UCHE delivers new album “HOW TO DIE”, alongside a potent self-directed music video for "FN"

13 Mar

Uche - FN (Official Video)

“One of the rawest new names emerging across the underground.” – WONDERLAND

“His bold approach, both in sound and visuals, signals an artist on the verge of a major shift.” – NEW WAVE MAGAZINE

Rising Nigerian, LA-based artist, producer and creative Uche unleashes ‘HOW TO DIE’ – alongside focus track and visual for “FN”, the first instalment taken from his highly anticipated two-part album ‘HOW TO LIVE/HOW TO DIE’.

Cutting a new space across the underground with incendiary bars, potent soundwaves and sharp art direction, Uche’s creative and disruptive edge on ‘HOW TO DIE’ sets serious levels for a new prospect firmly crashing into wider consciousness.

Innovatively dropping ‘HOW TO DIE’ first, Uche begins where the story ends; mirroring his artistic evolution surrounded by darkness before his next instalment ‘HOW TO LIVE’ brings us into the light.

Emerging with authority and menace, Uche’s internal battles become distorted through the intoxicating lens of temptation, lust and anarchy which leads him down a dark, destructive path before ultimately letting go. Through intricate wordplay and his frantic eclecticism, the young talent rises in the face of adversity and leans into the chaos, serving as some of his rawest and most vulnerable work to date.

Speaking on the record, Uche explains: "’HOW TO DIE’ is a compilation of angst, fearlessness and desire. Rooted in crashing out, I learned to understand that death is the most important stage of life. This album is me speaking to evolution, shedding old skins, and becoming one with letting go. This project is so important to me because it brought me back to life."

He adds: “In order to truly live, one may have to kill parts of their current self.”

Opening with the infectious trap cuts “RICKY BOBBY” and “AWAKE” (watch), the twelve-track record instantly explodes into a vigorous atmosphere, with Uche’s gripping cadence portraying a renewed hunger for progression; a chilling angst met by fearlessness to execute his vision at all costs.

Next up, “Here I Go” (watch), confronts the complexities of inner-city pressure and ambition, setting pace for Uche’s razor-sharp lyrics before the dystopian backing dissolves into the stylish “FN” and the unruly “DEFENSE interlude”. Both cuts laced with distorted synths and power-charged basslines, focus track “FN” emerges with a potent, self-directed music video alongside co-production from 808 Mafia’s Pyrex Whippa (Future, Young Thug, Playboi Carti). We catch Uche at his most effortless; delivering his rare lyrical focus with intent as he portrays the perils of a young talent forging his own creative path.

Further highlights come from the heavy-set “sins above me”, the potency of “REPLIES”, the R&B-infused “pessimist” and the commanding “CRASH DUMMY” – closing out the record with cut-throat bars laying groundwork to instil the same collaboration, style and disruption that shaped Uche’s distinctive inner-city sound.

Swinging between darkness and light, Uche’s upcoming album emerges in two parts: ‘HOW TO DIE’ and ‘HOW TO LIVE’ (dropping Spring 2025). The first half leans into his frantic yet hyper-vigilant side, laced with menacing subject matter and instrumentation, while the second develops with a brighter and inspired touch; a richer, more self-assured sound and expression which marks a new era for Uche as he continues to offer depth and authenticity in equal measure.

Born in Chicago before moving to Nigeria, Uche was surrounded by influences across music, fashion, culture and community from an early age. His natural reflex for music was realised in Nigerian church choirs, including All Saints Church, Yaba, which ultimately fuelled his desire for performance and the creative arts. Returning to the US allowed space for Uche’s musical palette to develop towards a deeper, more technical side, utilising immersive experiences with Chi-town’s innovative and disruptive soundscapes.

Sharpening his aesthetic while modelling for Nike Air Force 1’s global campaign, Uche continued to hone his craft across Chicago with performances at city mainstays like Reggies, Metro and the key non-profit organization Young Chicago Authors, before expanding his creative reach to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles.

Guiding his path to success while imprinting his artistic affinities onto the culture, Uche delivered a key freestyle across FIRE IN THE BOOTH before solidifying his authentic approach to the creative arts, leading to his debut EP Lost in 2023 – a true homecoming that re-introduced his unique, subversive sound. The multi-hyphenate later shifted focus to his acclaimed studio album There’s Fire On the Lake. With vivid storytelling on standout track “PHONE” (watch) elevating the album’s sonic and visual universe, Uche created some of his most potent visual art - a pivotal moment that’s become a cornerstone of the electrifying legacy he’s building.

Already earning critical acclaim this year from WONDERLAND and COLORS to BBC 1XTRA, RINSE FM and NTS, Uche feels like a true alchemist of the creative arts. Poised for an international crossover with the release of ‘HOW TO LIVE/HOW TO DIE’, get ready to see more from this thrilling talent on the rise.

“HOW TO DIE” album tracklist