Plowman 1

Kacie Plowman

Dr. Cassel

ENG 1201-121

3 February 2020

Roll In Peace- Rhetorical Analysis

One of the most well known rap artists of today's generation is Kodak Black. One

of his top hit songs, familiar to many is “Roll in peace.” This record breaker was

published in 2017, but remains at the top of hit playlists in 2020. With such popularity it

comes to no surprise that there are many covers and remixed versions of the song. The

younger generation seems to find this song to bring confidence and self assurance by

the boldness and triumph of the lyrics mixed with the underlying contrasted beats. The

courage this song brings to one is a prime example of why it has been such a popular

melody to remix. The most commercial and successful remixed version was actually

produced by a woman, Layton Greene.

Kodak Black has become known nationally for his complications and run-ins with

the law. Kodak has had multiple, significant public court cases over the course of the

past 4 years. The song “Roll in Peace” comes from the personal experience of growing

up in the public eye. Kodak published this song after being indicted on multiple different

accounts. This song has clarified his interpretation of how fame has affected him and

his life. This translates his exasperation and resentment of the courts and justice

system.
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“Roll in Peace” composed by Layton Greene carries out the primary verse of

Kodak’s song, which provides the main similarity between the two songs.The beat was

reformed into a R&B, slow, but bold remix. Greene’s take on this song provides a

distinctly discrete story-line as well. Apart from the original, Layton discloses a storyline

expressing the damage from a previous relationship. Although both the original version

of “Roll in Peace“ by Kodak Black and the new version by Layton Greene have

corresponding lyrics, the message that is being delivered is drastically different. Kodak

Black is giving an image portraying the difficult life of growing up in the spotlight. Layton

Greene is giving a performance that is relatable to anyone who may have experienced

an unsound or difficult breakup.

The music videos give two very independent story lines within themselves.

Kodak’s music video gives clear indications of the message he is trying to convey.

Beginning with the setting Kodak is seen in the courtroom, this scene is played multiple

times during the majority of the video. This gives an explanation of the message he is

sending. He is trying to put a spotlight on the justice system. The next key evidence

would involve his costume. He is seen in a jail jumpsuit throughout multiple scenes,

even while praying in church. This analyzes that he is the culprit of prosecution. The

most important piece to provide confirmation would include the props used in the video.

The first scene shows a mannequin in place of the bailiff of the courtroom. This would

explain the key element of the song's purpose. Kodak is giving a clear interpretation of

the court system being fake, staged, and tampered. Lastly, his lyrics assist in the

message clarification,

“I can't even roll in peace (why)

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Everybody notice me (yeah)

I can't even go to sleep (why)

They tried to give me eight”

The lyrics clarify that Kodak is stating he has been the victim of growing up in the

spotlight, which has helped the corrupt justice system to focus on prosecuting him with

at least 8 new charges.

Layton’s version kept true to the original by keeping the well known, repetitive

first verse. Although this verse was kept the same, the overall interpretation is

incomparable. The music video’s setting, tone, and changed lyrics help explain the

message she is transmitting. Starting with the ambience of the video, you immediately

observe a heavy confrontation to start the video. This provides magnitude for the overall

purpose instantaneously. The character behavior also plays a large role. Layton is seen

yelling, shouting, pointing her finger, whaling her arms, and throwing the man’s

belongings. These characteristics help provide explanation to the overall purpose by

showing her anger, hurt and hostility. Another great component used was the use of

contrast of colors. The video utilized dark colors with emerging bright colors within

Layton’s makeup. This signifies the relationship of emotions and colors. Certain colors

can evoke certain emotions, signifying the pureness of Layton’s character. Lastly, the

tone of the melody. The song exhibits a slow tempo accompanied by low beats. These

characteristics help provide the overall feeling of the song.

While arranging all the information provided regarding the two music videos

some may maintain contrasting views. One could argue that Kodak and Layton had a

corresponding meaning, their songs were meant to give the same message and attract
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the same audience. The original strain could easily be mistaken as a song that was

geared toward a negative relationship. One scene that could impart in the confusion

would be when Kodak is seen in the bedroom with a woman, in a sexually

compromising situation . This scene is shown more than once, which could potentially

give an inconsistent overall connotation.This is surprisingly related to one of the eight

allegations he was referring to earlier in the song. Predominantly, the overall theme

could effortlessly be intermingled without knowing Kodak’s personal current

circumstances.

From beginning to end the two music videos display more than one rhetorical

appeal. Kodak’s video initiates the appeals Logos along with Pathos. The lyrics imply

the assumtion that he is being watched constantly and stalked. This logic would assist

his accusation of the justice system being dishonest and corrupt. The appeal pathos is

utilized by providing a personal story, along with being relatable to anyone who has

been wrongfully convicted. In addition, Layton has employed the same appeals. The

very first scene of the video provides a clear indication that she is being disrespected by

her significant other. This provides the viewers with a clear argumentation that she was

not in the wrong, logically being disrespected is known to be wrong. Lastly, ethos was

the preponderant appeal used. They showed a love / hate relationship between the pair.

This provided a relatable and engaging moment for the audience to connect with the

artist. Generally speaking, both music videos conveyed congerous end results.

The music video’s setting along with the character behaviors play a large role in

understanding the message that is meant to be conveyed. Regardless, there is no

doubt that the two songs are diverse. The response to Kodak’s song has come from the
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younger generation, specifically men, ones that have had disputes within the justice

system. This could signify that this was meant to attract a lower socioeconomic class.

Layton’s refurbished beat has undeniably reached a contrary audience, those who can

relate to her heartache. I believe that the audience was designated to reach women that

have endured unhealthy relationships. Additionally, the setting would attract an inner

city audience. All in all, each artist has taken this song and put their own personal story

into perspective, giving aspiration to fight for what you believe in.
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Works Cited

Black, Kodak “Kodak Black Roll In Peace (feat. XXXTentacion) [Official Music

Video]” Youtube. Uploaded by Kodak Black, 15 January 2018,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0nbOenwCLw.

Greene, Layton “Layton Greene- Roll in Peace Remix (Official Video)” Youtube.

Uploaded by Layton Greene, 15 May 2018,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huoQgJXLk-8.