AZChike Talks Ownership, Warner Records Deal & His 3-Take Approach to Music

AZChike has been grinding for years, carving out his own lane in the Los Angeles rap scene. From electrifying performances to major collaborations, his name continues to gain weight in the industry. But now, Chike is entering a whole new chapter, signing a deal with Warner Records that he calls a game-changer. On the latest episode of Effective Immediately, AZChike sat down to talk about his journey, working with Kendrick Lamar, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why this new deal is about more than just money.

The Road to Recognition

For those who have followed AZChike since the early days, his growth is undeniable. Even Gina Views, the host of Effective Immediately, noticed how much more polished he’s become. “You way different than when you used to come to me at the other radio station,” she pointed out. AZChike laughed, owning the fact that he’s evolved. “I do appreciate being on here. I’ve seen it come up, everything come together,” he said, acknowledging how far both he and the platform have come.

Part of that growth comes from understanding his influence, both in music and beyond. From his early radio appearances to now, AZChike has transformed into a more calculated and intentional artist—still himself, but sharper. “I’ve learned a lot just being around people who take their craft seriously. You gotta move different when you’re trying to win.”

Showmanship Over Everything

One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is AZChike’s electrifying stage presence. Known for his high-energy performances, he refuses to be one of those rappers who just stand around holding the mic. “We make sure we not walking around the stage with a Double Cup in our hands, just too cool,” he said. “These people pay good money, and you want to make sure they remember that show.”

That mindset was drilled into him through working with artists like Baby Keem and Sway. “They don’t play about that. If you on stage, you gotta give them a show.”

And that show often comes with risks. AZChike has lost expensive jewelry in the crowd before, but that never stopped him from diving in. “That’s why I don’t wear gauges no more,” he laughed, recounting multiple times he lost diamond-studded pieces worth thousands. “But I still get in there with my chains on. It’s part of the experience.”

Growing Up in South Central

AZChike’s music and mentality are deeply rooted in his upbringing. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, he had a front-row seat to both the struggles and the survival instincts that shape so many artists from the city. His mother played a big role in his life, but her background in the streets made for an unconventional childhood. “I seen my mom stab somebody before,” he admitted. “That’s just the environment we were in. But she always made sure we were straight.”

He learned early on that the world wasn’t going to hand him anything. “I was always outside, making friends, figuring it out. My mom was doing what she had to do, so I had to do the same.”

The Kendrick Call: From LA to the Big Stage

If there’s one thing that solidified AZChike’s status in the game, it was getting the call to work with Kendrick Lamar. The collaboration on Peekaboo wasn’t just another feature—it was an opportunity to rap alongside one of the greatest. And it wasn’t just anyone who hit him up—it was Schoolboy Q.

“Q FaceTimed me and was like, ‘Yo, Dot wants to work with you.’” That alone was surreal for AZChike, but the real work started when he got to the studio. “Kendrick told me, ‘Just be you, but make sure when they hear this, they ask, who the f*** is this?’”

That level of respect from someone like Kendrick pushed AZChike to deliver. The session wasn’t just about recording a verse; it was about making something undeniable. “He was in and out, checking on my verses, giving input. The man really be tapped in. He knew how I rapped before I even stepped in there.”

The Warner Deal: A New Chapter

While the Kendrick collaboration was a major moment, the biggest news coming out of Chike’s camp is his new deal with Warner Records. “When I tell you, first-round draft pick,” he said with a grin. “These labels ready to pull up to the crib and buy my mama a car. No cap.”

Chike has been independent for a long time, navigating the industry on his own terms. But this deal is different—it comes with real ownership and freedom. “It’s a lot of ownership going down,” he emphasized. “That was my main thing. I wasn’t about to sign some sh** that didn’t make sense for me.”

His departure from his previous label was smooth, something he credits to keeping his business tight. “I got bought out of my deal. God don’t play about me,” he said. “Me and Atlantic just went our separate ways. No bad blood, just business.”

Now, with Warner behind him, he’s looking to elevate everything. “This ain’t just about money. It’s about positioning myself for the long run.”

Avoiding Drama and Focusing on the Music

Despite coming from a city known for its politics, Chike has managed to stay out of beef and unnecessary drama. His reason? He knows what’s at stake. “I’ve had my fair share of situations, but you gotta know when to walk away,” he said. “Musa and Keem, they always told me, being on the internet with the monkey sh** is lame.”

It’s a mindset that has served him well. While others get caught up in social media feuds, Chike stays focused on the bag. “I don’t entertain that sh**. If I do, it’s gonna cost me, not them.”

What’s Next? More Music, More Moves

With a major deal in place, AZChike is already working on what’s next. His new project is set to drop before summer, with a mix of solo work and major collaborations. And he’s moving differently now—more strategic, more intentional. “I got three versions of every song now,” he said. “I’m taking my time with everything.”

He’s also been in the studio with Mustard, working on what he calls some “real West Coast sh**.” “Mustard gave me like 17 beats to choose from. We locked in heavy.”

For AZChike, this is just the beginning. He’s built his career brick by brick, and now, with a powerhouse behind him, the sky’s the limit. “This year, we turning all the way up,” he said. And if the past few months are any indication, he means every word.