The Seattle-based artist professes his newfound outlook on life with the YAWNS and fish narc produced single
As founding member of two renowned rap collectives — Thraxxhouse and GothBoiClique — Seattle-native Mackned has been at the forefront of the SoundCloud rap scene since its early days. Now, amidst Gothboiclique’s European tour and his own newfound sobriety, the prolific artist has released a new single “RIP,” co-produced by long-time collaborators and fellow GBC comrades YAWNS and fish narc.
A dense curtain of electric guitar provides the basis for YAWNS’ and fish narc’s lively back track — one that injects “RIP” with its own persistent lifeblood. The energy present in the co-produced track both contrasts and supports Mackned’s lyrics in a song that is half eulogy, half defiant oath. While Mackned shouts out his fallen peers including JUICETHEGOD and friend and collaborator Lil Peep, he simultaneously marks a personal shift and a refusal to be amongst those he mourns.
As much as “RIP” is about the deaths of several people close to him, it is also about the death of a part of himself — a part he has shed through his quest for sobriety. “I left alcohol and all them drugs behind me,” Mackned declares and, following his trademark intro “Mackned, ooh-la-la,” says “I used to gang bang, my pockets gangrene.” In this emotionally-heavy track, Mackned’s vocal delivery seems indicative more of declaration than anything else. These lyrics aren’t simply words in a catchy song — they’re the mantra by which this new Mackned lives, one who is at the top of his game in both talent, dedication to his craft, and personal health. This new Mackned, it seems, is unstoppable.
Listen to Mackned’s passionate new single, “RIP” below.