THUGLUCCIANO
THUGLUCCIANO T
hug Lucciano is an artist with a story to tell—a
real story. A street story. But the rapper from Wichita, Kansas recognizes he needs even bigger stages and platforms to tell it. Lucciano earned more than 1.7 million views on World Star Hip Hop and had the hands of DJ Drama on his “Gangsta Grillz: All or Nothing” mixtape project. He has also collaborated with DJ Bigga Rankin, Rizzo Rizzo, Bobby Valentino, Lil Keke and Philthy Rich. He sometimes feels frustrated with his hometown not being more supportive of its artists. Most people know about Wichita because of Shocker college basketball and it’s eclectic bar scene. However it’s difficult for aspiring musicians to garner exposure in Kansas, making its hip hop scene mostly underground. “I’m like a student to the game,” says Lucciano. “I study music, the artists making the music and I see how they promote it.” “But there’s not a lot of outlets in Wichita,” adds Lucciano who developed Young Rich Familia, an independent recording label. ICT doesn’t have the mecca that musicians in Atlanta, Houston, or Miami have. So Lucciano travels out-of-state to put his music in the hands of key players like DJs, club owners and radio affiliates. He has to hustle to make meaningful connections that advance his music career. In 2017 Lucciano teamed up with Houston artist Sauce Walka. Together they created “Regular,” a dope boy anthem. Lucciano was able to hold his own on the track, delivering witty punch lines and a video that showed his star power. Lucciano drove to Houston, TX to make the collaboration happen. He recalls Sauce Walka telling him that his sound was different. Sauce compared Lucciano to 21 Savage who also has a unique rap style. Influenced by T.I., Jeezy and Lil Wayne, Lucciano
studied their flow and lyricism. But he wants the music he makes to be authentic to who he is. So he developed his own style. “I sit in the studio with him and I just never know what he’s gonna come up with,” says Taylor Tymony, Lucciano’s music engineer. “Then he comes back and it’s always a hit.” Bigga Rankin hosted Thug Lucciano’s 2018 mixtape titled, “I Am Him.” Rankin is one of the most decorated record breakers in the music industry. He is also the founder of Cool Runnings DJs. Lucciano says the industry connections he’s making will someday allow him to shine light on the city he’s rooted from. “Thug Lucciano is actually doing things to further the culture,” says Crim Dela Crim, a Kansas artist signed to the Global Hussle independent record label. “He’s investing thousands of dollars towards his career.” Crim Dela Crim says Lucciano is the most industry-ready artist from Kansas. He attributes it to his quality of music, business savviness and willingness to put his money where his craft is. “Sometimes hard work beats talent when talent hardly works,” says Lucciano. Finding success with music is a must for Lucciano who while incarcerated wrote more than 1,000 songs. When he left prison, he wanted to make sure he never returned. “Rappers want to be street niggas and street niggas want to be rappers,” says Thug Lucciano. He admits that the street life he used to live was stressful. Monetizing his music and brand will inevitably
“I’m like a student to the game”—
Thug Lucciano hangs with Philthy Rich on the set of “I’m Hot.” Their video earned more than 1.7 million views on World Star Hip Hop.
allow him to put his shaky past in his rearview mirror. “You don’t want to have to look over your back,” says Lucciano. “I’m a CEO and I approach this music from a business standpoint now.” Lucciano has an instant hit on his hands with his most recent single, “Yeah Aye,” which is an energy-packed song. Lucciano will soon release a record with Pleasure P, formerly of the R&B male group Pretty Ricky and also his collaboration with Compton Asstg. “He has unmatched work ethic that I’ve not seen in anyone,” says Tymony. To book Thug Lucciano to perform in your town, call (316) 730-6001 or email mobrichfam@gmail.com.
DISCOGRAPHY Crip or Die (2020)
I Am Him (2018)
SINGLES Yeah Aye (2020)
With DJ Drama
All or Nothing (2019)
Gucciano (2019)
Realest Nigga Alive (2017)
124K Streams
Briccs (2019) Ft. PeeWee Longway
I’m Hot (2018) Ft. Philthy Rich