It’s been over three years but Grieves is “back with a vengeance like Bruce Willis on ‘roids.”
I’m a huge fan of jazzy beats so Grieves had caught my attention back in the days of Irreversible, and 88 Keys and Counting. Something about his combination of smooth beats underneath the dark lyrics really spoke to my angsty teenage self. Now that I’m older and can actually understand some of the trivial topics that he touches on, I have a whole new appreciation for his art.
Every time I get a new album it’s like Christmas. When I got a copy of Running Wild from Rhymesayers Entertainment, I couldn’t wait to have my own private listening party. I went and picked up a heady sativa, then grabbed a swisher on my way home. The acoustics are great in my bathroom, it’s one of my favorite places to really focus on the music I’m listening to. After cutting, gutting, and stuffing the blunt, I prepared a hot bath and got cozy in the sea of bubbles.
Grieves – Running Wild
Running Wild was recorded in Stockholm alongside Swedish producer Chords. Grieves reflected on the process, “I flew from Seattle to Stockholm on basically zero sleep. Suddenly I’m there, my first day, and I’m immediately stepping into the studio. I’m jet lagged. I’m vulnerable. And that’s where some of the best songs came from.” The album includes features from local singer Paris Alexa, along with a throwback collection of rappers from Seattle’s Yukmob; Fearce Vill, Davey Jones, and Romaro Franceswa.
Quick Thoughts on the Tracks
1. Postcards
As I sparked up the blunt, captain Grieves greeted me with a quick safety check making sure that I was leaned back, with a full glass. Immediately I’m smirking listening to the smooth bars packed with attitude. I was fully aware that the hook was gonna get stuck in my head, and it still is as I type this out.
2. Faded
One of the trappier beats that just doesn’t really mesh with my ear drums.
3. Boop Bop Da Willy Willy ft. Paris Alexa
Paris Alexa is a talented local RnB’er with a beautiful voice. She perfectly accentuates this quirky boop bop jam.
4. Chillin’ (Ice Cold) ft. Romaro Franceswa
My bath temperature dropped to freezing, as both Grieves and Romaro hit me with this spine shivering joint. Leaving me in an ice box that only the grooviest of beats could defrost.
5. What It Dew
“This beat makes me feel like I’m tongue fucking a margarita”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKyc9NfNWww&w=560&h=315]
6. Gutz
The ultimate love/hate battle. A song portraying those relationships where you think about them and say, “Fuck you.” Yet they’re still coming over to get up in your guts and fuck you.
7. Roses ft. Fearce Vill and Davey Jones
With a more serious tone, this vulnerable song hit me when I was at my peak blunt high. When you’re facing a blunt, intense beats like this can cause a pretty emotional reaction.
8. Levees
I thought this was a nice palate cleanser to get ready for the verses in the second half.
9. No Sleep ft. Paris Alexa
Classic dark Grieves. Beautifully haunting I think many people can relate to those restless nights with no sleep.
10. Bonnie and Clyde
I said God DAMN. His voice is like silk that has been rubbed in dirt. Over the top of a brassy beat that has my hips moving on their own accord. Definitely in my top three for the album.
11. A-Okay
I love gangster rap, but funky jams like this that throw it back to the golden years of soul hold such a huge chunk of my heart. At this point of the album, I was splashing water all over my bathroom. The past couple songs had me dancing in the tub like:
12. Night Shift
If you’ve ever walked down a city street lit by neon lights at 1 o’ clock in the morning, you’ll get the vibe of this song.
13. Cloudless Sky (Interlude)
An anxiety inducing precursor to the next pharmaceutical focused track.
14. RX
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression almost seem commonplace in today’s society. Grieves dives deep into the struggles of dealing with a sick mind while reminding you “don’t forget to breathe out though.”
15. 5,000 Miles
At this point, the blunt is long gone, and I read the title as 500 miles. Not gonna lie, I started singing the Proclaimers. But this slow jam was exactly the way I needed to end my bath, as every muscle in my body came to complete relaxation. For that, I thank you, Grieves.
Shout out to GIPHY for blessing Grieves with the customs GIFs that honestly made this entire article. You can pick up your own copy of the album from anyone of the music services listed here. Once you’ve had a chance to listen with your own ears, let us know what you think!
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