Lil Wayne Ft Rick Ross - (john) If I Die Today (dirty) Apr 2026

: The recurring refrain "I'm not a star, somebody lied" (interpolated from Rick Ross's "I'm Not a Star") highlights a rejection of the "pop star" label in favor of a more grounded, dangerous street persona.

The song operates as a dark, celebratory anthem of resilience and dominance, exploring several primary themes: Lil Wayne ft Rick Ross - (John) If I die today (Dirty)

Directed by , the official music video emphasizes an edgy, industrial atmosphere: : The recurring refrain "I'm not a star,

: Set in an abandoned, darkened warehouse, the video features mountains of tires, billowing smoke, bats, and glowing green objects. Its origin is deeply personal to Wayne; upon

The track was produced by and Ayo the Producer . Its origin is deeply personal to Wayne; upon his release from Rikers Island in 2010, the first song he heard in his car was Rick Ross's "I'm Not a Star". He reportedly became obsessed with the record, leading to the creation of "John" as a thematic successor.

: For his 2011 MTV Video Music Awards performance, Wayne further leaned into the track's heavy energy by performing it over the riff from Black Sabbath's "Iron Man". Music Video Aesthetic

"John (If I Die Today)," released in March 2011, serves as the second single from multi-platinum album Tha Carter IV . Featuring Rick Ross , the track is a masterclass in modern gangsta-rap menace, built on a foundation of aggressive production and clever, punchline-heavy lyricism. Core Themes & Symbolism