When XXL dropped its 2025 Freshman Class of rising hip-hop expertise earlier this week, the feedback part appeared divided over this yr’s collection of rappers. Nonetheless, the consensus amongst many appeared to be one key notable lacking face, ascendant Chicago rapper Chuckyy.
At simply 19 years previous, the Lil Durk protégé is pioneering his personal distinct drill sound. With hints of horror-core and a refreshing nonchalance, the rising younger rapper represents the brand new period of Chicago rap, additionally working carefully with the town’s native legend LUCKI.
Recent off his I Reside, I Die, I Reside Once more launch and a latest efficiency at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer time Smash, the rapper is already prepared for his new transfer: a tour, a deluxe version, and, hopefully, turning into the richest rapper on this planet. However first, Chuckyy pulled as much as Chinatown for a fast chat about his Chi-town come-up.
Your newest challenge has been very well-received. Do you take note of the opinions and rankings?
I really feel very blessed about that. I strive to not learn the opinions an excessive amount of, however I respect each single one who has poured one out to the album or supported it in any approach.
The place did the album title come from?
It’s one in every of my favourite traces, and I feel it actually emulates the journey of this album and the completely different phases of life I’ve been going via. You go up, you go down, however you retain going.
What in regards to the cowl artwork?
The poses are impressed by Chucky on the duvet artwork.
What have been a few of the greatest sources of inspiration for you on this album?
For this album particularly, the followers have been the inspiration. I’ve been actually lively with them these days and have been attempting to truly hearken to what they need from my music.
What does it imply to work with a legend in your metropolis like LUCKI?
I’ve been listening to LUCKI ceaselessly, lengthy earlier than I used to be even rapping. It’s so loopy to get to name him a peer of mine and get to rap collectively on one in every of my very own tracks. That was the very last thing on my guidelines, for actual. Now I’m accomplished. Now I can actually have enjoyable. Shoutout Luck.
Alex Hodor Lee For Hypebeast
Alex Hodor Lee For Hypebeast
Lil Durk is one other mentor of yours. Inform me extra about his affect on you.
He’s such an inspiration to me. To see somebody from the identical place as me be capable of obtain such large issues – it’s so motivational. It’s helped me a lot.
You’re simply 19 – do you ever really feel such as you’re shifting too quick?
No sir. I don’t assume I’m lacking out on being a 19-year-old. I don’t assume I’m rising up too quick. I don’t assume I’m dwelling too quick.
How do you strategy writing songs?
All my tracks come collectively from scratch. My engineer and I are locked in, and he’ll make a beat, ship it over, and I’ll simply hop on it. I’m going to file a tune after this interview. I truly sat down and wrote it earlier than. That’s loopy. I haven’t accomplished that in so lengthy.
Alex Hodor Lee For Hypebeast
What’s subsequent for you?
A tour is certainly on my thoughts. Additionally, loads of music. I’m not about cliffhangers. The whole lot they see goes to drop.
In the event you may collaborate with anybody, who wouldn’t it be?
Lil Uzi Vert.
What’s your most underrated tune?
It’s referred to as “King Tut.” It’s from once I simply began rapping. It nonetheless doesn’t have one million views.
You’ve debuted on Billboard, damaged thousands and thousands of streams – what’s your “I made it” second?
Once I’m the richest rapper alive.
Alex Hodor Lee For Hypebeast
