Following a six-week delay, producer/DJ Carnage has released his star-studded sophomore album, Battered Bruised & Bloody.
The 13-track effort includes the previously heard singles “Learn How to Watch” with Mac Miller and Madeintyo, “i Shyne” featuring Lil Pump, and “Plur Genocide” with Steve Aoki and Lockdown. There are also appearances by Lil B, KYLE, Young Troy, and Migos. Listen to Battered Bruised & Bloody below via Spotify or on Apple Music/iTunes:
Carnage was initially set to drop the album in early March, but pushed the release to this Friday in order to include a couple “special records.” “I’ve spent a year & a half on this album.... and I want it to be perfect,” the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram last month. “[…] I don’t wanna let you guys down. I’ve never pushed back an album so this is new to me... there were 2 really special records that wasn’t gonna be on the album... but now they are.” Carnage's Lil Uzi Vert collab wasn't included on the project, which means fans have something to look forward to.
Now in the middle of his five-city Renegade Series mini-tour—concluding Saturday at a secret location in Chicago—Carnage spoke to Complex about the record, the idea of working with Swae Lee, and why he wishes he could make the project 50 tracks.
You recently shared a note that read: “I never had anything easy. I had to fight for everything I have and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” In keeping with that theme, the album title is Battered Bruised & Bloody, but you’re still standing, and flourishing. Are there any specific moments from your life that you used as motivation?
I've mentioned before, I spent a majority of my childhood in Guatemala City, not exposed to any pop culture. The first hip-hop song I ever listened to was Naughty by Nature on a cassette tape and at the time I had no clue what hip-hop music was, but I immediately connected. I moved to the States, started getting into production, and moved to L.A. with nothing—but I was determined to make it. I take a lot of pride in not receiving any handouts. I created my career myself and with people around me that believe in me. I always look back at when I first listened to that cassette tape and that's what motivates me every day.
The Lil Pump collab has also been getting burn since its release. Do you guys have more records in the stash?
Great question, classified information.
Similar to Papi Gordo, this new album has a wide range of artists you connected with. I’m guessing you probably worked with a number of artists outside of the final tracklist; what process went into determining what made the cut?
A big thing for me is to make sure that no one track is the same. I work with an artist because I fuck with them, not because of their name or status. There are some really talented young kids out there and they deserve just as much shine as any other artist that may be more established. I wish I could have a 50-track album.
A while back you stopped by the office to play some tunes from the album, including “Waterworld” with Migos. At that time it also included Khalid. What was the decision behind the change, and will that version see the light of day?
You may hear that Khalid verse again on another track.
Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd released his single “Guatemala.” As a Guatemalan representative, could we see you flipping it for a remix, and if so, how would you approach it?
Be ready for that Carnage x Swae tape.
