This month, genre-defying rapper and creative Uche made waves with the release of his latest project, HOW TO DIE—the first instalment in a two-part sonic evolution. Known for weaving raw emotion into cinematic soundscapes, Uche transcends traditional rap, blending haunting melodies with introspective lyricism that explores the chaos of transformation.
Leaning into themes of frustration, angst, and the metaphorical concept of death, HOW TO DIE mirrors Uche’s internal battles, shedding light on the dualities of destruction and rebirth. This intensity is visually encapsulated in his self-directed videos for FN and AWAKE. As Uche puts it, “In order to truly live, one may have to kill parts of their current self.”
In this exclusive interview with Vingt Sept Magazine, Uche opens up about the creative process behind HOW TO DIE and his directorial approach to storytelling.
What was the automatic emotional anchor of How to Live and How to Die? Was there a specific moment that sparked its creation?
I was in LA, and at the time, I was feeling a lot of angst and frustration. It mirrored what I felt the world was experiencing too—this overwhelming, on-edge energy. I had a sense that I was about to crash out, but around the same time, new opportunities in music started coming my way. I used that as a channel, almost like a funnel, to explore these ideas: what it means to survive, to thrive, and, conversely, what it takes to perish.
Your music is an extension of identity, do you see it as a reflection of who you are now or more as a space to explore who you want to become?
I think it’s a mix of both. A lot of the roots and foundations of this project come from who I am today, but at the same time, there’s a version of me within it that I’m still evolving into. Through the music, people are getting a glimpse of my future self—the one I’m growing towards.
You were born in Chicago and raised in Nigeria. How did the contrast between these two worlds shape your perspective?
I’m incredibly grateful for my journey—starting my life in that environment at such a young age. Even though I was born in Chicago, moving to Nigeria was transformative. At that point, I didn’t know much about life, but growing up there shaped my morals, my character, and the way I see the world.
I think it’s incredible that more of us now have the opportunity to be on this side of the world, sharing our stories and perspectives from back home. It’s groundbreaking, and it truly shapes you as a person.
Some artists create from a place of chaos, others from clarity. What kind of mental or emotional state brings out your best work?
It’s crazy; my manager just told me the other day, “Yo, you crave chaos and dysfunctional environments.” At first, I brushed it off, but the truth is, I do my best work in those moments.
I approach a lot of situations with a sense of clarity and see myself as a clear-headed person, but when it comes to creating, there's chaos, confusion, and tension—that’s where I thrive. Pressure pushes me to tap into something deeper, and that’s when my best ideas come to life.
Do you approach music visually when in a creative mode? Do you imagine the scenes, the colours, or the movements? Or is it purely about sound for you?
Absolutely. For me, it’s all about vision—100%. I tell this to anyone who will listen, my real talent isn’t just music, it’s the way I see things. Music is just the bridge.
Before I even hear a sound, I already see and feel it. When I’m making a record, I’m imagining the live performance, the visuals, what I’m wearing, how the video should be shot, the angles, the perspective—everything. It’s about crafting an experience, making sure the listener not only hears it but feels it exactly as I envision it.
Your project is being released in an era of fleeting digital consumption. How do you want people to experience it? Alone, in a crowd, on vinyl, or in another setting?
That’s a great question. I want to create an entry point for everyone to experience it in their own way. For some, it will resonate on a deeply personal level; for others, it will serve as creative inspiration.
If I can authentically portray every version of myself through my art, then people will connect with it in a way that feels true to them. That’s the door I want to leave open.
Have you ever created something that scared you? Whether it was too vulnerable, experimental, or personal?
Definitely. During the pandemic, I released a song called I Want My Enemies Dead, and at first, I thought it was the one. But when I tried to push it, it was right in the middle of the George Floyd protests and Black Lives Matter movement. Nobody wanted to touch the record.
I had to step back and think about what I was depicting and how it fit into the current social climate at the time. For three months, the response was overwhelmingly negative. But then, over time, people started to see it differently—creatively rather than just literally—and it ended up becoming one of my most successful records.
Every project leaves an imprint on its creator. How did making this one change you personally or creatively?
I was really ready to crash out. I’ve gone through different phases in my life, but I don’t think I have ever been as reckless or as unguarded as I was in the months leading up to this project.
But then, I saw a way out—mentally, spiritually, emotionally. Once I committed to that shift, I uncovered a more revitalised, re-energised, and re-imagined version of myself—one that’s just as powerful and purposeful as I ever envisioned.
If you had to collaborate with an artist outside of music—someone from fashion, visuals, or literature—who would it be and why?
I want to work with the people I truly want to work with. One person I’d love to collaborate with is (Basketball player) Derrick Rose. Shout out to Derrick Rose—he really put on for the city of Chicago. I’d love to tap in with him.
He’s involved in a lot of great foundations back in the city, and his journey is incredibly inspiring. He’s someone who made it out of Chicago and reached the highest levels of success, all while staying true to where he’s from. It would be amazing to collaborate with him on anything, especially if it's about giving back to the city. Whether it's telling his story or sharing mine—coming from different walks of life—working together would be something really special. He’s someone I truly look up to, and I think it would be an incredible collaboration.
This project is a timestamp of where you are right now. When you look at it years from now, what do you hope it represents?
I hope it represents a fearless kid, that wasn’t afraid to be wrong or right. I hope it shows that there are no rules and that moving to the rhythm of your own drum can be just as rewarding as following the path laid out for you.
If there’s any question you wish interviewers would ask you, what would it be?
I think a really good question is: What motivates you? What gets you up in the morning? Why do you keep going?
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How To Die is out now
Words by Philipp Raheem
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