Detroit’s Westside as one of the most talented lyricists in his city and one of the most overlooked worldwide, Courtney Bell is working to shed the title of “local hero.” Fans of thematic lyrical talent should find love with Bell’s hard hitting catalog.
He released “Issues,” his new single and video. Set to appear on his upcoming mixtape Microdose, out 5/17, the track samples Rose Royce’s “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” providing a soulful backdrop to Courtney’s reflective lyrics. He looks back on his upbringing, contemplating the struggles he and his family have faced, while keeping a positive outlook on the future: “Reflections of my daddy, his trauma live in me / I want more for my kids so I been dealing with it / The power of God in all my ancestors / I don’t chase after sh*t, I manifest it.”
The “Issues” video, directed by Diego, uses creative visuals to reflect the broken cycles many growing up in not only Courtney’s neighborhood but also many others around the world face. As Courtney raps, faceless individuals tied up with puppet strings deal drugs behind him, symbolizing how powerless they often are against oppressive systemic forces.
“Issues” is the latest single from Courtney Bell’s upcoming project, Microdose, a wide-ranging effort that drops on May 17th via MNRK Urban. The track follows “Word II Conway,” Courtney’s successful collaboration with Conway the Machine, and “Westside,” a single created in collaboration with Courtney’s mentor Royce Da 5’9, who plays Morpheus to Courtney’s Neo in the “Westside” video.
Microdose was executive produced by Royce Da 5’9 and Keith “Pay Cash” Miller, and also features Black Thought, Benny The Butcher, LaRussell, Symba and more.
Source: Audible Treats.
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