Roddy Ricch was “Ballin'” all 2019.

The rising Compton MC has had an epic year, which capped off with three Grammy nominations including two for his “Racks in the Middle” collaboration with Nipsey Hussle. Fresh off a marathon 48-hour studio session, he sat down with Rap-Up to reflect on the blessings.

“It feels good,” said the 21-year-old XXL Freshman. “I just appreciate them for really acknowledging the work that we put together. It was dope for them to recognize it.”

But the nominations were also a bittersweet moment following Nipsey’s death. Roddy reflected on the tragic loss of the hometown hero. “He was more than just another rapper to me. He was one of the young motivational role models in the city,” he said. “He really had a positive connection with young people. It wasn’t always about being the toughest or trying to prove yourself or be something you wasn’t. It was more so about being who you were and always having a strong mentality in whatever you wanted to do as far as your ventures.”

Roddy also received a co-sign from another one of his idols, LeBron James, who’s been vibing out to his music on Instagram. “It’s just crazy that a ni**a I looked to all my life…The way he carried himself, he always had a will to do more and step outside the boundaries. Just growing up and seeing that and now he fuckin’ with me, that’s crazy.”

On Friday, Roddy is set to release his highly-anticipated debut album Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial, which will provide more insight into the man behind the music. “The main thing behind it is really being able to understand me more deeply through the music, unlocking different levels of who I am,” he said. “I just want to let my fans know who I’ve become and why I’ve become that.”

The 16-track set features appearances from Meek Mill, Ty Dolla $ign, Gunna, Lil Durk, and A Boogie wit Da Hoodie. One artist not on the album who he wants to collaborate with is Billie Eilish. “I kinda like her style and how she move,” said Roddy.

Plus, watch him reveal his top 5 rappers—from Future to Kendrick Lamar.