Genre: Hip-Hop, Gospel Rap, Conscious Rap
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Artists: Lil Durk, J. Cole
Produced by: Dr. Luke
About the Song
“All My Life” is a powerful collaboration between Lil Durk and J. Cole, released as the lead single from Lil Durk’s 2023 album Almost Healed. The track is an uplifting anthem of perseverance, redemption, and resilience, anchored by a gospel-inspired choir. Lil Durk reflects on his personal growth and struggles with public perception, while J. Cole delivers one of his most introspective and socially aware guest verses, tackling the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of integrity.
Why This Song Is a Must-Listen
- A seamless blend of street narratives and gospel inspiration.
- Explores resilience, faith, and overcoming adversity.
- Highlights Lil Durk’s growth as an artist seeking redemption.
- Features J. Cole’s reflective and impactful verse.
- The choir-driven chorus creates a universal, uplifting message.
Lyrics of All My Life – Lil Durk ft. J. Cole
[Intro: J. Cole]
Durkio told me he been on some positive shit, yeah, yeah
Lately, I just wanna show up and body some shit, yeah, yeah
Always been a lil’ mathematician, lately it’s cash I’m gettin’
Got me losin’ count of these bags, I’ve been movin’ too fast
Hard times don’t last, ‘member when cops harassed
Talkin’ out my ass, boy, you ain’t shit but a bitch with a badge
[Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk]
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)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break me (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, they couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryin’ to keep me down)
[Verse 1: Lil Durk]
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
You can’t blame my past no more, I come from the trenches
Some said I’d never be a superstar, but I know I’m different (No, no, no)
I’m The Voice, but the system ain’t give me a choice
Know some people that’s still undeployed
I know a felon who tryna get FOID
Child support your only support
For a visit, I’m goin’ through courts
Went to jail, they was chainin’ me up
And you know that I’m famous as fuck
See how you gon’ joke about stimulus?
But they really had came in the clutch
I know some kids wanna hurt theyself
Stop tryna take drugs, I refer to myself
Tryna better myself, tryna better my health but
[Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk, J. Cole]
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)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break me (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, they couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryin’ to keep me down, yeah)
[Verse 2: J. Cole]
First generation ghetto nigga
Cole world, hello niggas
Made it out the city with my head on straight
Niggas keep shootin’ up the lead out
Young Jordan Peele, gotta get out
But the shit that I spit out
Is a cheat code like I’m facin’ a RICO and how a nigga put a hit out
And another one, and, and another one
I got like a hundred of ’em
‘Bout to lap niggas so they think they ahead of me, but I’m really in front of them
Now some of them fumblin’ they bags
Fuckin’ up the little crumbs that they had
A reminder to humble yourself, this shit could be gone in an instant
Me, I’m runnin’ long distance
All pistons firin’
I be stuck between maybe retirin’ and feelin’ like I’m just not hittin’ my prime
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”
And media thirsty for clicks
I got a new rule
If you ain’t never posted a rapper when he was alive
You can’t post about him after he get hit
It’s simple, it’s the principle
On any tempo, I’m invincible
Don’t even rap, I just vent to you
I rather that than an interview
Most days
Fuck ’em all like I’m goin’ through a ho phase
Young nigga shoot out the whip like road rage
I pray all of my dawgs stay so paid
And the only thing that kill ’em is old age
[Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk]
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)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break me (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, they couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryin’ to keep me down)
Commentary Breakdown
Verse 1 Analysis (Lil Durk)
Lil Durk’s verse is a raw self-reflection on his past, the media’s criticism, and his current effort to transform his image. He acknowledges systemic barriers, prison struggles, and the pressure of fame, while also encouraging youth to avoid destructive paths. His lyrics underscore resilience and the pursuit of self-betterment.
Verse 2 Analysis (J. Cole)
J. Cole provides a broader, philosophical commentary on success, mortality, and the music industry. He highlights the fragility of fame, the tragedy of young rappers dying before achieving recognition, and the exploitative role of media. Cole’s verse reaffirms his artistic integrity and wisdom, while also giving hope for longevity and legacy.
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About the Artists
Lil Durk
Durk Derrick Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, is a Chicago-born rapper, singer, and songwriter. Often referred to as “The Voice”, he rose to prominence through his mixtapes and melodic street anthems. Durk’s music frequently explores life in the trenches, personal struggles, and redemption, making him one of the most authentic voices in modern hip-hop. He is also the founder of Only The Family (OTF), a rap collective that has launched the careers of several rising stars.
J. Cole
Jermaine Lamarr Cole, better known as J. Cole, is a Grammy-winning rapper, songwriter, and producer from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Cole is celebrated for his thoughtful lyricism, storytelling, and social commentary. Beyond music, he is known for his humility, philanthropy, and influence on conscious rap. His consistent artistry has solidified him as one of hip-hop’s most respected figures worldwide.
What Do You Think?
Did the uplifting message of “All My Life” inspire you? Share your thoughts on the themes of perseverance, growth, and resilience in the comments below 👇.