For NOTION The Artists Vol. 1, we peer into the mind of Duckwrth, discussing his unfurling music catalogue, hypothetical smoke sessions with George Clinton, movies and more.

California crusader Duckwrth is a man of many talents. Fresh off a wicked new single, ‘Had Enough’, brewed by a funky, synth-led cauldron, we peer into the mind of the Los Angeles artist, discussing his unfurling music catalogue, hypothetical smoke sessions with George Clinton, movies and more.

 

“I’m always looking for new ways to express myself. It’s not just about making music; it’s about telling a story – one that evolves with me,” says Jared “Duckwrth” Lee. For the Los Angeles rap crooner, evolution is unremitting. The artist’s latest offering, ‘Had Enough’, is a joyful, funky bolt of serenity. It’s quicksilver, mercurial and distinctly Duckwrth. Known for his blend of plucky soul, alt-rap, and rock, the artist’s 2024 releases have honed his distinctive style, fusing free-form experimentation with valiant, velvety finesse.

 

Emitting conversational and chiselled wisdom, Duckwrth opens up about his sprawling year and his personal growth. The milestones are certainly notable – tours, and campaigns with fashion houses like Loewe and collaborations with Vitaly – but he finds equal significance in the quiet, introspective spaces that mark his fragmented growth. “I love that you called it fragmented – it’s been interesting,” Duckwrth replies, considering the breadth of his output. “Honestly, I didn’t plan for this year to be so collaborative, but coming off [his last project] Chrome Bull, I had a lot of interest from others. People heard me on their projects, and it just worked out that way.

 

Following collaborations with Nascent and Saba on the trap-tinged ‘Don’t Check For Me’ and electronic beatsmith, Machinedrum on ‘ILIKEU’, Duckwrth (once again) set his sights on another album. His single ‘Gray Scale’ is the first puzzle piece of a forthcoming LP: showcasing the rhymer’s melodic versatility and penchant for reinvention. “I’ve put out a lot of music this year, but one of my favourite collaborations was with ESTA. and Joyce Wrice. The rhythm on that track is amazing, and Joyce killed it,” he remarks. “Another favourite was with Portraits Of Tracy, one of my favourite artists right now. She’s like our version of Prince, a true musical savant. Her track ‘Found But Dilla’ had me hooked for a year, and when she asked me to remix it, I was so surprised. I had to be part of that.

As with Duckwrth’s ever-morphing music, no type of conversation is off the table. During our chat, it doesn’t take long for us to steer towards film – a crucial influence in his world. When I drop the all-important question, “Are you a movie buff?” Duckwrth’s face lights up instantly. “I’m a big film fan,” he replies, without hesitation. Akira is my all- time favourite.”

 

It’s fitting that Duckwrth is an avid film watcher, as his discography is just as dense, diverse, and stacked as an all-action DVD box set. With fan- favourites like 2021’s sun-drenched ‘SG8*’ or The kickdrums-assisted 2015 punk-rap gem ‘Nowhere’, many Duckwrth variants exist in our timeline, each marking a distinct shard of his evolving sound.

 

Duckwrth’s connection to the silver screen goes beyond just watching movies; his discography is as colourful, varied, and nuanced as cinema itself, with each project reflecting a radically different genre, theme, or creative influence. Pressed on how his albums might connect with specific films, Duckwrth smirks. “Alright, let’s see. I’M UUGLY would probably be Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. an XTRA UUGLY Mixtape would be The Warriors. Songs like ‘WAKE UP!’ definitely come to mind,” he laughs.

 

For 2019’s THE FALLING MAN, Duckwrth draws on cinematic heavyweights. “It’d have to be something by Stanley Kubrick. Maybe Eyes Wide Shut for its red tones and orchestral moments, blended with A Clockwork Orange because Kubrick’s influence is all over the album, in sound and look.” He continues by likening SuperGood to the 1974 Pam Grier classic Foxy Brown – “Maybe a blend of Shaft, too. It’s got that groovy, celebratory energy, capturing joy even during tough times,” Duckwrth asserts.

 

Moving to 2021’s SG8* poses more of a challenge: “That’s a tough one. Maybe something LA-focused but with a rich sound. As a dedicated fan of The Neptunes and N.E.R.D, Duckwrth finds inspiration in their pioneering sound and style, so I suggest, The Neptunes’ unreleased movie Dude… We’re Going to Rio, which sees Pharell travel from LA to Rio De Janeiro in pursuit of love. Duckwrth already knows about it: “Yes, the vibe of Dude, We’re Going to Rio aligns so well with SG8* – even if it never came out. The intro has this French bossa nova vibe mixed with a classic West Coast energy.”

What about Nowhere, his breakout mixtape that just turned nine? “Trainspotting, without a doubt,” he states. He goes on to reflect on how 2015 Duckwrth might view his future self. After Chrome Bull, I felt like I’d explored every sound I could. It’s not about what I haven’t done but more about how I can take elements from earlier Duckwrth: from 2015, 2017 and 2020, and blend them together. I also want to give people a deeper look into the punk and hardcore music I grew up listening to. It’s a big part of who I am; I feel like people should hear that.”

