hella chilled and laid back I love Roddy so much 🔥❤️

[@taylorbrenae1820]

protect Roddy ricch at all times!

[@NFJIZZY]

The Brazy bunch 💯💪🏾

[@seekingalpha3192]

Ok we’ll let you give your life for his!

[@whyervu5285]

Trust me he's protected he blew up plus he did a ft wit gunna

[@etherealism8_]

Weirdo

[@sweethartia]

Trey Lovely I’ll protect you

[@user-fw7yy1ro9i]

“What’s popping witchuu champ” lmao

[@isismala]

this interviewer cool af. this is a really nice vibe, you can tell its not forced or nothing.

[@jessicagantt8002]

isismala what is interviewer Instagram

[@ju.m0cha]

Jessica Gantt @truelaurels

[@SANIYAHSIERRA]

Deeply obsessed and in love with him 😭😩😍

[@kayykennedy4860]

If You Talking About roddy Ricch U Can Fall Back

[@SANIYAHSIERRA]

Kayy WestBrooks girl bye that’s my man have several seats

[@ericamj9105]

Lol roddy is too focused on his career he don’t give af about nun of y’all

[@a.m7510]

Glittery wishes fuck your life lmao.

[@yessinagonzoles2408]

Girl me too

[@sensethevillen]

“You can really , like , hold a note cuz” 🤣 RIP NIP 🏁💙

[@richardmorris5438]

You can tell Nipsey drop sum gems in his head💯

[@SheffKhalid]

Roddy turned this interview on its head and poured his mind out great job by the interviewer to instigate that

[@chiefaborigine9778]

He definitely gone be here for a while. U can tell he listens to his OG's around him and soak that game up.💯🔥🔥🚀💪🏿

[@drearoses1306]

i like how he adds a lot of old school music in his rhymes...he is one of the goats

[@aajr2366]

@@drearoses1306 one of the goats?

[@alonzoclarkston1781]

@@aajr2366 yes he is

[@aajr2366]

@@alonzoclarkston1781 not yet

[@alonzoclarkston1781]

@@aajr2366 better than your fav rapper

[@PK__44]

rod seem hella comfortable in this, the interviewer chill ash n seems like he understands him

[@mileslong7103]

Who here from twitter? “You from Baltimore?” 🤣

[@vonowens7665]

I’m older than him and still look up to him. Dope spirit in this guy. A young king who knows himself and won’t be misled

[@cami7529]

he was a real good interviewer

[@Arnell717]

Roddy Ricch: 🤨🤔... "You from Baltimore?"

[@sopheliaxo]

Arnell717 why did I find that hella attractive lol when he asked that lol 😂

[@ritahmm3566]

What time

[@triniti2315]

@@ritahmm3566 15:50

[@sukwanthomas9434]

Arnell717 cause the way he says too and you I have family from there it’s a big catch lol

[@lorhtommy786]

Im from Baltimore and people say have a accent lol

[@briainterlude]

When he caught the Baltimore lingo 😂😂💀

[@Jayynoz.]

Bria Rose was it when he said “tew”? (to) 😭

[@Yung556]

JayLivingLife yes bra lmao

[@caramccann9058]

I’m from md 😂😂 “tew” & “asewmin” lol

[@taythedouchebag]

Leave us alone😂

[@csb734]

I'm glad that Nip was able to plant seeds in some of these youngins especially Roddy🏁🏁💙

[@almost_healedd]

Yeah he's a great legend...🛑💯

[@keonnaroane]

Definitely Was His Best Interview, Finally Someone Who Didn’t Ask The Same Basic Ass Questions And Really Asked Him Real Life Shit ‼️ BIG UPS

[@thedianicah]

Eyyyy ! The interviewer is wearing a KENYAN JERSEY !

[@galaxygts1]

Yeeeeah I need dat!!!!

[@davidkituu5369]

That also caught me off-guard for real #Kenyan

[@candeezi]

Yesirrrr

[@kimani754]

I noticed that too.. He is a good interviewer too.. 🇰🇪

[@mwanaume_ent]

I swear i didn't even notice till i read it on your comment but damnnnnn straight outter 254 representing oyaaaaa rada rada 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@lifeasmdotty]

Love him as a interviewer because he’s not only asking questions just to get answers but he’s listening and taking in the info

[@diamond2979]

he’s a very smart artist, and so authentic, you can tell the things he’s went through have shaped him into moving into the right direction

[@donnxio]

You can tell Roddy really started to get comfortable when the interviewer started asking more in depth questions about his songs bro. Roddy the type of person that really into his craft and he get super hyped noticing someone else notices it too. Dope interview, wish it was longer.

