9.10.2021
L.A. Heavy-Hitters Rucci and AzChike Announce Kourtesy Of Us, A New Collab Album Arriving This Fall via Mackk&Cult/EMPIRE
The Two Rappers Connect with Boosie Badazz, AzSwaye, and Pjay for “Hoodrat” Video
The Two Frequent Collaborators, Behind Local Hits like “Light It Up” and “Function In The Hood,” Prepare to Release Their First-Ever Collab Album
Critical Praise:
“On the spectrum of the new Los Angeles, Rucci sits closest to classicism, capturing the spirit of greats like Suga Free and Mack 10. But don’t mistake that homage for predictability: Rucci consumes these beats. His presence throughout this album is glowing, outsized, and even within the frames of L.A. bump — minor keys, minimal bass — he makes daring production choices. (“Lowrider” interpolates, you know, that song). But beneath the booming production and drug inventories that run rampant on Tako’s Son are stories of deep loss and chosen family” – NPR
“Rucci is one of the few young and buzzing West Coast rappers capable of pleasing both emcee traditionalists and those seeking true starpower and hit-making potential… Inglewood’s chosen son is on his way to stardom.” – HYPEBEAST
“He’s become equally adept at writing fun party slappers and ferocious pain rap dirges, gangsta rap indebted to history but hounded by the demons of the present.” – The LAnd
“He has the dexterity to spit about street life in L.A. in a way that doesn’t romanticize its harsh realities, while still remaining loose enough to pivot from those heavy topics to raps about his Instagram DMs blowing up (“How you text me off that app but you blocked?”).” – Pitchfork
“Time is of the essence for AzChike. Since 2013, the 24-year old has tried to make every moment count. Prior to being known for his storytelling abilities and bops like “Burn Rubber Again” and “Licked Up,” the rapper, who has drawn comparisons to mid-2000s Lil Wayne and 2019 XXL Freshman Blueface, began his career as a what he describes as a conscious rapper. Once he shifted gears (and quit his day job), however, he really started to get the party jumping.” – XXL
“Central L.A. rapper AzChike specializes in making songs that rattle your trunk.” – The FADER
The Video:
United by their love of smack talk and fierce loyalty to their home neighborhoods, L.A. rappers Rucci and AzChike are a dynamic duo. Today, Rucci and Chike announce Kourtesy Of Us, their upcoming collaborative project. Though Rucci and Chike have torn up the L.A. streets with local hits like “Light It Up” and “Function In The Hood,“ Kourtesy Of Us marks the first time that the two slick talkers connected for a full-length effort. Packed with beats from L.A. sound architects like AceTheFace and Hitman, plus a coterie of California heavy-hitters as guests, Kourtesy Of Us arrives later this fall via Mackk&Cult/EMPIRE.
Today, the wise-cracking duo shares “Hoodrat,” a boisterous new video from the upcoming project. Produced by miajayc, “Hoodrat” is a hyperactive West Coast anthem, a quick-hitting banger with verses from L.A. associates AzSwaye and PJay, and a neck-snapping appearance from Boosie Badazz. Directed by Mr. RealMovie, the video finds the five emcees living large at the neighborhood car wash, drinking tequila and Henny as they throw cash in the air. Fans might have caught a glimpse of the video earlier this month when a clip of Boosie wilding out during the video’s filming went viral on social media.
“Hoodrat” is the latest in a line of fiery collaborations between AzChike and Rucci to hit the streets this year. The two rappers connected with Capolow for “No Kizzy,” a Bay-meets-L.A. banger, took aim at steppers on “Who Dat,” and earlier, they honed their chemistry with the rip-roaring “Pop Pills.” Both artists are continuing the momentum from big 2020s–Ruccicontinued to explore his fascinating backstory with the Midget album, featuring the hit single “Understand” ft. Blxst, and AzChike kept busy with hard-hitting EPs and collaborations with the likes of Sada Baby and Frostydasnowmann.
Finally joining forces for the joint album that L.A. needs, Rucci and AzChike prepare to gift their fans and their city with a new set of slaps. Stay tuned for more music and announcements.
Buy/Stream “Hoodrat” ft. Boosie Badazz, AzSwaye & PJay: https://music.empi.re/hoodrat
Watch “Hoodrat” ft. Boosie Badazz, AzSwaye & PJay: https://youtu.be/YENwEogTFE8
Please contact Michelle or Kerry for more info.
The Background:
EMPIRE Background:
EMPIRE was founded in 2010 as an artist-friendly, progressive digital distribution company. After early success, and identifying future icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Rich Homie Quan, EMPIRE was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry and throughout the past five years evolved into a full-fledged record label, distributor and publisher for independent musicians. With the company and roster growing at a breakneck pace, EMPIRE has effectively disrupted a stale business model by bringing its energy, expertise, and acumen to its artists and labels. Today, EMPIRE works with some of music’s hottest talent, ranging from superstars such as T.I. and Snoop Dogg, red-hot newcomers such as SOB X RBE and Mozzy, and established veterans like Jim Jones and Redman. While remaining 100% independent, EMPIRE has also partnered with Atlantic Records for a joint venture, home to breakout star D.R.A.M. and propelled singles by Fat Joe & Remy Ma (“All The Way Up,” 2x Platinum), Tyga (“Taste,” 3x Platinum), and Lil Duval (“Smile”) to the top of the Billboard Hip-Hop Charts. In April 2018, EMPIRE signed a global distribution deal with Universal Music Group for select artist projects.
Links:
AzChike: instagram | twitter | youtube | spotify
Rucci: instagram | twitter | soundcloud | youtube | spotify
“Hoodrat” ft. Boosie Badazz, AzSwaye & PJay: https://youtu.be/YENwEogTFE8
“Pop Pills”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyM3zFgsCg
“No Kizzy” ft. Capolow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTvg-rjHXzg
“Who Dat”: https://music.empi.re/whodat
“Function In The Hood”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8vFleaR1a8
“Light It Up”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8jS79ahs38