5.3.2024
Video: Courtney Bell – “Issues”
The Rising Detroit Rapper Digs Deep On The Latest Single From His Upcoming Project Microdose, Out 5/17
Critical Praise:
“Detroit’s Courtney Bell reflects on his own journey, offering seeds of wisdom sprinkled throughout his skillfully composed recollections.” – Billboard
“Courtney Bell is an up-and-coming rapper from Detroit whose gift for witty wordsmithing in singles like “Say You Wanna” and “Ice” has put him on the radars of traditional rap fans” – UPROXX
“There is much to admire about Courtney Bell, but perhaps the most incredible feat is how real Courtney appears on and off wax.” – Audiomack
“Detroit rapper Courtney Bell has been making noise with his lyrics throughout the past few years.” – Hot 97
The Video:
Emerging out of Detroit’s Westside as one of the most talented lyricists in his city, Courtney Bell has earned the title of local hero. Today, he shares “Issues,” his new single and video. Set to appear on his upcoming mixtape Microdose, out 5/17, the track samples Rose Royce’s “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” providing a soulful backdrop to Courtney’s reflective lyrics. He looks back on his upbringing, contemplating the struggles he and his family have faced, while keeping a positive outlook on the future: “Reflections of my daddy, his trauma live in me / I want more for my kids so I been dealing with it / The power of God in all my ancestors / I don’t chase after sh*t, I manifest it.”
The “Issues” video, directed by Diego, uses creative visuals to reflect the broken cycles many growing up in not only Courtney’s neighborhood but also many others around the world face. As Courtney raps, faceless individuals tied up with puppet strings deal drugs behind him, symbolizing how powerless they often are against oppressive systemic forces.
“Issues” is the latest single from Courtney Bell’s upcoming project, Microdose, a wide-ranging effort that drops on May 17th via MNRK Urban. The track follows “Word II Conway,” Courtney’s successful collaboration with Conway the Machine, and “Westside,” a single created in collaboration with Courtney’s mentor Royce Da 5’9, who plays Morpheus to Courtney’s Neo in the “Westside” video. Microdose was executive produced by Royce Da 5’9 and Keith “Pay Cash” Miller, and also features Black Thought, Benny The Butcher, LaRussell, Symba and more.
Renowned in the Detroit streets and more than ready for national recognition, Courtney Bell is on the come-up. The rapper took his talents to On The Radar earlier this year, demonstrating his lyrical prowess and giving a glimpse into what to expect from him this year. The Westside native previously made waves with his 2020 mixtape, Poverty Stricken, featuring the single “ICE” (1.5 million streams on Spotify) and a collaboration with REASON. Last year, his Poverty Strickensingle “Celebrate” landed on the soundtrack for the blockbuster Gran Turismo film.
Stay tuned for much more as Courtney plans to pave new territory with his upcoming mixtape, Microdose.
Watch “Issues”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBEg1p4ksHk
Stream “Issues”: https://lnk.to/courtneybellissues
Credit: Anthony Harvey
For more info, please contact:
Michelle McDevitt, Audible Treats
Annjie Houston, Audible Treats
Giovanna Melchiorre, MNRK Music Group
The Background:
For nearly a decade, Courtney Bell has toed the line between consciousness, spirituality, and the streets across two self-released albums (2018’s 10 Commandments and 2020’s Poverty Stricken), including the million-plus streamer “ICE” and collaborations with mentor Royce 5’9”. During the early 2020s, the 29-year-old lyricist from Detroit’s West Side slowed his output after exiting a major label deal, grieving the loss of multiple family members, and rediscovering his passion for music. With an elevated skillset and the fire within, Microdose is a fitting catch-up for one of the most talented emerging voices in Hip Hop. The Royce-assisted “Westside” shares Courtney’s concrete roots with the world, while “Issues” reveals the inner turmoil of a relatable artist who draws from within. The potent reintroduction project features Royce, Black Thought, Symba, Conway The Machine, Skilla Baby, and more.
Links:
“Issues”: https://lnk.to/courtneybellissues / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBEg1p4ksHk
“Word II Conway” ft. Conway The Machine: https://lnk.to/WordIIConway
“Westside” ft. Royce Da 5’9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTRdWUFT2OU / https://courtneybellroyceda5.lnk.to/Westside