Arizona-based hip-hop artist RC Burkk has been steadily carving out a name for himself in the independent music scene, thanks to his sharp lyricism, fearless experimentation, and unfiltered authenticity. His recent studio album "Little Man, Big World" is a testament to his range and depth, blending golden-era rap sensibilities with melodic finesse and introspective themes.
Now, with the upcoming release of his new single “Red Light Blue Light” this summer, RC Burkk is poised to enter an exciting new phase of his career.
In this exclusive interview, we explore the vision behind his work, the stories that fuel his sound, and what fans can expect next from this rising Arizona talent.
Ad
RC Burkk thanks a lot for being here today. Your music is truly unique, releases like your latest “Horndog” and your previous album “Little Man, Big World” say a lot about your artistic vision, creativity, and artistry. The album is such a powerful and personal release and we are thrilled to know you are releasing new material soon. Let’s start from the very beginning, when did you discover your passion for music and how did you start your artistic journey?
Thank you tons! I first started making music when I was 17, but I’ve always been musically inclined since I was a young kid. Music is a really huge therapeutic source for me, being someone with a crazy amount of adhd, add, xyz, but I’ve always lived my life on this path of “what’s next?” and I’ll always be working hard hard to achieve my goals.
Your latest album opens with “L.M.B.W. Interlude,” which sets a reflective tone yet with an incredible energy and dynamic arrangement. The whole album is an absolute masterpiece of contemporary Hip-Hop and Rap music, with influences from the golden era of Rap, with a perfect flow and dynamism in your interpretation that is versatile, melodic, and rhythmic, blending styles and multiple vibes, creating a sound that is uniquely your own. Can you tell us more about this release and will we find a similar flow in the upcoming releases?
To L.M.B.W. Interlude specifically, no. I’d say off of the mixtape, my listeners can expect to hear a flow similar to “420” or “Illuminated” again over these upcoming tracks. One of my biggest things with music though, is keeping every single song of mine completely different than the other, while maintaining a very unique and fresh flow, I love to challenge myself vocally.
You’ve got a real knack for blending golden-era rap influences with a modern, dynamic flow. Which artists shaped your sound growing up, and how do you balance nostalgia with innovation?
I’m convinced I have this interesting love for such a funk-punk upbeat, R&B trap kind of love for songs. I grew up listening to a lot of Eminem, Maroon 5, XXXTENTACION, Juice WRLD, Ski Mask the slump God, The Weeknd, and $uicideboy$. I guess you could also say I enjoy that edgy style, and I don’t mind heartbreak songs XD.
“All I Do” and “Illuminated” are both standout tracks. Can you walk us through the creative process behind one of those songs?
Of course, I had a lot of fun working on “Illuminated,” the whole thought process was, screw it no hooks. I just wanted to write such catchy lyrics and see if people could relate to it with the slower pace. Which I now still think is one of my best.
Ad
You’re about to release a new single, “Red Light Blue Light.” What can fans expect in terms of vibe, message, and sound?
Yes, I am!! Fans should actually be very excited for this one. I truly think the poetic integrity mixed with the lyrical dexterity, tone, and pacing makes this upcoming song flat-out one of my best if not the best. I think it’s by far my catchiest rap.
That title is intriguing—does “Red Light Blue Light” carry any specific symbolism or story behind it?
Thinking about it, all I wanted for this song was for it to be a crowd kicker, you know a fun song that people can just hang out and vibe to. I think it gives a “badass” feel to it which I’m very excited for, but no not really a symbol or anything.
Your recent single “Horndog” with NMAN shows off your collaborative side. How did that partnership come about, and what was the energy like in the studio?
Me and Nate had a lot of fun making Horndog; We were goofing off in the studio making sure we had positive energy surrounding the room before we recorded; This was the first song Nate ever made at a big, actual studio, and he freestyled his whole part! It really opened my eyes to the way I can still keep my own style 100% on collaboration songs, while at the same time bending my wordplay to sync into theirs.
Will “Horndog” or other recent singles be part of a larger project or album coming soon?
No, they won’t! Ever Known, Horndog, Red Light Blue Light & one more later this year will be forever singles, I’m currently working on my vocal tones and trying new sounds out for these so I want to keep them highlighted as their own vibes.
You’re based in Arizona—a place with a growing and sometimes underrated music scene. How has the local environment shaped your style and hustle as an independent artist?
Honestly, Arizona isn’t only my hometown but my favorite place to be bro, I love my state. The people here come in from everywhere so there are all kinds of different people & cultures living here. The only thing that’s hard is that it is constantly getting more expensive to live here, at least in the housing market.
You’ve built an impressive independent catalog. What have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards of staying independent in today’s music industry?
I’d say the biggest challenge even still right now for me, is getting my name out there, there really aren’t many if any sources that help young aspiring artists grow out here. So it takes a lot of creative thought and probably money to start getting out there. A reward, for me, would be that I love being known.
Your delivery is so fluid and melodic at times, almost genre-blending. Do you ever see yourself experimenting more with R&B, alt-rap, or even outside the hip-hop lane?
Absolutely! Right now I may or may not have a few pop and rock songs in the works or already on the way!! I grew up on those two genre’s so it feels good to tap my head into it.
Ad
The title Little Man, Big World says a lot in a few words. Do you see yourself as an underdog in the industry, and how does that influence your work ethic?
Well realistically, yes. lol but mentally I think I‘ve been in the game. And I just continue to stay true to myself over anything, when someone starts overthinking their own creativity or judging it, then it isn’t meant to be. Little Man Big World was more literal in my sense, like we’re all smaller than ants compared to the world.
If you could collaborate with one of the artists that inspired you the most, who would you like to share a track with?
I would hop on a track with Kendrick Lamar or Travis Scott any day 100%, I’d work for free for them lol.
RC Burkk, it was such a pleasure having you with us today, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and your fans?
Thank you for having me on it’s been a pleasure! And to the fans, I love you all so much and I really appreciate the support in my growth, you can find all of my social media channels, website, merch, etc with the name “rcburkk”!
Check the links below, discover more about RC Burkk and his music, and remember to add his songs to your favorite playlists!
Ad
