Rising Chicago-based rapper/songwriter GR3G is not new to us and has gifted us with a slew of releases in the past. His latest effort HEAL FOR ME, is a 4 track body of work that explores his past, the present and how it feeds into the future.

 The project opens with a classic soul sample that helps set the tone. The overall sombre ambiance is indicative of the overall reflective tone of the project and GR3G unveils his humble beginnings in the opening track  “HAVE I GROWN COMPLACENT ?”.  The track explores the connection between his past, residual trauma and the concept of being stuck in one’s comfort zone for too long. His vivid storytelling spans different timelines but more importantly, focuses on certain experiences and memories that reshaped his viewpoint. Lines like “Grandpa was a preacher holy ghost first at sight seems like a seizure/ Didin’t know that was Jesus, why come to a small church to reach a junkie who lived beneath us/Why not heal mama diseases/She could barely eat or sleep or even feed us “ taps into his religious upbringing and the doubts that bubbled up to the surface over time. In the end, these events drained him of his passion but he ponders if there is another way. This is followed by “WASTED TALENT, Pt. 2”, which continues in a similar vein. Over a cinematic string arrangement that sounds like a scene from a 70s urban drama flick, GR3G pontificates on the true meaning of self-sacrifice for the sake of his loved ones. He acknowledges his talents while being surrounded by pain and external loss but he is willing to trade places or lose his gift to give his family the very thing they deserve. The track is layered and gives audiences a different side of his life.  Next is “RAISIN IN THE SUN”, which is introduced by crunchy drum grooves and warm jazzy chords and sublime textures. The title is inspired by the famous play by Lorraine Hansberry and is a personal account of GR3G’s life in Chicago. From dilapidated houses to self and system-stricken predicaments to violence, GR3G has seen it all and is looking forward to a better tomorrow no matter how long it takes.

The project closes out with “Lake Shore”, which serves as the proverbial final lap of some sort. The soundscape is brooding, warm and reflective while the lyrics encapsulate the rapper’s journey as it unfolds. The timeline of events is summarized and audiences get to experience a form of closure. GR3G expresses both regret and contentment as he comes to terms with his lot. From the loss of loved ones, and losing faith in God and religion to small successes like overcoming financial constraints and making a path for himself where there was none. Overall, the track is a welcoming song for the hero who has weathered the storm and still lived to tell the tale to the incoming generations.

In summary, HEAL FOR ME, is a brief and concise semi-autobiography of a young black man in the US of A whose challenges don’t slow him down. Over 4 tracks, the rapper shows resilience while being vulnerable and emotional and to top it up, the relatability is unmatched.

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