Buzzing Chicago phenom KB Mike unleashes the video for his new single “Pain” feat. Stunna Gambino right before your eyes. The song remains a standout from his debut EP Old Wounds, out now.
Watch “Pain”:HERE
Listen to Old Wounds: HERE
Over a piano melody, KB Mike spits straight from the heart as he recalls, “You wasn’t there for the rainy days” as Stunna Gambino rolls through with an equally impactful cameo of his own. The accompanying visual intercuts closeups with red laser sights aimed at KB Mike’s countenance with outdoor nighttime vignettes of these two rising stars rapping next to a new red Mercedes. Rain falls in between, contributing to the intensity of the atmosphere.
Old Wounds continues to put up numbers. The fan favorite “Used To” has already amassed over 12 million streams and the EP includes other recent songs such as “Thru Worse N Thru Better” and “What We Had.” The nine-track collection dips into moments of intense catharsis on “Killas” and the piano-laden “Pain” where he asks, “Fuck you know about pain? That’s all I know.” Elsewhere, “Sneaky Link” delivers a slippery and slick hook, illuminating his versatility all-around. He recently ignited an open verse challenge on TikTok, generating thousands of creates and stirring up anticipation for Old Wounds.
KB Mike has built momentum throughout 2022 with tracks such as “Members” with Yungeen Ace. It followed “Keep Yo Head Up” which continues to gain traction on streaming platforms. Just prior, he dropped the powerful “Deserve Better,” which addressed domestic violence head on. Upon arrival, HotNewHipHop claimed, “The nearly three minute track sees the rapper encourage listeners to remove themselves from toxic relationships while spreading awareness about the brutal realities of domestic violence.” Maintaining his momentum, “Deserve Better” arrived on the heels of his latest single and music video “L.O.V.E.” and his breakout anthem “Used To,” which has racked up millions of streams to date. He’s already received looks from Elevator, REVOLT, and many more.
TRACKLISTING
- Keep Yo Head Up
- Need U (feat. Scorey)
- Sneaky Link
- Insecure
- Members (feat. Yungeen Ace)
- What We Had
- Thru Worse N Thru Better
- Pain (feat. Stunna Gambino)
- Used To
A show of emotion equates to a show of strength. KB Mike doesn’t hold back his emotions. In the process, he asserts himself as a strong, soulful, and spirited voice for not only his native Chicago, but the culture at large. He’s endured his fair share of pain and gained wisdom and perspective as a result. Growing up on the city’s notorious Southside, he watched friends and family fall prey to violence and drugs. At the same time, he gained popularity throughout his high school and community. Stuck at home on house arrest, he honed his voice through a series of freestyles online. During 2020, he established himself as a mold-breaking outlier with a combination of smooth swagger and raw emotion. He brought his Spotify stream tally into the millions on the back of “Addicted” and initial breakthrough “Deep In Love.” He maintained this momentum in 2021 with “Used To.” Perfecting his simmering style with otherworldly melodies and an instantly unshakable hook, it racked up 3.2 million Spotify streams independently as he inked a deal with Republic Records. After piling up over 15 million views and 10 million streams independently and earning acclaim from REVOLT, HotNewHipHop, and more, the singer, songwriter, and artist immediately connects by holding nothing back.
