Today the groundbreaking alternative R&B artist and polymath serpentwithfeet announces the release of his highly anticipated new album, GRIP, is set for 16th February via Secretly Canadian. In celebration, he shares his insatiable new single “Damn Gloves” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and South African artist, Yanga YaYa, along with an intoxicating companion video. Ushering in a new era for the artist personally and sonically, we see serpent brimming with poise and tenacity in a fully realized form as he unveils his best work to date.

Venturing into a new sonic realm, “Damn Gloves” reveals the enchanted universe that celebrates and fosters the spirit and magic of Black queer nightlife at the heart of the new GRIP album. The visual directed by Micaiah Carter explores the space that surrounds the deeply intimate moments with a partner and the complex and delightful juxtapositions of physical closeness. Simultaneously, GRIP honors the communities that are nurtured within the walls of these intimate spaces and the monumental impact that they have on the lives of many people on the margins.

With this explosive return, it’s clearer than ever why serpent, an artist who has long been pushing the boundaries with his art and has come to be revered by the likes of Björk, Moby, Baby Keem, and many more, remains one of music’s most compelling artists today.

The release follows serpent’s explosive debut theatrical run with his critically acclaimed Heart of Brick show that will continue to tour the US until November 1st. The dance theater production chronicles a moving love story within a Black gay club that features a one-of-kind performance by a cast of extraordinary dancers and music from serpent’s GRIP. Heart of Brick was created by serpent, co-written by award winning poet Donte Collins, directed by multimedia artist Wu Tsang, choreographed by dance-theater artist Raja Feather Kelly and produced by The Joyce Theater Foundation. Full dates below. Tickets are available for purchase HERE.

SERPENTWITHFEET ON “DAMN GLOVES”:

“I didn’t wanna waste this chance to celebrate my waist in his hands.”