Chuck “Lyrikill” Jones is a cornerstone of the New Orleans underground hip-hop scene, though his influence extends far beyond the recording studio. For over two decades, Lyrikill has bridged the gap between Southern Hospitality and the lyrical complexity of 90s Golden Era hip-hop.
Lyrikill is best understood as a culture bearer. New Orleans is world-famous for its traditional jazz and brass bands, but he has worked tirelessly to get hip-hop in that same spotlight. He rose to prominence not just as a sharp-witted emcee but as a community organizer who viewed music as a tool for social awareness and recovery.
His musical preservation work tells that story. Through projects like Self Determination, Guerrilla Business, and the Retro EP, he champions a sound that prioritizes social consciousness and storytelling over mainstream trends. After Hurricane Katrina, Lyrikill was on the ground assisting with physical rebuilding. He worked with organizations like Operation HOPE to help residents recover housing and used his own resources to clean up local parks and schools.
Mentorship has been central to his work. He has served as a guide for the next generation of New Orleans artists through programs like Voices, ensuring that upcoming emcees have the technical skills and industry knowledge to succeed. He founded SoundClash, a multimedia series that provided a stage for local talent, and created Team Heart & Sole, a movement that blends hip-hop culture with a passion for sneaker history and nostalgia.
Lyrikill’s work is rooted in the belief that knowledge is the norm. Whether he is releasing a surprise project like 2025’s Never Afraid to Fail or organizing a community event, his goal remains the same: to maintain the humanity and responsibility of the culture while telling the authentic story of the modern South. To know Lyrikill is to understand the resilient, intellectual, and deeply communal side of New Orleans hip-hop.
Do you remember the first time you had red beans and rice?
A better question would be ‘when’s the first time you can remember NOT having red beans!’ Lol, my mom has been making red beans my entire life. I remember eating big bowls before football & basketball practices. Just getting all the carbs going and running for hours, then getting another bowl when I got back home.
When you think about red beans and rice, what memory comes to mind first?
Mondays at Dillard University for sure. We looked forward to fried chicken & red beans to get the week started. Some college cafeterias can be bland as hell, but Sodexo Marriott kept us right. My Xavier homies would sneak in to eat at the cafe.
If you could share a bowl of red beans and rice with anyone—past or present—who would it be?
Chef Leah Chase for sure—God rest her soul. Such a pioneer on so many fronts—food, culture, civil rights. She had so much information, such a comforting spirit. I really hate that I never got to have dinner with her. Her son was my Dean of Business at Dillard—RIP Edgar Chase III. Mia X is a close second.
Do you cook red beans?
I make a mean pot of beans. Camelia beans are a must. I live by the trinity on steroids—that’s the original trinity (celery, bell pepper, onion) plus red pepper, garlic & green onion. I prefer Manda sausage or maybe Conecuh. Can’t lose!
Who makes the best beans – a favorite restaurant or person?
My fav restaurant pre-Katrina used to be Dunbar’s over by the Magnolia. They came back later on Earhart but ultimately closed. These days, I do either Lil Dizzys or Willie Mae’s. My man Hip Hop Chef 360 from Lafayette makes amazing red beans.
Why do you think people still love this dish after all these years?
Simplicity and nostalgia. Takes us back to simpler times when we didn’t have much but always enjoyed great conversation over a memorable meal. No one wants those days to end.
What does the tradition mean to you?
Red Bean Mondays keep me connected to the city—wherever I am. Mondays are usually hectic and unfun, but we have red beans, though!
What’s your favorite spot in New Orleans?
Too many to name, but I will say I’ve been super happy to see my good friend A. Levy have success over at Biscuits & Buns on Banks. I’m always rooting for him, and I’m too overdue for BBQ Shrimp & Grits.
What’s your go-to comfort meal?
I like Gumbo, but Smothered Okra is my favorite! Add sausage, shrimp & crabmeat—a 10/10 Creole classic.
For someone outside of New Orleans who wants to support what you’re doing—what’s the best way?
Hit up www.lyrikillmusic.com. All my links are there. Buy some music or merch at my Bandcamp. Stream on all platforms. Hit me up on all the socials @lyrikill or @lyrikillmusic
Any upcoming projects you’d like people to know about?
I have a new project, Top Shelf, produced by DOT ORG (brothers from the NO hip-hop crew Psychoward). True school boom bap beats, good rhymes & an ode to the liquor sippers. Shout to all the crews, artists, DJs & producers making moves in New Orleans. You all inspire me to keep going.
To stay up to date with the latest information on Chuck “Lyrikill” Jones, follow him online:
- website: https://www.lyrikillmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyrikill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyrikillmusic
Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
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