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Rapper AzChike, aka Damaria Kayshawn Walker, reflected on how working with Kendrick Lamar on peekaboo from K-Dot's sixth studio album GNX changed his life. On March 15, 2025, he spoke to Nessa Diab on HOT 97 to discuss his career and recent works.
When Nessa asked him to reflect on his work with Kendrick Lamar, he said the song instantly changed his life adding:
“It just changed drastically like fast too in a good way though like nothing I couldn't handle like, you know, I'm feel like I'm the more established artist out of all the features like respectfully though like I've been put work in for a long time.”
Nessa then asked AzChike if he hesitated to work on that song knowing the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Replying in the negative, he said it had nothing to do with him. AzChike shared that Kendrick Lamar contacted him while he was in Africa, getting his passport stamped.
He emphasized his deep loyalty in friendships, explaining that once he supports someone, he stands by them completely. He also mentioned that this level of loyalty means he naturally takes on any conflicts that come with it.
When asked about the meaning behind "AZ" in his name, AzChike explained that he came up with it around 2010. At the time, he and his friends were well-known for their wild lifestyle, throwing parties and hanging out at his house.
Although he always wanted to make music, he wasn’t sure how it would happen. Initially, the group was large, but over time, only a few remained, as many didn’t share his vision. He admitted that he understood why some lost faith since they had no clear direction, but their party-focused, carefree lifestyle worked out for them.
What AzChike thought about performing the hook in Kendrick Lamar’s song
In December 2024, speaking to Power 106 Los Angeles, AzChike shared that his guest feature on Kendrick Lamar’s project involved more verses than what made the final cut. He explained that the song was originally longer.
When Kendrick Lamar first played the track, his parts were already recorded, and for the sections meant for him, Dot mimicked assuring him that listeners would be curious about who he was once they heard it. When asked about the day the song was released, he said:
“About 9 a.m. it was like a little slow everybody waking up. About 12 noon, my phone was literally insane like my mom's cousin best. ‘How are you even getting my number?’”
He explained that he was asked to perform the hook alone but found it challenging because of how tricky the lyrics were. Even before realizing he would be handling the hook solo, he was already thinking about how difficult it sounded.
When asked about the song’s meaning, AzChike said it reflected the idea of making an entrance, similar to the game of peekaboo, where someone suddenly appears. He saw it as a moment to showcase talent, blending a deeper meaning of making an impact and a playful take on "popping out."
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