Rucci Summarizes West Coast Music's Storied History on 'El Perro'

“My name is Rucci and I’m bringing Inglewood back!” Inglewood rapper Rucci yells during “Like Woah,” a single off his latest major project. Titled El Perro, Rucci’s new full-length — which also features other talented up-and-comers like LA’s AzChike — is the culmination of a longtime grind in the local Los Angeles rap circuit and a lifetime spent building a reputation on the blocks that birthed him. Made famous in hip-hop circles by a varied range of popular rappers — think Mack 10, 2Eleven, Skeme, Big WY, U-N-I and like-minded artists– Inglewood aims to launch the career of another star with Rucci’s El Perro. “I am Inglewood.. Ain’t no way around it,” reads a recent caption on Rucci’s Instagram.

Raised off the elite artists that make up contemporary street music’s spiritual and creative centers, Rucci looks to deliver the next stage in the evolution of gangsta rap. His sonic style belongs to the West Coast, but is also geared towards evoking an instant, authentic connection with neighborhoods across the globe. A lifelong native of Inglewood’s north side, he’s both a seasoned product of his environment and a student of his region’s tried-and-true approach to emceeing; he was snapping in local cypher sessions and freestyling on couches before the “New West” became a part of the current media narrative attached to California. When asked about his greatest musical influences, Rucci swiftly names Spice-1, Tha Dogg Pound, RBL Posse, Boosie, Webbie and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Questioned about his personal favorite and most meaningful guiding light, he looks to his former collaborator, close friend and fellow hometown hero Sean Mackk.