21-year-old hip-hop and R&B artist Lvcky has so much to say, and he wants the world to tune in for it all. Born and raised in LA’s Crenshaw district, Lvcky, who named himself after the protagonist Ace or “Lucky” in the film Paid In Full, is set on making impactful music that will self-sustain and transcend time, space, and audiences. As the writer of all his own music, the final judge of all his beats, and a veteran piano player, he’s carrying out those visions his way — to bring something new to the table. “What makes me stand out is my sound and beat selection,” he says. “It’s easy to get on any beat and rap, but sometimes artists aren’t really saying anything on their tracks.” 

A self-described melodic rapper, Lvcky started doing music with the piano at just 11 years old. He quickly learned notes and scales, and began writing music at 16. But while he certainly started immersing himself in his craft early, it took time before the independent artist started seeing music as a potential career. “I never knew I would take it seriously because of how short the chances of making it in the industry are,” he reflects. “I just kept pushing forward and maintaining.” He was 18 when he decided to take that leap, and it’s only been up from there. In 2016, he recorded his first song, “No Regrets”, at his first-ever studio session. “On Rimpau, which is in the Crenshaw area,” he recalls. 

3 years later and Lvcky now has a growing collection of projects and singles under his belt. He is currently working on visuals for songs he has in his stash. 4Sho Mag had the opportunity to catch up with Lvcky and discuss his career, goals, musical inspirations, upcoming projects, and more. Read the interview below!

What inspired your artist name? Where did you get the name from?

What inspired my artist name was the movie Paid In Full. I got the name “Lvcky” from the main character in the movie. He reminded me of how I hustle, and to always stay down until you come up– you never know when it could be your turn.

Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in the Crenshaw district.

When did you start doing music? And when did you start taking it seriously? Be as detailed as you’d like.

I started doing music when I played piano at the age of 11. I learned notes, and I started writing music at 16. I never knew I would take it seriously because of how short the chances of making it in the industry are. I just kept pushing forward and maintaining. I started taking it serious at 18.

Why music? 

I chose music because it’s a way I can express myself. Sometimes it’s hard for people to let out what they’re thinking or going through. It’s easy for me to do that when I’m in the booth.

Who/what inspires your sound/music?

I can say J. Cole, Meek Mill, and Drake inspire my sound. I look up to those 3 as they all have different styles of rapping. Knowing I can do all 3 is what separates me from the rest.

Have you been compared to other artists? If so, who?

I’ve been compared to Drake most of the time because of the flow, and how old Drake used to flow effortlessly.

Who is your motivation and why? 

My motivations are my mom, my dad, and my grandma. My mom always kept me straight wherever and whenever. Same as my dad– never a day I never had anything that I needed or wanted. I seen them work and make a way when there wasn’t. My grandma recently passed away, and ever since, I’ve been looking for hope through my music. Recently I just got it back, so I’m always going to be thinking about her.

Any life-changing stories that impacted your music career? 

Losing my grandma, grandpa, and my 2 uncles had an impact on my music. I stopped making music for some months just to get back to me. It was hard because the deaths were back to back. I’m still slowly recovering from that. 

What are your goals when it comes to your music career? What impact are you looking to make with your music? 

My goals for my music career are to push forward and always keep an image that fits me– never change for anyone and always do solid things. The impact I’m looking to make is to touch people in a way where they can always play my music. I want my music to be everlasting. I want to impact the whole world, and I know it’s possible.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working on videos and getting visuals out for songs that I have stashed away. 

What message do you want to leave the audience with when reading the article?

I’m 21 years old looking for a breakthrough in the music game, ready to work nonstop to be the best artist out. Stream Lvcky everywhere, and always stay focused and never give up. Keep going, no matter the circumstance. 

You can stream Lvcky’s music on Apple Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud, including his 3 projects “Before It’s Too Late” (2021), “Heavy Heart” (2020), and “The Pack” ft. Jaayy (2020). Look out for his upcoming project and visuals by following him on his Instagram @Lvvckky, Youtube @Lvcky, Twitter @Lvcky, TikTok @lvvckky, and Snapchat @lucky.j1. Stay tuned!