 

He continues: “As for 2015 Duckwrth, back then I was more open, in my punk phase, figuring things out. Meeting the 2025 version of myself, I think he’d say, ‘Well done. Well played. Good job.’ He’d be proud. Our conversation never stays on track – it winds through genres, philosophies, and the eclectic inspirations that fuel his creativity. As we move from his music to his muses, we shift towards the pioneers who shaped musical genres beyond the confines of hip-hop and R&B. Given Duckwrth’s fluidity between punk, rock, and funk-laced hip-hop, I ask, “If you could step into the shoes of either George Clinton or Jimi Hendrix for a day to truly understand their artistry, who would you choose?”

 

Duckwrth considers the question carefully. “George Clinton is legendary, but you have to sift through a lot to find the gems,” he says. “Albums like George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love and The Jimi Hendrix Experience are front-to-back masterpieces that make you think. Hendrix created something so unique – ‘Ezy Ryder’ is Crazy.” Laughing, he adds, “With Clinton, sometimes you wonder, ‘How high were you when you made this?’ But then you find a track and think, ‘Damn, this is crazy!’ Maybe they weren’t high that day, who knows?” He laughs again, “Yeah, I’d go for Jimi Hendrix.”

This mix of introspection and humour mirrors the balance Duckwrth is currently exploring in his own life. When I bring up his latest single, ‘Had Enough’, the topic shifts to the personal transformations shaping his day-to-day. We ask him what he’s had enough of lately, and he doesn’t hesitate. “I’ve had enough of myself,” he admits earnestly. “Of my bad habits that have built up over the years. I’ve had enough of drinking, which is why I stopped. I made a lot of bad decisions, and my body just doesn’t like alcohol.”

 

For Duckwrth, this journey towards sobriety is more than a lifestyle shift; it’s a commitment to self-betterment. “For me, it’s about health. I want good health, mentally and physically, and more good decision-making.”

 

The artist’s goals reflect a wider shift in perspective. Now in his thirties, Duckwrth is seeking a more rooted sense of wealth and fulfilment. “I want more wealth – financially and mentally. Financial wealth comes from a wealthy mind,” he explains. “If you have money but don’t know how to think long-term, you’ll spend it all. But if you’re wealthy in mindset, the financial wealth will follow.” He pauses, considering the future. “I want something I can pass down: a legacy for future generations. If I have kids, I want something for them and their kids.”

Make no mistake, Duckwrth still yearns for exploration. “I want to travel more. I haven’t travelled as much as I used to. I want to see more places, try more dishes, be somewhere I don’t understand the language and just embrace it.” Predating his music career, fashion, it turns out, was Duckwrth’s first love, which makes sense when you consider work with Loewe and Vitaly “I actually went to school for graphic design before I even thought about music,” he explains. “Going back to that now makes sense… it’s in my DNA.” For the rapper, there’s something compelling about creating physical things. “Music is intangible,” he says. “It’s all about feeling, which is great, but I can’t physically hold SG8* in my hand. I mean, I can hold the vinyl, but the actual song? It’s just a wavelength. “I like creating in the physical world. I like tangible things.”

 

In Duckwrth’s artistic orbit, his work is unbound to our world’s creative fibres. “I mean, I started by selling t-shirts in high school, just to make some chump change,” he laughs, reminiscing about his early days. “I was doing graphic design on Windows Paint, then moving on to Illustrator, creating whatever graphics I could manage. So, I’ve always had an interest in garment design.”

I ask if he has ever thought about starting a fashion brand, and his face lights up with excitement. “Yeah, I’m launching a brand next year, which I’m really excited about,” he says. “Right now, I’m working on an actual boot. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love boots, so this isn’t a surprise,” he chuckles. “But yeah, I’m making a boot. That’s insane.”

 

As for his inspirations, Duckwrth holds nothing back. He admires trailblazers like Pharrell and Tyler, The Creator – musicians who transitioned seamlessly into fashion. “We’ve seen what it looks like when it’s done poorly,” he jokes, “but Pharrell and Tyler set the bar high.” Another influence? London-based designer Bianca Saunders, along with Jonathan Anderson at Loewe. “They’re insane. Everyone’s rooting for Bianca; her approach to garment design is so unique,” he says. “Jonathan Anderson at Loewe is equally unrestrained – he does whatever he wants, and it always turns out incredible. Those rebellious designers really excite me, so being part of that world is surreal.”

 

When asked what’s next, Duckwrth grins and enthusiasm flashes across his face. “My new album drops next year,” he says, barely containing his excitement. “It’s fucking insane.”

 

Buy your copy of NOTION The Artists Vol. 1 featuring Duckwrth here. 

Listen to 'Had Enough' now: