LUCKI: "Bad InFluence Freestyle"
Briefly

LUCKI, once seen as an underground outcast, has transformed into a prominent figure in hip-hop with his recent album, Freewave 3, showcasing his depth and lyrical prowess. Initially dismissed by mainstream audiences, LUCKI's evolution is marked by a shift from addiction-themed content to more intricate storytelling about wealth and personal experiences, blending luxurious themes with honest reflections. His latest release, 'Bad InFluence Freestyle,' highlights his lyrical skills over diverse instrumentals while maintaining his signature style. The change reflects his journey from obscurity to acclaim within the music industry, establishing him alongside notable lyricists like Earl and MIKE.
Back when my homies used to fry me for listening to LUCKI, he was already a veteran of sorts. It was 2019, and I was 17 and gangly, constantly binging between classes. At the time, most people saw LUCKI fans like the guy who takes too much acid and keeps asking you to trip with him; nobody was going for it. Try pitching 'Poker Face' to some dudes who'd rather fight over Baby and Gunna, and they'd look at you like you body-swapped with Rick Rubin.
Six years down the line, LUCKI is far more ubiquitous than any fan from the Dark Ages could've predicted: millions of online followers, a few RIAA plaques and Billboard 200 albums, et cetera. Today his beats lean more towards industry-grade street shit, but his lyrics are still unflinchingly honest.
After last year's GEMINI!, the most star-studded release of his career, LUCKI has resurfaced with 'Bad InFluence Freestyle,' a six-minute round robin of luxury raps with mafioso finesse. Across three distinct instrumentals, he compresses memoirs into one-liners and acknowledges his growth with a smirk.
He's no longer making melancholy, post-hip-hop, but when it comes to shrewd, concise lyricism, LUCKI remains in the same class as Earl and MIKE. 'Pray to God while you high, but don't forget to give thanks,' is a testament to his evolving artistry.
Read at Pitchfork
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