“Old Me Had To R.I.P” from Lana D Drops Today

Built around the theme of rebirth, Lana D uses personal testimony to paint a journey from pain, stress, pride, and brokenness toward surrender, salvation, and purpose. Her verses speak to anyone who has struggled with identity, tried to numb their pain with the world, or worn a mask to hide what’s really going on. Each line is crafted to remind listeners that transformation is not only possible—it’s promised.

The song is inspired directly by 2 Corinthians 5:17, and its January 2nd release makes it a perfect anthem for individuals looking to reset their lives spiritually as a new year begins. The hook—“Old me had to R.I.P.”—is both memorable and ministry-focused, turning a catchy phrase into a deeply biblical message. This single stands firmly within the lane of uplifting female Christian hip-hop, reminiscent of artists like Childlike CiCi and Lanell Grant who use hip-hop as a vessel for healing, empowerment, and faith.

Chorus
I had to die to the old
If you knew me back then
And think you know me now
You don’t really even know me
Old me had to R.I.P
Had to R.I.P (2x)

Verse 1
(Yeah, yeah, look)
Had a heart full of pain, a mind full of stress
Tried to numb it with the world, but now that’s laid to rest
(Uh, had to lay it all down, had to pick up that cross)
Had to die to myself, had to count it as loss
For a new life to gain … no, I’m not the same
Gave my life to Christ and everything changed
I was movin’ too fast, couldn’t see I was crashin’
But His mercy hit different, yeah, that grace everlasting
Took the L, made it life, that’s a holy exchange
And my steps all aligned, when called on His name
Now I’m walkin’ in truth, got that fire inside…
Cause in Him I abide

Chorus
I had to die to the old
If you knew me back then
And think you know me now
You don’t really know me
Old me had to R.I.P
Had to R.I.P

Verse 2
Yeah, uh, look
Had to bury that pride, had to swallow my doubt
Had to give up control just to figure it out
Had to fall to my knees and look up to the sky
Told God, “I been runnin’,” He said, “I’m right by your side.”
I was livin’ for the moment, chasin’ dreams with a hole in it
Tried to fill it with the world, but my soul wasn’t whole in it
Tried to fake like I was good, but the mask didn’t fit
Had to die to my flesh just to live in His gift
Yeah, new mind, new heart, new vision
Got washed, got saved, new mission
Now my steps real different when I walk in the room
Cause all my shackles been loose

Chorus
Had to die to the old
If you knew me back then
And think you know me now
You don’t really know me
Old me had to R.I.P
Had to R.I.P