AZ Chike: No Rest for The Wicked (Album Review)
Photo credit: Ro.Lexx
Way back in 2021, there was a rapper named AZ Chike that graced our 4th issue. We called him “The Embodiment Of The New West Coast Sound.” Many didn’t get it then, but I bet they do now with the run he’s been on the past 5 years since that issue dropped. From being featured on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX and earning a 2026 BMI award to becoming one of the most sought-after platinum-selling collaborators in Hip Hop, AZ Chike has lived up to that statement. And then some.
His new album, No Rest for The Wicked keeps the tunnel vision winning going strong over 40 minutes of pure, trunk thumping West Coast bangers. Back to back, no skips, and all repeats thanks to production from Tyler, The Creator, Pharrell, Hit-Boy, Sounwave, Terrace Martin, and more.
No Rest for The Wicked Comes in strong with gospel undertones on “Mercy” and several prayers, which can be found as a constant throughout the project. Production-wise, “Lamb Truck Keys”, “Need Your Love” featuring JMSN, and “Packed Up” shine the most with smooth, hard-hitting beats that’ll make even the most uptight wallflower bop a time or two. “Negative”, which samples Keak Da Sneak’s “Super Hyphie” also gets an honorable mention for its understated ability to turn it up.
Az Chike’s upbringing in different parts of LA’s multicultural landscape like South Central, Compton, Watts and Long Beach shine on the project, especially on “Lamb Truck Keys” (iykyk). Everything is super smooth and Chike really gets off on the mic. When we said he is the embodiment of the new West Coast sound, we really meant it. He’s able story-tell without coming off too heavy while reflecting the diversity and resilience of the city in refreshing ways.
“Sky Rockets” perfectly displays this ability as we find him recounting his life story and how much he’s overcome to get to where he’s at now. Even though it’s been a lot, he still says “westside is the best side”. Because it really is and who can beg to differ after listening to the full project. After going through all 14 tracks, you’ll be left thinking you’ve just heard some real LA Hip Hop, kind of like when Kendrick Lamar dropped GNX, which AZ Chike was on too (Peekaboo).
Speaking of LA Hip Hop, No Rest for The Wicked also featured the previously released single with Tyler, The Creator, “Look Like My Mama”, which was also produced by Tyler too. The single is a dope one where the two rappers trade fire bars like they did back in the day. You know, dope singles that exude swag, confidence, and big sh*t talking with the ability to back it up. Yeah, that. Which is why “Look Like My Mama” rang up 5 million YouTube views in 2 weeks. Yep.
The album’s guitar-heavy “Wonder”, finds AZ Chike waxing poetic and introspective as he has a couple of questions for his lover as well as some deep ones about his life before ending in a prayer to “Destroy the plans of the enemy. Bless those who bless him. And curse those who curse him.”
“Uncomfortable Conversations” tackles fake love from his friends and family. Mainly in the form of them taking advantage of his success, especially financially with no thanks or acknowledgement. He raps, ”Can’t do no runnin’. I embrace it.” And, “I made this song for some clarity.” Which shows great emotional intelligence.
No Rest for The Wicked overall shows AZ Chike’s depth, range, and versatility as an artist. He switches up flows, offers insight, and a couple of quotables, while keeping it very West Coast. He shows he’s a very wise and observant man, in tune with his emotions without letting them take the lead. That he’s been through some things but stayed down for the come up, as evidenced on “Rock Bottom”. Which you will only get if you’ve been there. You can feel AZ Chike’s pain through his story and we’re proud of his success. There really is no rest for the wicked when you’re one of the ones!
NO REST FOR THE WICKED TOUR DATES
10/05 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
10/07 — Dallas, TX — RBC
10/10 — Atlanta, GA — Purgatory @ Masquerade
10/13 — Carrboro, NC — Cat's Cradle
10/15 — Washington, DC — Songbyrd
10/16 — New York, NY — SOB's
10/17 — Philadelphia, PA — Kung Fu Necktie
10/20 — Chicago, IL — Subterranean
10/21 — Detroit, MI — El Club
10/23 — Denver, CO — Mariqus
10/25 — Las Vegas, NV — The Wall @ Area15
10/28 — Phoenix, AZ — Valley Bar
10/29 — San Diego, CA — HOB Voodoo Room
11/01 — Santa Ana, CA — Constellation Room
11/03 — Los Angeles, CA — The Roxy
11/04 — Sacramento, CA — Starlet Room @ Harlows
11/05 — San Francisco, CA — Brick & Mortar
11/07 — Berkeley, CA — Cornerstone
11/08 — Portland, OR — Holocene
11/09 — Seattle, WA — Barboza
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