When we first featured rapper and producer Jake Otto McDonald, aka Astroknot, the conversation centered largely around McDonald’s bouts with drugs and depression, and how his immersion in music served as a ladder that allowed him to climb out of his pit of despair. Although filled with dark moments, his debut LP, Ground Control to Astroknot, turned out to be a dynamic and diverse record that takes time to celebrate the tough lessons and hard-fought victories he earned along the way.
One of the more positive tracks on the album, new single “Never Let Go” pays tribute to that spirit of perseverance, with McDonald teaming up with vocalist Jade Dhooghe to create a woozy yet soulful cut filled with chill West Coast vibes. “Ooh, you better not let this down / Singing like oooh, you better keep that fire burning,” Dhooghe croons on the hook, while Astroknot raps about the constant self-motivation and DIY work ethic it takes to keep grinding and pushing forward.
That self-reliance extends to the accompanying video, which McDonald produced, directed, and edited. Throughout the hazy, sun-lit frames he can be seen skating through East Atlanta, rolling blunts, and soaking in the vibes. All in all, it’s a compelling depiction of inner strength and easygoing freedom, albeit with a few bumps, scrapes, and bruises along the way.
Watch/listen above.
Astroknot will perform tomorrow night, Oct. 20, at 529 alongside Hiku, Just Neeks, Austin Lam, Lemon Stevies, and Trap Daddy. Doors open at 9 p.m. Donations encouraged at the door. 21+ to enter.
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Facebook: @astroknotatl
SoundCloud: @astroknotatl