[@StarSixtySeavenPOV]

“U can really like, hold a note cuz”😂😂😂

[@MegaCr4cker]

He’s so poetic

[@naetiontv]

Awwww I like him. He reminds me of myself, laid back, shy, introverted, relatable ❤️❤️🥺 I pray he gets out of his shell a little more and can be a bit more comfortable in his interviews. It’s noticeable that he was extremely nervous. The constant looking away is a huge sign. He’s definitely an introvert. #IntrovertProblems

[@trizapagan427]

yup that me too and I like him for who he is.... my man is introvert we don't even speak on the phone he pick up and hang up so weird but I love him like that.

[@ashleyjacques9939]

His eyes tho

[@rahzeeljones4854]

Respect that man mind not his eyes

[@one_of_wun]

Will Ferg fr bruh. Idk how niggas is gon get upset over what a WOMAN thinks of a man. Shit makes no sense 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@CeeShelli]

@@rahzeeljones4854 we can do both.

[@ophelia_n1514]

@@rahzeeljones4854 jealous ass 😭

[@tylahvee4835]

His eyes are 😏

[@bmore4101029]

Went to high school with Lawrence (interviewer). Making City College proud bro!!

[@DJLadyDior]

Been feelin Roddy since I discovered him. He’s so humble & to himself, its so refreshing to see a youngin thats not w. the extra rah rah shit. Legend in the making forsure. I got a fire beat waiting for him to get on in the future😎 Great interview 🙌🏼

[@fabriciocrasher7917]

Me too, i like people with open heart and mind like he is, he is very wise and seems to be a cool person to chill. I'm just a lil bit afraid of him being homophobic...Im praying he is not a ass hole. Althought he never said some BS, we never know. But i don't think so, imma keep positive lmao.

[@DJLadyDior]

Fabricio Crasher lol i feel you

[@trin1775]

@@fabriciocrasher7917 don’t worry he’s not homophobic, 2 of his very close friends are apart of the lgbtq community,

[@jordyn5356]

“next day my voice could be gone, I don’t know what God has in store for me.” love that he said that.

[@lazaruswilliams2001]

We are looking at one of Nipsey seeds. Respect young man you are the now and the future. 💯🏁

[@reginald5018]

The setting of this interview looks like a therapist room. Two chairs, introspective questions. He seems like he got a good head on his shoulder.. wish him the best

[@therealspeciesunknown]

Well Spoken Young Man!! He'll be around for a while.

[@dipmeingloss]

He is so attractive physically & mentally.❤😫🙈i hope he receives everything he deserves.💯#Humbleness

[@scarlettsmith6507]

Before I watch it, Roddy is so different like I can't really put it in words but when he speak it's like you can vision what his talking about...if that makes sense After watching, the man interviewing might be the first to really talk to roddy like a friend and all the questions he asked were different then the other interview. Love it, love Roddy 💯

[@kaylammichelle]

This interview was the best one, Roddy so chill and humble

[@loveyours4685]

Introvert are most entertaining people ever

[@robbholmes9215]

I caught that baltimore accent the second roddie did 🤣.. love it

[@AceMagik]

6:55 interviewers voice cracked an u can see roddy tryin to hold in a laugh😂

[@christophercrawl5009]

Ace MagiK aye bruh u funny asf for pointing dat out😂😂😂

[@ChunkyPuffsRaichu]

Lmaoo!!!

[@1TypicalKidd]

Ace MagiK 😂😂

[@danieldickey9479]

That family talk was one of the most realest things I've heard from a rapper. And to hear it from such a young cat... woww. He deserves the game for sure

[@dre7277]

You can tell he’s so shy😫 Love him❤️

[@keonta81]

Yes he was just starting out

[@rebeccabaptiste3554]

I feel like the more you understand him, the more you realize he's not anti-social, he's something else...

