Ekko was not entirely prepared for the meteoric rise of “GIANTS,” the 2019 League of Legends World Championship Anthem that catapulted him to global stardom. With over 230 million streams by 2026, the track transformed the New York City rapper into a household name, though the transition was far from seamless. As one-fifth of the virtual hip-hop collective True Damage—alongside Akali, Qiyana, Senna, and Yasuo—Ekko found himself navigating a whirlwind of newfound fame without the infrastructure to support it.
“People were asking me for autographs at the bodega,” Ekko recalls. “Low key, I took on too much. I didn’t have an agent or manager to handle everything, so my pops had to help me keep track of it all.”
A New Chapter with ‘Know My Name’
After a period of reflection and honing his craft, Ekko is stepping back into the spotlight for the 2026 World Championship Anthem, “Know My Name.” The track, which serves as the 13th Worlds Anthem, marks a significant evolution in his artistry. “’Know My Name’ feels a lot more in tune with who I am now. It’s about putting in the grind needed to leave your mark and make people remember your name,” he explains. “That kind of success isn’t something you earn from one peak moment. It’s from putting in the work again and again.”
The creative process for the new anthem saw the collective reunite with a renewed sense of purpose. The resulting sound blends grit with high-energy production, showcasing a sharpened pen that has already drawn comparisons to the lyrical depth of artists like Vic Mensa.
Finding Balance and Legacy
Reflecting on the burnout that followed his initial success, Ekko credits his peers—particularly Senna—for helping him find a sustainable path forward. By reconnecting with his roots in New York City and returning to his love for street art, he managed to ground himself amidst the chaos of the industry. “I love making street art. With everything going on, it had been forever since I worked on a piece. So I finally just did it. I poured all of the anxiety and doubt into it,” he shares.
Looking toward the future, Ekko is focused on building a legacy that inspires the next generation of artists. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and experimentation, urging newcomers to embrace the process rather than chasing external validation. “I want to inspire the next generation of artists comin’ up. I really believe everyone has their own sound, and getting in touch with that to make something that’s all your own is the coolest thing in the world.”
