Die 4 Respect

The title of DDG and OG Parker’s *Die 4 Respect* is likely an allusion to hip-hop’s increasingly outdated practice of dismissing the music-making aspirations of creatives who’ve already found success in another arenas. Here, the former YouTuber, also known as PontiacMadeDDG, links with Quality Control producer OG Parker—he of Migos’ “Walk It Talk It,” “Slippery,” et al.—to double down on his bid for music-world legitimacy. While OG Parker’s production is indeed a cheat code of sorts, DDG is able to pull his weight rapping about his struggles in love, the wealth he’s acquired following his dreams, and the creature comforts that define his lifestyle. With additional production from names like Hitmaka, G. Ry, and Devislit, along with guest appearances from NBA YoungBoy, Lil Yachty, PnB Rock, 42 Dugg, Coi Leray, and Blueface, *Die 4 Respect* functions dually as a declaration of DDG’s investment and a showcase of his music taste.

Michigan rapper DDG transitioned from social media personality to rapper after establishing himself as an entertainer with comedic videos, and within a few years of pursuing music he was already signed to a major label and collaborating with some of rap's bigger names.