The release title has personal meaning too. “Ever since I was little, people would call me ‘midget,” the 26-year-old says of his nickname, which is now a face tattoo. “My mom would say I was a small person in a big world, always wanting to be bigger.” Featuring right-hand man AzChike, Haiti Babii, Mozzy, ALLBLACK, and others, ​Midget​ finds a charismatic Rucci putting his strengths, vulnerabilities, and daily life into his catchy, larger than life music.

Rucci was raised with rap dreams, thanks to ​XXL​ magazine subscriptions gifted by his mother. By his teens, the rapper of Salvadorian and Black heritage had formed MackkRucci with respected neighborhood artist Sean Mackk. Their projects garnered strong appeal in the mid-2010s. “Everybody in L.A. started grasping onto who we were,” Rucci recalls. However, in July of 2017, the man born Shawn Ivy was fatally shot in an Inglewood cul-de-sac. His partner kept going, naming his label Mackk & Company in tribute. But in processing his loss, Rucci began confronting feelings in songs. “When I opened up to the world, people started understanding.” From his father to his slain rap partner, Rucci honored others with his music. In 2020, following his most successful year to date, the artist put the spotlight on himself. Early in the year, his EP, ​I’m Still Me,​ was a personal homecoming after millions of streams, Rolling Loud performances, and steady music videos. The project closed with “Midget,” an intentional transition towards an album about Rucci’s journey and his multifaceted layers.

Following his recent success, Rucci says he has purchased homes for his mother as well as his father, Tako. While living with his younger brother, the artist has new priorities. “Since I got my mom and my dad out the way, I’m going straight rapper mode,” he shares. “I’m becoming who I always wanted to become. I always wanted to be able to take care of everybody around me and at the same time keep myself satisfied on a higher level.” This new focus allows Rucci to get competitive and cocky. “I’ve been super nice and super humble. Now? No more,” warns one of L.A.’s most exciting new voices. “I’m letting you have it, left and right. I’m not sitting here waiting for nobody. Nah, I’ma say your name.” Single “Understand” draws from a real-life falling out between Rucci and his best friend. ​Midget​ also offers a sequel to fan favorite, “Me N My Drugz.” This installment thematically samples Soul For Real classic “Candy Rain” for an unfiltered look at how Rucci relaxes. “I think that’s gonna turn a lot of heads,” says the rapper, who demonstrates his singing abilities on the intoxicating song.

“This album is about me maturing while still being the biggest dickhead in the world,” admits Rucci with his hearty laugh. After putting on for his hood and uplifting his family, ​Midget​ fully introduces a talented and versatile artist with giant plans.