Chicago rapper Warhol.SS has seen new heights of success in the past two years following the release of his breakout song “Speed Racer.” More recently, he’s released his full-length album Chest Pains which featured heavy-hitting production and a fuller sound which contrasted from his grittier SoundCloud tracks. Warhol’s most recent addition to his catalog came in late May with the single, “Wake Up.”
The artwork for the single immediately gives the listener an idea of what to expect, depicting Warhol falling through hazy air with an electric guitar following him. It could be interpreted as the “rockstar lifestyle” taking its toll on him like so many other rising artists in recent years. Produced by Otxhello and BadMon56k, the song opens with a down-beat guitar strumming melancholy notes, waiting for Warhol’s vocals to grace the hook. Detailing struggles with drug abuse and unalterable decisions made in the past, Warhol delivers the chorus with a heavy heart.
The music video for “Wake Up” is directed and edited by the iconic Lonewolf, who has seen a rise in stock while working with the likes of Comethazine, 21 Savage, Lil Tracy, and Future. Despite the high profile associates, Lonewolf has not shied away from artists with less attention, often working with underground artists and often being the first to add a visual aspect to their music.
Lonewolf and Warhol have been collaborating for nearly two years, starting with their fruitful alliance for “V12,” a track also featuring Rarri. Known for his fast-paced, dazed, and innovative filming style, Lonewolf has created his own distinct style with music videos. Most notably, Lonewolf is known for his paper effects, with his director credits being cut-outs of magazine letters that fly away. This technique has become a trademark of any Lonewolf visual.
The use of paper in videos adds a more personal touch, and this is furthered in the “Wake Up” video. The scene opens with a flickering depiction of an eerie, demonic graveyard. Warhol is shown in the desolate burial ground, sporting a halo around his head. A verification and visualization that Warhol may be pure-hearted, but is a product of a violent environment. The graveyard goes from a dreary black and white, to flashes of a searing orange, until it cuts back to Warhol at the first hook. Warhol is being lit up from the front with a light, emphasizing what could be sitting at his feet. He has the outward appearance of shock, like he’s looking down on a corpse. He spills a line regarding the sight.
“Draco turn a n**** block into a pool, wipe a n**** nose, he ain’t have a clue.”
Remorse seems to be the theme of the song, as Warhol recites these lines with a sorrowful conviction. Intermittent scenes stitched into the video show Warhol surrounded by friends, providing context for the internal struggle consuming him. While those around him can smoke, drink, and have a good time because of his presence, he remains emotionless, barren of joy.
The delivery, lyrics, and production coupled with the visuals provided by Lonewolf paint a picture of Warhol not being able to “Wake Up” from the nightmares of his past. Watch below.