Kendrick Lamar did not provide a verse, but his advice on sequencing helped shape AZ Chike’s album.

AZ Chike’s No Rest for the Wicked arrived without the Kendrick Lamar feature many fans hoped to see. However, Kendrick still played an important role in shaping the finished album.

Speaking with Bootleg Kev, AZ described Kendrick as someone he genuinely loves and considers a close friend. When asked whether the two could collaborate again, AZ refused to rule it out. He admitted that he has been keeping his fingers crossed and noted that Kendrick’s camp can make spontaneous decisions.

Still, getting music approved is not easy. AZ said Kendrick and his team are extremely strict with their releases, which he completely understands.

Kendrick’s involvement with No Rest for the Wicked mainly came through creative feedback. After AZ sent him the album, Kendrick questioned why “God’s Favorite” appeared so late in the sequence. The song, one of our favorites from the project, carries a loud, ratchet, and intentionally ignorant energy, and Kendrick believed listeners would immediately want that side of AZ. He recommended moving it to track three, and AZ followed his advice.

AZ recalled Kendrick strengthening his argument by discussing the difficult choices behind his own albums. Kendrick referenced having to remove or reconsider songs like “Money Trees” and “Cartoon & Cereal,” leaving AZ with no reasonable response.

So, while Kendrick never recorded a guest verse for No Rest for the Wicked, he influenced how listeners experience it. Honestly, the project was already strong enough to stand on its own and did not necessarily need a Kendrick feature.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.