Introducing Duke Deuce: The Self-Proclaimed “King of Crunk”
Duke Deuce, the self-proclaimed “King of Crunk” hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, has taken the hip-hop world by storm with his robust energy and booming voice, redefining the ecstatic subgenre of ‘Crunk Musick’ for a new generation. The rapper will headline Cultura Festival in Charleston, SC this Saturday, April 13th, and we wanted to introduce him for those who aren’t already familiar.
With his high-octane anthems like “Crunk Ain’t Dead” (plus a remix with Lil Jon) and breakout singles such as “Just Say That” featuring GloRilla, MoTown artist Duke Deuce has solidified his status as a rising star in the underground rap scene.
“Crunk Ain’t Dead” (2020)
Duke Deuce’s unique blend of grim realities and gleeful exuberance has resonated with fans worldwide, who are drawn to his music’s intensity as much as they are to his electrifying performances and signature dance moves (“Gangstawalkin”). From implementing literal, WWE handicap matches on stages to having some of the cleanest footwork in the game, you never know what to expect from Duke.
Duke Deuce Showcases “Gangstawalkin”
His debut album, Duke Nukem, peaked at #3 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart of 2021, followed by Crunkstar in 2022, which also charted. Both albums showcase his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and being a beacon of reemergence for a classic southern style.
Brandishing a nod from Rolling Stone with Crunkstar and a spot on Billboard’s 20 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2022 list, Duke Deuce has garnered an underground cult following and industry recognition. Not only has he been honored with a Key to Memphis, but he has also been tapped for major campaigns and brands like anime and Adidas, so you’ve probably seen his face and didn’t even know you were viewing our modern day ‘king of crunk’.
In a past interview with Flaunt Magazine, Duke Deuce opened up about his upbringing in Memphis, citing influences of pimping, drug dealing, and gangbanging alongside the vibrant music and dance culture of the city.
“Just Say That” ft. GloRilla (2022)
His dedication to bridging old and new Memphis rap has set him apart as a torchbearer for the city’s rich musical history, blending alternative Southern crunk-rock, with contemporary elements to re-create a sound that resonates with fans of all ages.
After this formal introduction, ‘Ducifer’ himself will be one of 3 headliners to grace The Royal American stage for Charleston’s 3rd annual Cultura Fest. Sharing the stage with esteemed talents like Domani and Nick Grant, as well as local legends such as Kuntry, Lil Boss, Mossberg Montana, Comani, and more, Duke Deuce is poised to bring an electrifying performance that is going to send shockwaves through the Royal American attendees.
Tickets available here. Also see my recent video interview with Cultura Festival founder, Matt Monday of SWIM.