Loco Cuz: The Independent Chicago Rapper Building His Own Legacy with Ridinstrong Records

Loco Cuz, also known as Jonathan McCaskill Jr., is a Chicago-based musician, recording artist, producer, music engineer, and communications expert who has spent more than a decade carving out his own path in the independent hip-hop scene.

Born and raised with roots that connect the South and the North, this genuine and down-to-earth artist from Chicago, Illinois, uses music as a vehicle to connect deeply with people’s thoughts, emotions, and real-life experiences.

Far from the major-label machine, Loco Cuz has built his career on authenticity and independence. He describes himself as a friendly citizen and a truly genuine individual capable of connecting with a person’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings. That sincerity shines through every project he releases under his own imprint, Ridinstrong Records (also stylized as Ridin Strong Records).

From Personal Pain to Musical PurposeLoco Cuz decided to tell his story through music after losing a loved relative on the streets. That tragedy became the catalyst for a catalog filled with honesty, struggle, resilience, and hope. His early work carries the raw energy of street rap with clear influences from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony — melodic flows mixed with street narratives.

His first mixtape, Bipolar (2012), introduced listeners to that signature style.

He followed it with Alabama 2 Chicago, a project that reflected his personal journey moving between regions, and later WW3. These projects showcased his growth and established him as a consistent independent voice in Chicago’s competitive rap scene.

By the early 2020s he was working on his more ambitious project Pain & Progress, which incorporated smoother Soul and R&B elements alongside his street foundation. The evolution is clear: what started as pure street rap has matured into a more versatile sound that still stays true to his roots.

One of his standout collaborations is with Young NTG (son of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony legend Krayzie Bone).

Tracks like “Look at Me” and later joint records such as “Call for You” highlight the chemistry and mutual respect between the two artists. These features remain some of the strongest moments in Loco Cuz’s catalog.Building Ridinstrong Records and Learning the BusinessAfter studying at Full Sail University, Loco Cuz gained the technical and business knowledge needed to take full control of his career. He founded Ridinstrong Records, learning how to protect his lyrics, handle distribution, and operate independently.In his own words:

“I learned that I can’t trust the industry, it’s complicated and unfair if you want to build your own brand and stay independent. Know what you want and learn the music business as much as you can before investing.”

This philosophy defines everything he does. He wants people to respect his work and his vision — not just stream the songs, but understand the hustle behind them. Having his own production setup allowed him to work as a freelance artist, producer, and A&R, expanding beyond just rapping into the full music business.

Current Work and Continued Momentum (2025–2026)

Even years later, Loco Cuz remains active and consistent. Recent releases include the project Blacc Out, along with a steady stream of singles such as “Talk,” “No Shame,” “Restless,” “Movie,” “Shodog,” “Proclaim It,” “Save Me,” “they hate,” “NOBODY,” “voodoo,” “STAR STRUCK,” and “send some ashes.” He continues collaborating with producers like MillzOnDaBeat and I’m Furious, keeping the Chicago trap and street-soul sound alive.His official video for “War Intro” (2018) still stands as one of his most viewed pieces and captures the energy that first put him on the map:

Where to Follow Loco Cuz

• Instagram: @lococuz
• TikTok: lococuzzz
• YouTube: LOCO CUZ
• Email: lococuz4@gmail.com
• Streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, ReverbNation and more under LOCO CUZ / Ridinstrong Records

Loco Cuz continues preparing new music filled with hope, passion, and real stories. In an industry that often favors trends over substance, he remains focused on building something lasting — on his own terms.Whether you’re a longtime fan of Chicago independent rap or just discovering him, Loco Cuz’s catalog rewards listeners who value authenticity and persistence.