How Hip-Hop Up-And-Comer AZ Chike’s Debut LP ‘No Rest for the Wicked’ Survived a Leak and Scored Co-Signs From Kendrick Lamar & Tyler, the Creator
The South Central Los Angeles MC is ready to formally introduce himself.
AZ Chike, whose real name is Damaria Kayshawn Walker, is a 31-year-old MC who has just released his major-label debut studio album, No Rest for The Wicked, on September 18 via Warner Records. The album, which features production contributions from artists such as Pharrell Williams, Sounwave, Terrace Martin, Hit-Boy and Tyler, the Creator, landed at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 following the success of a standout track from Kendrick Lamar's GNX, "Peekaboo."
Despite a leak earlier, AZ Chike is now ready to introduce his work to the world with a new level of introspection and vulnerability explored in the 14-track set. The album's title reflects his determination to move beyond West Coast rap and party music. Chike has been receiving co-signs from hip-hop's most acclaimed names, including Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator, and Schoolboy Q. He describes his album as a way to join hip-hop history and emphasizes his intention to be phenomenal, vulnerable, and use melody.
Chike's dedication to his craft is evident as he delivers some of the year's most voracious rapping and emphasizes continuity in his verses. He is currently preparing for a headlining tour that kicks off at Houston's White Oak Music Hall on October 5, as well as working on a forthcoming deluxe edition of the album.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
