About this episodeAZ Chike reflects on his evolution from the chaotic, substance-fueled '2020' era of LA hip hop to a mature art…AI summary
AZ Chike reflects on his evolution from the chaotic, substance-fueled '2020' era of LA hip hop to a mature artist preparing for his major label debut 'No Rest for the Wicked' on September 18th. He discusses the collaborative process with Tyler the Creator, the strategic patience required for album releases, and the enduring success of his sync placements like 'Peekaboo' and 'Game Time'.
Key takeaways 6
AZ Chike describes the 2020 LA music scene as a period of excessive spending and substance abuse, noting that studio business was booming because artists had 'PPP money' but many projects failed due to lack of focus.
He views the current LA hip hop hierarchy through an analogy to basketball, where some artists play professionally (NBA), some recreationally, and others just shoot paper into office hoops, highlighting the blurred lines and fad nature of modern rap.
The release strategy for his album involved natural design and patience, with advice from industry giants like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler the Creator to not rush the process ('let them cook'), resulting in a September 18th release date.
His music video for 'Look Like My Mama' with Tyler the Creator features reenactments of five specific movies: Napoleon Dynamite, Men in Black, Payday, Sinners, and Dead Presidents.
AZ Chike identifies a 'new class' of LA artists including Grinchwalk, Bezy Too Janky, and Dave Dollar as the next wave to watch.
He notes that his song 'Game Time' was naturally designed to feel like a sports highlight reel, leading to sync placements in Madden 2K and 2K, while 'Peekaboo' remains a massive radio recurrence hit.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I had my first like alcohol withdrawal. Like we was drinking so much all 2020. I remember one night I just didn't drink. Start sweating. I was like what the [ __ ] I didn't it hit me until the next day I'm like damn I think I just had alcohol withdrawal.”
▶ 2:21AZ Chike describing the extreme substance abuse during the 2020 LA music scene.
“Rap is like either they think you're absolute [ __ ] or you gotta be the biggest. It's blurred lines... it's more of a fad now.”
▶ 5:46AZ Chike explaining the current hierarchy and perception in the rap industry.
“No Rest for the Wicked is basically bash is always going to happen, right? Like, and it's up to you how you distribute your energy... She got the pink shirt on. It just that picture was yelling at me.”
▶ 26:46Explaining the album cover art featuring his grandmother, representing resilience amidst hardship.
“When you have so many uh big names or big cooks in the kitchen, you got to let them cook. And no matter how long it take it just... play the course.”
▶ 16:16AZ Chike on why he took his time releasing his major label album despite industry pressure.
“I think it's beautiful, man. I remember I was telling the homies in like 2023 like this is the the sink or swim stage... only the strong glass I said this in 2023 I remember drunk geeked out of my mind in the club huddling the homies hey right [ __ ] better get right right now.”
▶ 7:02Reflecting on the survival of early LA hip hop artists like himself, Roocci, and Jeezy.
Chapters & Sections (14)▼
0:00AZ Chike's Past Excesses and Studio Industrychapter2
2:03Alcohol Withdrawal and Pandemic Spending
3:45Studio Business Boom and Wasted Money
5:21Rap Industry Hierarchy and LA Hip Hop Evolutionchapter1
8:19LA Hip Hop Unity and Solo Hustle
9:45Odd Socks Sponsorship, Tour Memories, and Music Videochapter1
12:50Psychedelic Experiences and Music Video Themes
14:14Movie Recreations and Album Release Strategychapter1
16:31Music Industry Release Deadlines
18:44LA Music Scene, GNX Success, and Sync Placementschapter2
20:49Podcast Sponsorship Announcements
22:34Sync Placements and LA Strip Clubs
25:22Album Cover Meaning and Musical Influenceschapter1
29:06Musical Influences and New Tyler Collaboration
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