[@sibusisiwemqikela5294]

I can relate to the type of person he is..😅 it's a Libra sort of thing.

[@trin1775]

julia angel fr 😂💯 libra gang ♎️

[@tisom0626]

This interview made me like him that much more. His eyes are pretty 😍

[@matthewjgilles7282]

Tiffanie Isom he’s black

[@matthewjgilles7282]

@Corleone normally non clack women don’t like black meb

[@yrnbimo6055]

That roddy type beat inna beginning is🔥

[@GeePopi]

Made by Ant Chamberlin

[@aaronkipkorir1593]

This guy bought property round his home first The interviewer is also wearing a Kenyan jersey damn❤️

[@kimani754]

Kenyan in the house beibe

[@itsvintime]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnfdn62gfadnibc

[@raymaldonado2139]

facts when he talked about getting to the top too fast... look at snitchnine.

[@joshuatellington5339]

Super facts

[@MONEYWAYTV]

It’s crazy seeing somebody from where I’m from really make it , and be successful, I know I can make it ! I’ll never give up , he’s such a big inspiration

[@mikelavishton5926]

This nigga is too thoughtful. He don’t have no kid lol

[@karenbauguess]

I am a 52 year white girl and I love me some Roddy Rich!! He IS on the incline! but I have been admiring his artistry for a year already.

[@anklebreakinglegend8512]

Keep grinding and stay dedicated, don't let no distractions in💯

[@trizapagan427]

money is energy go and get it just attract it

[@JannyellHines]

I’m so addicted to him now.... I love this young dude

[@genodavis3325]

These interviews keep getting better.

[@hisfavvforeign]

I just love the way he carries his self🤗🥵

[@jewellbailey4612]

War baby gave me chills when I first heard it. I had tears in my eyes.

[@taniaroberts2478]

Yooo this the most comfortable I’ve ever seen him on a interview the vibe was most definitely there both of y’all laid back and chilled and he didn’t get badgered with uncomfortable questions man I love Roddy so much words can’t even began to explain and I’ve never even shook his hand before he’s just an amazing person original they don’t make em like him any more dope ass interview🔥❤️

[@nyny-et4hv]

U need to see his interview with Big Boi and nick cannon he was actually laughing alot

[@chantellaalleyne6629]

Roddy Rich is so beautiful. I’ll go so far as to say he has wisdom like Bob Marley. You just feel him so deeply because he’s so introspective.

[@josephkiokomuasya2802]

"You gotta always speak to the people who are listening to you, like it's the last time you gonna speak to them" I felt that

[@denise3432]

He is wise beyond his age. I truly enjoy listening to him and watching his moves. I’m rooting for him. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@zaip5819]

Even though this was the shortest interviews it was the best. Fader did a good job putting people from the culture in the interview.

[@reddot9310]

15:49 The moment I will always remember.

[@MakiahRoam]

Lawrence’s Baltimore accent caught me too lol shout out bmore shout out the dmv

[@thedianicah]

What's his IG?

[@trin1775]

shout out the dmv ? lmaoo we don’t claim baltimore, baltimore it’s own thing 😂

[@von1150]

Love that the interviewer asked about the two joints that stuck out the most to me on the album, "war baby" and "prayer to the trap God" because they're more introspective, especially, the second verse on trap God.

[@beegood3372]

Such a HUMBLE, ARTICULATE, & RESPECTFUL YOUNG KING!!! Roddy mentioning his connection with his mom and his love for his family is just EVERYTHING to me!!! I see NIP in him and I can't wait to work with him!!! GOD BLESS HIM!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🏁🏁🏁💙💙💙

[@destinykarlisha13]

“ You got to speak to the people like it’s the last time you’re speaking to them” please protect my Guy By any means necessary! I’ve been on him for a minute ( before the album) and I’ve grown to love him more and more. Mentally he’s so wise, I love that ! I wonna see him win PERIODT 🏁💙

[@ryanrodriguez6652]

I love roddys personality its so chill protect him. Roddy if u reading this been ridin wit u since ricch forever and the original feed tha streets

[@MayatheGolden]

“You from Baltimore,” is funnyyyyyyyyyy

[@wintertate3292]

That’s my baby I just love him 😩❤️

[@apeshit111906]

17:09 you can see the admiration he has/had for Nip. That’s real. Nip saw greatness in Roddy. He is ahead of his time. Humble and wise at a young age. I hope he wins!!! 💪🏾

[@Bigang101]

I can sit there and listen to him talk all day and night 💙

[@bossladykae8323]

I’m loving his press run. The interviewers are asking good questions and he’s versatile and not holding back like most artist in interviews

[@WICKMANMITCH]

Love the way he views things. Extremely humble . Side note though, interviewer did a great job. Asked the right questions and let’s mans speak his mind.

