Memphis native NLE Choppa is making noise on every front: music, movies, and fashion. The 22-year-old rap star released his latest single, “HARD LIFE,” featuring Carey Washington, a soulful, breathy track spiced with piano and raw emotion. The song leads the soundtrack for Black Heat, Choppa’s feature film debut, which hits theaters nationwide today.
“HARD LIFE” reads like a prayer wrapped in melody. Backed by dramatic keys and Carey Washington’s haunting background vocals, the single dives into fatherhood, survival, and legacy. Choppa paints a vivid picture:
“Pray to the Lord protect my son while I ride through the night / Keep my daughter aura shining bright like a light / It’s a hard life, it’s a hard life.”
He continues with a nod to Tupac, describing his kids as “two rose petals that grew from concrete,” echoing his own rise from tough beginnings in South Memphis. The song, co-produced by Paul Koch, carries the same emotional intensity as Black Heat, an urban action-thriller with serious grit.
Directed by Memphis filmmaker Wes Miller, Black Heat centers on two parents who dive into the underworld to rescue their daughter from a ruthless pimp named King David, played by Choppa himself. He stars alongside Jason Mitchell (Straight Outta Compton, Zola) and DreamDoll in what’s being called a gripping, high-stakes rescue tale rooted in family, desperation, and street justice.
Choppa’s role in the film proves he’s more than just a mic assassin. Over the past few months, he’s used his platform to elevate awareness and push positive change. In February, he released two poignant singles during Black History Month: “Crescent Moon,” which reflects the harsh realities of street life, and “CAN WE LIVE?” with B.O.A Mook, an anti-gun-violence anthem that hits hard with social commentary.
Earlier this year, he dropped “Dare U” with Imagine Dragons, a genre-bending, high-energy track that’s already pulled in over 23.8 million streams. Just weeks before that, he dropped PICASSO: SLUFFIN SZN X SLUT SZN, an eclectic, melodic project featuring Summer Walker, Skilla Baby, T-Pain, Yung Bleu, and more.
With over 9.8 billion streams and 24 RIAA plaques, NLE Choppa continues to ride his own wave. Whether behind the mic, in front of a camera, or parked on the block with his This Can’t Be Vegan food truck, Choppa’s showing the world that growth, grit, and greatness can coexist.
He also pushes education and community engagement through literacy campaigns and wellness initiatives.
Watch the trailer for Black Heat and stream “HARD LIFE” now on all platforms.
