Over the years, KXNG Crooked, Jonathan Hay and Mike Smith have created some timeless music.
In 2015, they released a song called “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Ashamed)” that featured Crook and fellow rapper Truth Ali opening up on a variety of topics—including alcoholism, sobriety, child abuse, suicide, and adoption.
Two years later, following a decision to go sober, Crook returned this summer with “Too Ashamed.”
“I’ve been sober over a year now/ But nah, I ain’t pretending my vision crystal clear now/ Cuz I can pick up a beer now/ And relapse, perhaps that’s my fear now,” Crook starts off before detailing his ongoing battle with alcohol addiction and the challenges that come with it.
“More than a few people have told me that the first time they heard ‘Too Ashamed’ it moved them to tears because it reminded them of their struggles with sobriety,” Crooked says. “They also said the song motivates them to keep fighting the good fight. Those testaments are the reason I continue to make music. Some things are more important to me than awards and accolades.”
Continuing the fight, Crook (with help from Iliana Eve, Mike Smith and Jonathan Hay) has released a video for the song. Check it out below and be sure to add Eve and Hay’s 15 (The Sins of a Father Playlist) to Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music. The album also features Royce 5’9″, Nitty Scott, and CyHi the Prynce.
“This song is all about overcoming personal adversity,” Jonathan Hay adds. “Crooked is conquering his battle with alcoholism and making peace with those he’s hurt. Iliana Eve is coping with the trauma of being a victim in a violent home invasion and moving forward. This is the most transparent song I’ve ever been involved with.”
