The R&B artist continues his momentum with a new project featuring OG Cuicide and iitsAD while setting the stage for his upcoming album Liquid
October 12, 2026 — After breaking into the Top 10 on the iTunes charts, R&B recording artist Vance Hardcore is continuing his rise with the release of Rush, a dynamic new EP positioned as one of the standout R&B projects of 2026.
Blending soulful vocals, contemporary production, hip-hop influences and authentic storytelling, Rush captures Vance Hardcore at an important point in his artistic evolution. The project showcases the confidence of an artist who has continued to develop his sound while refusing to be limited to one musical lane.
The records featured on Rush were created between 2023 and 2025 as Hardcore worked on new material and prepared for his forthcoming full-length album, Liquid. Instead of keeping the songs unreleased until the album arrived, Hardcore decided to give his supporters a project that captured the energy, creativity and momentum developing during those studio sessions.
That decision resulted in Rush.
The EP takes its name from “Rush Hour,” an energetic record produced by Atlanta-based producer and artist Shawn Anthony. The song helped establish the overall direction of the project and captures the sense of movement that runs throughout the EP.
Production on Rush was primarily handled by Shawn Anthony and rising producer Russell Thomas, who helped create a modern musical landscape around Hardcore’s melodic approach. Both producers are also contributing to Liquid, allowing the creative chemistry established on Rush to continue into Hardcore’s next major release.
Longtime collaborator Jacob “Jay Kale” Johnson has also remained an important part of Hardcore’s musical development. The multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer has worked with Hardcore since 2017. Their previous collaboration “September” earned a television placement in Japan, expanding Hardcore’s music into an international market.
Rush also brings together several distinctive voices.
The EP features iitsAD, whose appearance developed organically after hearing one of the records and wanting to contribute to it. His verse brings another layer of lyricism and personality to the project.
Hip-hop veteran OG Cuicide also appears on Rush, delivering a commanding verse that adds experience and authenticity to the record. The collaboration brings together Hardcore’s melodic R&B direction with OG Cuicide’s established hip-hop background, creating a combination of two different musical perspectives.
For Vance Hardcore, however, Rush isn’t meant to be overcomplicated. The purpose is to create music people can actually enjoy.
Whether it’s being played during a late-night drive, at home, at a party or inside a club, Rush was designed to provide listeners with energy, melody and an experience they will want to revisit.
Hardcore’s transition into R&B makes that sound even more distinctive. Before developing into a vocalist, he began his musical journey as a rapper. As his artistry evolved, he dedicated himself to developing his singing, songwriting and melodic abilities.
That evolution ultimately created the artist heard on Rush today—one capable of moving between R&B melodies and hip-hop influences without abandoning the foundation that helped build his career.
Music isn’t the only area where Hardcore is expanding his vision.
He has also entered the entrepreneurial space with Hardcore Performance, a sparkling water energy drink created as a healthier alternative for consumers looking for energy throughout the day. The beverage is currently available in select Louisiana stores, with plans for additional flavors, retail locations and expanded distribution.
From reaching the Top 10 on the iTunes charts to releasing Rush, Vance Hardcore is turning previous accomplishments into fuel for his next chapter.
And Rush is only part of what’s coming.
Hardcore is already preparing for the release of his forthcoming album Liquid, giving fans another reason to watch his progression as 2026 continues.
With new music, collaborations, business ventures and an expanding audience, Vance Hardcore is building momentum on multiple fronts.
Rush represents the latest step—and potentially one of the biggest yet.
STREAM RUSH
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