Crooks channels soul & grit in "UnclePhil"

Crooks and NLCK Sound combine for an absolute masterclass in emotion with their new single, "Uncle Phil." It's not so much a song as it is a sermon for the soul, emerging as a flag planted in the soil of personal transformation. This isn't just one man's story but all of ours as we fumble to figure out how to lead, even as we continue to learn. It's for those growing through pain, not simply going through it.

And by 'Fathers,' here, we are not just talking about reflective nods to the iconic father figure from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, either. Crooks isn't relying on memories; he's creating a new paradigm. "Uncle Phil" becomes a metaphor, not just for fatherhood, but for what it is to become the man people count on. Crooks sings from the gut, rawly vulnerable with an unwavering presence. 

His words cut deep, reflecting on responsibility, loss, and the often-unspoken price of being a pillar for others. There's no bravado here. Instead, Crooks provides something much more precious in hip-hop: a sense of accountability, delivered with heart. Behind him, NLCK Sounds provides a soundscape that's as complex as the emotions being unpacked. Chopped vocal loops bounce around in the background like ghosts, and the crackly drums and ambient touches help give the track a bit of life. The production doesn't compete with Crooks but cradles his message, allowing every line to land with clarity and force.

Fans of emotionally grounded, introspective hip-hop will likely hear familiar echoes in Crooks, reminiscent of artists like Isaiah Rashad, Mick Jenkins, or Saba; however, Crooks is carving his path. "Uncle Phil" isn't one of its high points because it's noisy; "Uncle Phil" is a high point because it's not afraid to be still. In a genre that tends to reward surface-level flex, Crooks digs deep and comes up with something tangible.

Link with Crooks: Instagram