Grateful Kid – “Crash Dummies” [Song Review]

Following the evening of the Grateful Kid London Documentary premiere at Brixton’s Ritzy cinema. Creator Charles Mensah shares a track to accompany the documentary with help from Manast LL’’, Pabrob and BOPFA. The track titled “Crash Dummies” marks Mensah’s first step into the world of music curation.

The essence of the project lives on through the medium of music, which I am certain is the work of Mensah. The track is an uncanny reiteration of his previous work; the stories he endeavours to tell through his photography are retold through this piece of music. Perhaps due to his previous collaborations with the likes of B. Cool-Aid (Pink Siifu and Ahwlee), Chuck strangers and Salimata, whose work is not too dissimilar from this one. Nonetheless, Mensah and the team have done an incredible job of curating and maintaining such a distinctive vibe.

With plans to curate a full EP in the near future, this track is an excellent introspection of what is to come. The vocals on this track are delivered by Manast LL’’, a rapper born and raised in Orleans, France, where his career blossomed. His work has caught the attention of Westside Boogie, who lent his voice on the track titled “Grind.”

A portion of the production was handled by Paprob, who gained recent notoriety for his production on the El Cousteau track “Words2liveby,” which features Earl Sweatshirt. The other, from BOPFA, whose catalogue features the likes of UK legend Nines and the aforementioned Manast LL’’.

The backbone of this track takes the form of a 4 chord piano loop, followed by a somewhat antagonistic medley of 808s and kicks, which elevate the track. Manast LL’’ delivers a contemplative and introspective handful of verses surrounding a number of themes, including relationships and personal gratitude, two of the main themes of the Grateful Kid documentary. This track is a sweet taste of what is to come, hopefully very soon.

Run Time: 2:01
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Record Label: ART4THESOUL RECORDS