The West Coast rapper, pro skateboarder, and model has just released the video for his Nicholas Craven-produced track, “Red Roses,” from his August album Memoirs in Armour. Directed by Nicholas Stafford Briggs with cinematography by Grayson Kohs, the video offers a gritty, urban aesthetic set against the NYC skyline, rooftops, pigeons, and elevated subway tracks, immersing viewers in a cityscape that matches the raw, introspective tone of the song.
The rapper opens the track with his signature reflective style, delivering lines like, “I guess you’ve learned a whole heap of nothing / Suppose you living with your demons, f—k it / Thunder rolling with the punches that ain’t touch ’em.” His verses explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and morality, capturing the struggles of balancing personal growth and navigating the pressures of life. Lines such as, “Life is but a series of adjustments / Was ill-equipped smoking spliffs, too redundant,” reveal his contemplative approach to life and its constant shifts.
In the second half of the track, he switches gears, moving from introspection to confidence, showcasing his accomplishments and style with lines like, “Me and mine winning, cheek to cheek grinning / Steel Royal Oak with the Moon Phase in it.” These lyrics, highlighting luxury and success, display his ability to celebrate life’s highs amidst the deeper reflections. He ends the song with a powerful line: “I’m standing 10 toes, you gotta weigh the cons when you sense pros / The bloody thorn on a red rose,” merging imagery of beauty and pain.
“Red Roses” marks the third single off Memoirs in Armour, following visuals for “Take Heed” and “Low Threshold” earlier this year. Despite being dropped by Def Jam, the rapper remains a significant underground figure. Signed copies of his 2022 trilogy—Book II: Gift of Gabriel: Rain’s Reign!, Book III: Crypt of Carlos: Onward!, and Book IV: Arc of Atreyu: Neverending!—continue to be highly sought after, with some selling for upwards of $500 online.
With each release, he proves his staying power in the underground hip-hop scene, resonating with fans who value authenticity and lyrical depth. "Red Roses" not only showcases his growth as an artist but also cements his role as a voice in the underground music world, one that resonates beyond mainstream labels and trends.
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