Single: Rucci – “La Bamba”
The Uncompromising Rhymer Kicks Back in Tijuana in This Manic, Latin-Flavored Jam
07.3.2019
Critical Praise for Rucci:
“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
“… has raw neighborhood-star quality that leads to raucous and overpacked live shows.” – Billboard
“… L.A.’s most exciting rappers at the moment, capturing the raw energy of their respective neighborhoods on tracks like ‘Arco’ and ‘Like Woah.'” – The FADER
“… El Perro confirms Rucci as a major talent…There is likely no skeleton key to instant national fame, but Rucci seems to be developing, right in front of us, into an artist of major consequence.” – Vulture
“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
The Announcement:
Inglewood rapper Rucci wields his authoritative rasp like a weapon, dropping harrowing bars at a rapidfire pace. Celebrating a new partnership with EMPIRE, Rucci shares “La Bamba,“ his new single. Running roughshod atop latin-inflected guitars and warm organ, “La Bamba” finds Rucci drawing clever parallels between the life of a corner fruit salesman in L.A. with the life of a Central American cartel boss. Kicking off with an unexpected and charming reference to West Side Story, “La Bamba” is a fascinating character study and a surefire party-starter, carried by Rucci’s crackling, snapping flows. Premiered by the L.A. Leakers on Los Angeles’ Power 106 on Monday night, “La Bamba” is the first single from Rucci’s upcoming debut album.
Hailed by HYPEBEAST as one of the best new artists of Spring 2019, Rucci is one of L.A.’s most respected and locally popular emcees. Rucci started his career as one half of the duo MackkRucci, alongside childhood friend and fellow rapper Sean Mackk. When Mackk passed away in 2017, Rucci soldiered on in his memory, expanding his following and carrying the torch for his friend on several acclaimed solo tapes. In 2018, Rucci made his way into the national consciousness with El Perro, one of three mixtapes he released last year, featured the massive local hit “Light It Up,” a collaboration with AzChike which garnered over 1 million streams across platforms.
Listen to “La Bamba”: https://empire.lnk.to/LaBamba
Please contact Michelle or Erin if interested in talking with Rucci.
Rucci Background:
Rucci is a 25-year-old rapper with a deep and decorated bloodline in the streets of Inglewood’s Northside. His father, known as “Tako,” is tied to three generations of Neighbor Hood Piru (NHP) set. “He’s a living legend where we’re from, ‘cause he was the only Hispanic person from a Black gang at that time,” explains Rucci, who is Salvadoran and Black. Raised by his father, who is now deported, and an uncle who is currently serving life in prison, the artist born Juan Martinez has been groomed for navigating the streets. However, in a critically-acclaimed, rising music career, Rucci is using wisdom and charisma to change the narrative on his life and his city. “Everything bad that I had to go through is because of my dad,” he notes. Rucci’s EMPIRE debut Tako’s Son sees the rapper turning the difficult cards he’s been dealt into a winning hand.
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.
EMPIRE | SNDCLD | FCBK | TWTR
Links:
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“La Bamba”: https://empire.lnk.to/LaBamba
“Ain’t Nuthin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9ZaU-bojos
“Light It Up” ft. AzChike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8jS79ahs38