Grammy-nominated groundbreaking alternative R&B artist serpentwithfeet releases his captivating new single ‘Safe Word,’ the second offering from his forthcoming highly anticipated new album, GRIP, out February 16th for the digital release and March 29th for the physical release via Secretly Canadian. Produced by serpent alongside producer collective, I Like That, the track reveals a universe around intimacy that is earned and the heights that can be reached in such a sacred space.
Directed by serpent and Micaiah Carter, the companion visual captures the space that surrounds these deeply intimate moments with a partner inside and outside of the club and the complex and delightful juxtapositions of physical closeness that are all at the core of GRIP. Pre–save the album HERE.
The single ushers in a new era for serpent personally and sonically, one that he unveils on GRIP, a striking body of work that is brimming with poise and tenacity in a fully realized form proving to be his best work to date. GRIP celebrates and fosters the spirit and magic of Black queer nightlife while also honoring the communities that are nurtured within the walls of these intimate spaces and the monumental impact that they have on the lives of many people on the margins.
Serpent’s hugely celebrated return confirms his rightful place as one of music’s most compelling artists today who has long been pushing the boundaries with his art and has come to be revered by the likes of Björk, Moby, Baby Keem, and many more.
The release follows serpent’s explosive debut theatrical run with his critically acclaimed production, Heart of Brick. The dance theater production chronicles a moving love story within a Black gay club that features a one-of-kind performance by a cast of extraordinary dancers and music from serpent’s GRIP. Heart of Brick was created by serpent, co-written by award winning poet Donte Collins, directed by multimedia artist Wu Tsang, choreographed by dance-theater artist Raja Feather Kelly and produced by The Joyce Theater Foundation.
ABOUT SERPENTWITHFEET:
The Los Angeles based, Baltimore born and raised singer and songwriter is regarded as one of music’s most revered artists through his striking discography. His remarkable trajectory also includes a Grammy nomination for his contribution to Bjork’s Grammy-nominated album Fossora and a slew of breathtaking collaborations with Daniel Caesar, Sampha, Ellie Goulding, Nao, Alex Isley, Moby, Mick Jenkins, Kelela, and Virgil Abloh. GRIP serves as the follow up album to serpent’s critically acclaimed projects, DEACON and soil, which solidified the artist as a pivotal voice of our generation. His music has been lauded by TIME, NPR, Rolling Stone, Billboard, GQ, Complex, New York Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, FADER, PAPER Magazine and many more. “The music serpentwithfeet makes is immediately distinctive, harnessing his gospel and classical training to a startling emotional openness,” proclaimed The New York Times. serpent has accomplished the towering feat of establishing a distinct and crucial voice, one that has largely been left out of the larger music arena, amongst a sonic landscape that has long managed to push the boundaries of popular music while remaining wildly thrilling in nature.
SERPENTWITHFEET ON ‘SAFE WORD’:
“‘Safe Word’ is a sensual song about the beauty of trust that’s been earned and the wonder that follows when partners explore each other with care.”
GRIP TRACKLISTING:
- Damn Gloves (ft. Ty Dolla $ign and Yanga Yaya)
- Safe Word
- Spades
- Deep End
- Rum / Throwback
- Black Air Force (ft. Mick Jenkins)
- Hummin’
- Ellipsis (ft. Orion Sun)
- Lucky Me
- 1 to 10
SERPENTWITHFEET’S SOCIALS:
