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Featuring a verse from Grammy-nominated lyricist Lute and an angelic chorus from R&B newcomer Cynaca, North Carolina’s Shame Game drops the soulful rap ballad “I Survive,” a tragically hopeful reminder that on the other side of suffering lies the most profound iteration of you.

Hip-hop grown from its deepest roots, Shame Gang wears his hustle on his sleeve. He’s an artist who has had to choose himself amongst circumstances that begged him to stay small, cosplaying through everyday life as a car mechanic while perfecting the art of his soul’s true artistic longing.

The lead single off his third album Better Late Than Never, “I Survive,” produced by 4ord, speaks on loss, deep suffering, and ultimately, resurrection. Pulling from the tragic passings of Shame Gang’s older brother and Lute’s father, this song is extracted from visceral grief, yet infused with funk to honor real music’s true dharma: healing.

Sharing southern roots with conscious rapper J. Cole, there’s a similarity in the way they wear their poetic honesty, making it a part of their mission to be raw and fully revealed. He’s a humble artist, not wanting to hide behind a glitzy facade in order to impress. Much is lost in feigned performance, and Shame Gang lives in the loudest expression of his humanity, which is ultimately what draws his audience closer. We all see pieces of ourselves in his shattered reflection, giving ourselves permission to dream within our imperfection and strive for more while working with less.

“I hope listeners will take away that you don’t have to make up a fake story about your life just so it sounds good on records or it’s a trend,” the rapper shares. “Just be yourself and tell your story and everything else will come on time.” While the rap game has slept on the introspective emcee, his due flowers are certainly better late than never.

Watch the "I Survive" video below: