Released: 2017 • Features: Ski Mask The Slump God
“R.I.P. Roach” by XXXTENTACION featuring Ski Mask The Slump God is a charged anthem that pays homage to XXX’s fallen friends, termed as ‘Zoe’, and his tough, street-smart background that has shaped him into a ‘soldier’. With copious use of evocative and often violent imagery, the track epitomizes the genre’s raw and unfiltered storytelling prowess.
The song kicks off with references to edgy lifestyles (“Cocaine for my breakfast”), an assertion of dominance and a threat towards those who dare challenge him (“Pussy boy talk reckless / He might end up on a stretcher”). The line “Six stars like GTA, kill me” is a nod to the video game Grand Theft Auto, where a six-star wanted level implies a high degree of danger and chaos – fittingly encapsulating XXXTENTACION’s tumultuous life.
The chorus resonates the mantra “Mama raised a soldier / Not no bitch”, reinforcing the notion of his tough upbringing and resilience. The phrase “R.I.P. my Zoe” pays tribute to his fallen friends – ‘Zoe’ being a term for a Haitian gangster, indicating XXX’s connection to his Haitian roots and his gang-oriented background.
Ski Mask The Slump God takes over with his verse and continues the themes of power and rebellion. He uses clever wordplay (“Call my pockets knotty ’cause they sloppy, oh, my”), cultural references (“Hit my bitch like Bruno”), and language code (“Wet pleasure rather pay the Rafs, like Christ”) to depict his extravagant lifestyle. The phrase “Diamonds on like they cheat codes” suggests that his bling is so prominent and flashy, it could be mistaken for him cheating the system.
By the end of the song, the audience gets a profound sense of the harsh realities of street life, the resilience it requires, and the deep brotherly bonds it foster. “RIP Roach” serves as a raw and celebratory tribute to those who’ve been lost and an assertion of the strength and defiance that the survivors embody.
