Damaria Kayshawn Walker, known as AZ Chike (born July 28, 1995) is an American rapper from South Central, Los Angeles. He released his debut album, Rich & Ratchet, in 2019.
AZ Chike | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Damaria Kayshawn Walker |
| Born | July 28, 1995 |
| Origin | South Central, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Labels | |
| Member of | AZ Cult |
Early life
editAZ Chike grew up in South Central of Los Angeles.[1] After high school, he worked several jobs, including one at Sprouts Farmers Market, but quit in 2015 to pursue making music.[2]
Career
editAZ Chike has rapped since 2013.[2] Around the same time, he and his friends formed the AZ Cult, a four-member hip-hop collective. In 2017, his song "Burn Rubber Again" went viral and garnered millions of listens on SoundCloud. Shortly after, he received a co-sign from Shoreline Mafia, released his debut mixtape, My World, and performed at Rolling Loud.[1] He also toured with Shoreline Mafia.[2]
In 2019, AZ Chike signed with Atlantic Records, specifically its Machine Works label, and Asylum Records.[3] He also released his debut album, Rich & Ratchet, and went on tour with rapper 1TakeJay.[4][5] The same year, he released a three-song EP, AlmightyChike, with rapper Almighty Suspect.[6] One year later, in 2020, AZ Chike released Yors Truly EP.[3] From then on, AZ Chike's singles would court attention from publications like Pitchfork, The Fader, and Revolt.[6][7][8] In 2022, AZ Chike released the album Chike Different.[9]
In 2024, AZ Chike was featured on Schoolboy Q's album Blue Lips on the song "Movie".[10] At Schoolboy Q and Devin Malik's show at The Roxy Theatre, AZ Chike performed a 30-minute set.[11] He performed at Kendrick Lamar's The Pop Out: Ken & Friends in June at the Kia Forum.[12] The same year, he appeared on Kendrick Lamar's album GNX on the song "Peekaboo".[13]
On 21 February 2025, AZ Chike released "Whatx2" as a single along with its music video, simultaneously announcing his signing to Warner Records.[14]
Personal life
editAZ Chike has two younger brothers.[2]
Discography
editStudio albums
- Don't Die Yet (2024) (with Low the Great)
- Spooky Summer (2024)
- CHIZZLE (2024)
- Born to Be Important (2023)
- I.S.W.I.L.L (2022)
- Chike Different (2022)
- Kourtesy of Us (2021)
- Rich & Ratchet (2019)
References
edit- ^ a b Acevedo, Kai (2019-09-25). "The Break Presents: AzChike". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ a b c d "An Interview With Rising LA Star, AzChike". Passion of the Weiss. 2018-10-02. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ a b "AzChike | Yors Truly". FLAUNT. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ "AzChike's New Project 'Rich & Ratchet' Is Out Everywhere". KPWR-FM. 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Baig, Nishat (2020-03-26). "Exclusive: We Chat With Asylum's AzChike". The Knockturnal. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ a b Pierre, Alphonse (2019-02-28). "The Ones: Almighty Suspect and AzChike's "Legend Killa"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ "Splice teams up with GRAMMY®-nominated Producer of the Year, Alissia". The FADER. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Cho, Regina. "Rucci, AzChike, and Babystone Gorillas link up for "5Real" single". REVOLT. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Saponara, Michael (2024-11-27). "Meet the Emerging California Rappers Who Appeared on Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX' Album". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Diaz, Angel (2024-03-06). "ScHoolboy Q's 'Blue Lips': All 18 Songs Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ "Live Review + Photos: ScHoolboy Q featuring Devin Malik and AZCHIKE". mxdwn Music. 2024-08-21. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Victorian, Brande (June 19, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Brings 25 L.A. Artists Together for Juneteenth Show, Playing Drake Diss Track "Not Like Us" Five Times". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ Diaz, Angel (2024-12-06). "AzChike Says Kendrick Lamar Already Had Him in Mind for 'Peekaboo' Feature". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (2025-02-21). "West Coast Star AZ Chike Signs With Warner Records, Drops New Single 'Whatx2'". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-02-21.