Buffalo rapper Ché Noir and Detroit producer Apollo Brown connect with Black Thought for their inspiring new single. 

With the rise of Griselda, Buffalo, New York has become one of the most exciting regions in hip-hop. One of the most lyrically gifted MCs to come from the city is 26-year-old rapper Ché Noir.

She has been bubbling for a couple of years now, partially under the tutelage of Queens MC and producer 38 Spesh. But lately, Ché Noir has been working with veteran Detroit producer Apollo Brown. The two are teaming up to release their first project together: on July 10th, Ché Noir and Apollo Brown will be releasing As God Intended, via Mello Music Group. The album will feature appearances from underground favs like Skyzoo, Planet Asia, Blakk Soul, Ty Farris, and more.

We are pleased to be premiering the first track from Apollo Brown and Ché Noir 's upcoming project. The track is called "Hustle Don't Give," and it features an appearance from one of the greatest rappers of all time – Black Thought.

The song features the two expert MCs spitting over a soulful Apollo Brown beat. The track is about effort, about grinding your way to success. Or, as Black Thought puts it succinctly, "If you ain't talking hustle you're speaking the wrong language."

Over email, Ché Noir broke down the making of the song. She told us:

"Hustle Don’t Give" was the last song I wrote for the album. I remember hearing the intro and as soon as the beat dropped I went crazy. It only took me a few hours to write the verse and the hook. “I could rob a village while it’s sleep, even if I was blind with an elephant” is my favorite bar from this verse. Just another way of showing how strategic and mentally strong I am. Even if I was blind or deaf, my hustle and faith gone get me what I need even if I gotta take it.

Apollo Brown also sent some words about the song, calling it a favorite of his. Brown also said:

I love how Che’ comes at you from all different angles, and gives the imagery that’s needed in this game. It was an honor to have one of the best to do it, Black Thought, on this record as well, giving his take on the grind.

Check out "Hustle DOn't Give" featuring Black Thought below.