When it comes to Chicago’s music scene, the artists that represent the city are usually from the South Side. Common, Kanye West, Chance The Rapper, and many more put on for the South Side. The West Side of Chicago isn’t really spoken for. However with acts like Saba and Lud Foe, the West Side of Chicago is beginning to creep into the limelight. One particular act has gathered plenty of spotlight recently. Lucki, formerly known as Lucki Eck$, was raised on the West Side of Chicago. Lucki began rapping in his early teenage years, and began to take it seriously during his freshman year of high school after encouragement from his close friends. At 16, he dropped out of Proviso East High School to fully pursue his music career.

In 2012, Lucki released his debut single and music video with Untouchable Lucki via ELEVATOR. At the time, Lucki had ties with interns for ELEVATOR. His connections allowed him to get recognized by the new source, and to have his following music video titled Everything Outside produced and directed by ELEVATOR as well. Shortly after, he paired up with his friend and local producer Plu2o Nash, along with a few other producers to create his first project titled Alternative Trap. This gave him attention from multiple news sources, including Complex, Noisey, and Fake Shore Drive. While Lucki garnered attention from many blogs, he also received the attention of other artists. In July 2014, Lucki and FKA Twigs came together for their song titled Ouch Ouch. The following month, he released his follow up project titled Body High. Later that same month, Lucki paired up with Danny Brown for their track titled Weightin’ On, which was released by Red Bull Sound Select. In December 2014, Lucki collaborated with fellow Chicago rapper Chance The Rapper for their track titled Stevie Wonder. In May 2015, he released his third project titled X. In October 2015, Lucki released his heavily acclaimed project titled Freewave EP. In January 2016, Lucki announced his name change from “Lucki Eck$” to just “Lucki” upon the release of his single Deja Vu featuring fellow Chicago rapper Joey Purp. Two months later, Lucki released his fourth project titled Son Of Sam, inspired by the 1970’s New York serial killer David Berkowitz, AKA Son Of Sam. In August 2016, he released his fifth project titled Freewave II EP. In May 2017, Lucki released his sixth project, an 18 song tracklist titled Watch My Back. Since his claim to fame he’s been seen hanging around big names like Chief Keef and A$AP Mob, and was even featured in A$AP Mob’s Yamborghini High video. Lucki is currently on the voting poll for XXL’s 2017 Freshman Class.

Lucki has managed to create a new sound, separate from Chicago’s soulful feel good music, lyrical rap, or drill rap. He has practically created a subgenre of trap music, with typically eerie production over mostly heavy bass, paired with freestyle flows in which Lucki relays his dark inner thoughts to produce a chill sound. Although Lucki is considered by many as one of the better rappers coming out of Chicago, his stardom is streaky. When it comes to Lucki, you either love him, or you’ve never heard of him. Those who are fans of his music usually have plenty to say about him. I asked Whitney Young students about Lucki to get some opinions. Senior Royon Mccoy said “Lucki is different. He makes chill music you can vibe it. I love it. I believe he’s one of the best artists in Chicago and on this year’s XXL voting poll.” Senior Lamont Wallace said “Lucki is one of my favorite artists right now. His style and flow are very catchy. He makes being a Soundcloud rapper look cool. His fanbase is growing larger, but I hope he stays underground and doesn’t become mainstream.” Senior Justin Stovall said “I’m not an adamant listener but I’ve heard good things about him. Those that do listen to him are committed fans.” Whether you’re looking for a chill sound to bump your head to or just some catchy underground rap, Lucki is the guy to have in your headphones. Find Lucki’s latest project titled Watch My Back on Soundcloud, and if you’re not a fan of him it’d be wise to give him a listen, because Lucki is on the come up.