Songfacts®:

• There's something poetic about three artists huddled outside an unassuming apartment complex, deep in thought about life, ambition, and the slippery nature of success. That's the setting for the video of "By Myself," a collaboration between Lil Baby, Rod Wave, and Rylo Rodriguez - a track that blends introspection with raw, streetwise storytelling.
• The song opens with Lil Baby, whose verse is a rapid-fire journey through his transition from street hustler to chart-topping mogul. But beneath the hustle lies a current of disillusionment.
  
  I got money, thought they'd be happy for me
  They'd rather see me in shackles
  
  It's a grim realization that not everyone cheers when you succeed.
• Baby shouts out both his grandmother and his cousin, acknowledging their significant roles in his life. He emphasizes his commitment to providing for his grandmother, rapping about ensuring she has everything she desires. This highlights the strong bond and deep respect he holds for her. Furthermore, Baby expresses profound gratitude towards his cousin, who consistently supported him during challenging times, offering unwavering assistance without any need for prompting.
  
  Including family members in his lyrics serves as a way for Baby to stay grounded and remember his origins despite achieving fame and success.
• Rod Wave's soulful chorus swoops in next, like a soul-soaked balm to Baby's barbed reflections. He repeats the line, "I couldn't have did it by myself," reinforcing the song's underlying message about the importance of support and gratitude in the face of success.
• Then comes Rylo Rodriguez, who approaches his verse with an almost conversational candor. He unpacks the raw realities of street life: betrayal, brushes with the law, and the constant shadow of danger. His words bring grit and realism, grounding the song in the stark truths that so often underscore success stories.
• DY Krazy, DJ Moon and Williskeating created the melodic trap beat. Their production complements the introspective and sometimes melancholic lyrics.
  
  Dwan Avery, known professionally as DY Krazy, is a member of hip-hop production team 808 Mafia. His other credits include Future and Young Thug's "Patek Water," Gucci Mane, Bruno Mars and Kodak Black's "Wake Up In The Sky" and Lil Baby's "Real As It Gets."
• The video, directed by Rick Nyce, takes the song's themes of reflection and camaraderie and plants them firmly on the asphalt outside that nondescript apartment complex. There's something deliberate about the setting, as if to remind us that even the loftiest dreams often spring from humble origins.
  
  Rick Nyce, also known as Freeband Nyce, has directed numerous music videos for prominent hip-hop artists, particularly Future. He has also worked on projects for major brands like Apple Music and Reebok.