Song Exploder Hit-Boy and Nipsey Hussle - Racks In the Middle (feat. Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy)
Jan 14, 2026
Hit-Boy, an award-winning producer known for his work with stars like Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott, dives into the creation of "Racks in the Middle," a poignant collaboration with Nipsey Hussle and Roddy Ricch. He shares how he tailored beats for Nipsey, the emotional process behind the lyrics, and the excitement when Roddy recorded the hook on the spot. Hit-Boy reflects on the song's journey from production to its Grammy win, while remembering Nipsey's heartfelt verses about loss and resilience, making it a lasting tribute.
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Discovering Roddy Ricch On YouTube
- Hit-Boy discovered Roddy Ricch on YouTube and kept replaying his song "Die Young" until it stuck with him.
- He made a beat in Roddy's vein knowing Roddy was working nearby and played it when they met, sparking an immediate hook recording.
Make Beats For A Specific Artist
- Make beats with a specific artist in mind to boost creativity and output when you know they'll hear them.
- Hit-Boy says having an artist scheduled gives him a productive charge and focus.
Transforming Sample Packs Into Signature Loops
- Hit-Boy often builds tracks from sample packs sent by collaborators, then finesses them into a unique loop.
- He values haunting harmonies and reverb to create a West Coast but fresh vibe.
