Originally featured on the When Music Worlds Collide compilation, KXNG Crooked and Truth Ali’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Ashamed)” is a triumphant record about overcoming the trials and tribulations of life. Flipping Keith Whitley’s 1988 song of the same name, the two emcees touch on alcoholism, sobriety, child abuse, suicide, and adoption.
“I’ve been in several dark places in my life,” Crooked told MTV. “Betrayed by those closest to me or feelings of hopelessness in situations I can’t control or even others trying to remove me from this earth…It takes its toll. I have to rise above and keep moving forward for myself and my loved ones. I like to meditate and read a lot so that helps. Music is my ultimate medicine, though.”
“Don’t Close Your Eyes (Ashamed)” will also live on the track’s producer Jonathan Hay’s upcoming Urban Hitchcock LP, dropping October 5th, which will feature CyHi The Prynce, Chino XL, Canibus, Skyzoo, Royce da 5’9″ and more.