[@malikiejanko3289]

Iove you RR the love from Gambai yo too humble and gentle you ah the Goat

[@keethagreat1171]

I really enjoyed the interviewer. Professional but still laid back & relatable. You can tell he made it more comfortable for roddy to talk more

[@carolinemiya7364]

I can relate to what Roddy is saying on how he’s quiet around ppl cuz that’s exactly how I am. I don’t talk much and I am a quiet & shy person around everybody except my family.

[@glowingmyway]

I have always enjoyed his music but Im really appreciating him sharing a part of himself in these interviews. You can hear a lot of Nip when he speaks.💙

[@bighomiemeech]

“Thats the best interview i ever had”

[@desaeviantaylor2218]

Choir:whats a choppa Roddy:thats a helicopter 😂😂😂

[@niasiadaniels4507]

“You from Baltimore?” Lmao. Facts. Such a distinguishable tone.

[@basilbasinal8452]

How did he know? lol what word did he say or was it the accent

[@niasiadaniels4507]

Common thing I’ve noticed where Baltimorians stress their “o” syllables and it sounds like “ew” instead lol.

[@joshuatellington5339]

This the best new artist interview of all 2019. Salute to the FADER for getting authentic ppl from authentic places to discuss the music and inspiration process w/ Roddy. Shout-out to the interviewer for holding down BMORE too. 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@ktambongco2]

I love roddy ricch so much 🥺 this interview was so raw and genuine. Just two good people chopping it up n I love seeing it

[@MrSamdogz]

This was such an engaging interview Roddys so chill and the interviewer was just pickin his brain. 10/10

[@THHGURU]

Quality interview 💯

[@michaelmartinez336]

"Whats a choppa" "Thats a helicopter"😂😂😂 If you know you know 😂pew pew pee.....

[@almost_healedd]

I can really say here Nipsey do the most this these guy. As he's really humble, have the respect for everyone Nipsey impact a great lesson in him forever. I really love this interview. Two years but we the young ones have to pick ours from this.....🛑💯💯

[@fridakahlo364]

You are truly blessed mr rich. May you prosper and be blessed in all endeavors on life.

[@chromeheartonmysleeve]

This was such a good interview, they just bounced off each other's vibe 👏🏾 shit was real And war baby really is the best song/outro ever ong 🌟🤧

[@Mk-ey5en]

He got Nipsey Hussle vibe in him

[@Nekki01]

I hope Roddy goes into acting ! Definitely love his laid back vibe and how comfortable the interviewer made the conversation

[@aanrobertson7703]

My 1st best among many of RoddyRicch , interviews , Authentic & Genuine , A YoungGenius 👑

[@LoveBeautyx5]

It doesn’t get better than this young man. So smart, thoughtful, talented...

[@niecyw385]

His eyes are beautiful 😍 I love his energy and personality as an artist, he’s not too cocky! ❤️

[@nyny-et4hv]

I've listened to all your tracks now I'm going around watching all your interviews

[@nathanferris843]

you from baltimore💀💀 15:52

[@BLUEBASKETBALL22]

This interview is hard because there’s no corny shit that most interviews be doing. Shoutout to fader

[@agebukahsay9772]

He a introvert because he likes to observe people’s strengths and weaknesses. He listens for shit so he can be in everyone’s headspace including his own, making him the smartest person in the room. He’s smart as FUCK

[@MissEricaBarnes]

Loving the vibe of this interview. It’s more like a conversation. Very relaxed, chill setting. 🤙🏾

[@brownsugar1301]

I love that the interviewer was so humble as well & didn’t keep bringing up that Roddy is antisocial, as a quiet person, it’s annoying when people keep asking you “why are you so quiet?”, “why you don’t speak much?”