Joy Crookes & Denzel Curry find common ground on ‘Painkiller’
Joy Crookes returns with 'Painkiller', bringing Denzel Curry into her world for an unexpected but natural meeting of soulful songwriting and sharp-edged hip-hop. The new single arrives as Crookes continues an exciting run of music, following her recent collaboration with Ravyn Lenae on 'Feet Don’t Fail Me Now (Pt 2)'.
Originally born from a voice note, 'Painkiller' develops into an intimate exploration of a destructive relationship. Crookes turns the personal subject matter into something rich and cinematic, using her lyrical precision and unmistakable vocal presence to carry the emotional weight of the track. Produced by Dweller and Crookes, the record draws heavily from the spirit of 90s hip-hop, pairing its influence with a sweeping string arrangement that gives the production a sense of scale.
Crookes explores a different side of her sound while remaining rooted in the rich, soulful qualities that have defined her work. Denzel Curry adds another layer to the record, bringing his trademark intensity and lyrical precision into the mix. His presence creates a compelling contrast with Crookes’ vocals, with the two artists occupying very different musical spaces while finding a natural rhythm together.
With 'Painkiller', Joy Crookes continues to push into new territory without losing sight of the songwriting that has established her as one of the UK’s distinctive contemporary voices. Following a strong run of releases, collaborations and live performances, the single signals another exciting chapter ahead.
Comments