Joy Crookes joins forces with Denzel Curry on ‘Painkiller’, a brilliantly bruised new single that turns the aftermath of a destructive relationship into a sumptuous slice of 90s-inspired hip-hop soul.
Originally beginning life as a voice note, ‘Painkiller’ pairs Crookes’ unmistakably rich vocals and razor-sharp storytelling with sweeping strings and a wonderfully heavy groove. Produced by Dweller and Crookes, the track feels vulnerable and formidable in equal measure, while Curry arrives with a characteristically commanding verse that gives the collaboration another explosive dimension.
She describes the song as a conversation with herself about why she remained in a damaging relationship, approaching the experience with the wonderfully dry conclusion that she at least got a good song from it.
An accompanying video directed by Ethan and Tom was filmed during her time supporting Lewis Capaldi in the US, with much of its cast found through street casting in Chicago.
Watch the new video for 'Painkiller' in the player below.
