Bowen Thi is back today with his new single, “Relapse (Ah Ah Ah)” featuring rising artist, ArmstrongWW. The experimental hip-hop/R&B infused track finds both artists speaking on addiction, time, and infidelity, all layered over a thumping, timeless beat. Listen to it now below.
“I wanted the beat to move in a way that flowed but never stayed the same, kinda like life and how people deal with addiction. There’s often a stigma behind addiction and the term gravitating toward certain things, but addictions to all kinds of things exist. This song is a testament to beating whatever we’ve got while also feeling good about ourselves. Sure, the journey won’t be perfect, but the imperfections are what make us human.”
“Relapse” was produced by Bowen Thi and collaborator Azul. With prominent synths and trap-influenced drums, ‘Relapse’ combines R&B, hip-hop, and trip-hop elements to create a one a kind song. The song showcases the flexibility of both artists’ craft using an upbeat tempo, fast wordplay, and that catchy hook from both ArmstrongWW and Bowen Thi.
The video, directed by Bowen Thi himself and shot with help from Mars Alva, is separated into two distinct acts: a hyper-stylized and colorful performance from Bowen Thi and ArmstrongWW and one that is gloomy and reflects the act of relapsing into whatever action is on the mind. The idea of “Relapse” is that though the colorful nature of the first act moves so quickly and is playful, the afterthought that follows is not; addiction itself takes away the color from life.