TLDR: Earlier today, Warner Records issued a press release announcing that budding South Central rapper AZ Chike had joined their roster, and the release of his debut on the label, “Whatx2.”
AZ Chike Signs to Warner Records, Drops Scorching Single “WHATX2”
Warner Records proudly welcomes South Central’s burgeoning AZ Chike (pronounced AY-ZEE CHYKE) to the roster. Kicking off this new chapter, the rising West Coast rapper delivers his scorching Warner Records debut single, “Whatx2” with an equally blazing video featuring baby goats. The track re-affirms the impact of the massive features he pulled off in 2024, lacing standout verses on two of the year’s hottest Hip Hop albums—Kendrick Lamar’s GNX and ScHoolboy Q’s Blue Lips. Listen HERE and watch the video below.
On “Whatx2,” AZ Chike’s sharp delivery cuts through a sea of bouncing bass, eerie synths, and panning percussion. With icy punchlines, enunciated bars, and a deep distrust of those around him, he makes it clear that he moves differently. As the beat rides out—leaving behind a trail of broken rivals, hearts, and budgets—he seems untouchable.
“Tim Hinshaw bringing me in at Warner and having a sit down with Aaron Bay-Schuck was the best decision I could have made following up all my current success. I love how in tune they are with the culture and hip-hop. It feels like I’m supposed to be here, the stars are aligning, and I’m happy they are a part of that alignment,” says AZ Chike of his new partnership with Warner Records.
“We are thrilled to welcome AZ Chike to Warner Records at such a pivotal moment in his career. As an artist who has built incredible momentum over the past year, Chike, who was brought in by our partner Tim Hinshaw (Free Lunch), has already captivated audiences and proven his impact,” says Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records.
“His talent, vision, and artistry have set him apart, and we are honored to support and help bring his music to an even larger global audience.”
Directed by Stacking Memories (Peysoh, Wiz Khalifa, 310babii), the “Whatx2” video embraces the beat’s low-key surreality, mixing grit and glitz from scene to scene. In one moment, AZ Chike is stepping into a vintage Rolls Royce with a gorgeous woman at his side. In another, he’s sitting in a hallway flanked by literal goats. After the credits roll, we get a bonus snippet of an unreleased track.
AZ Chike has been one to watch, but his moment is now. Over the past year, he’s solidified his status—supporting ScHoolboy Q’s sold-out homecoming show at The Roxy, witnessing GNX hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and hearing Kendrick Lamar rap his “Chike E. Cheese” line from “Peakaboo” at Super Bowl LIX. But his grind started long before the spotlight. Since founding AzCult in 2013, he’s been a force in L.A.’s underground, finding viral fame with 2017’s “Burn Rubber Again” (25M+ of SoundCloud plays), rolling out his debut mixtape My World, and tearing up festival stages like Rolling Loud. Chike is also set to play Rolling Loud Los Angeles on Sunday, March 16th.
More recently, AZ Chike’s been setting fire to freestyle sessions—see Our Generation Music, Power 106, On the Radar—while Billboard praised his 2024 single “Love Yo Weapons” for its “slick wordplay” and noted that, after his major crossover moments, “the burgeoning West Coast rhymer certainly didn’t fumble the spotlight.” Now, with Warner Records backing his vision, AZ Chike is poised to take 2025 by storm.
