In a time of need, and a place of struggle, Chicago’s own Herbert “G Herbo” Wright, also known as “Swervo,” speaks his truth on his latest album “Survivor’s Remorse”. Not only does he elaborate on being one of the realest men of his era, but also has provided a lot more truth, vulnerability, and description that never been revealed in any other project.
The more I listen to his album, the more, the more relatable he becomes. This album needs to be heard; not only from the people of Chicago, but also from the world we live in today. Swervo does not hold back on “Survivor’s Remorse”. I am so used to his truth being delivered in a tone of energy and excitement while masking the emotions that lie within his bars. This particular project embodies passion, honesty, and vision that needs to be shared.
Chicago is known as one of the most violent cities in America, and Herbo can attest to this. Since the age of sixteen, Herbo has been rapping about the violence and gang affiliation that flooded the streets of Chicago. One of the main characteristics that made him stand out was his point of view in everyday interactions of violence, and how creative he got with his message.
A lot of rappers talk about their roles in the streets, the clout that they received, and the loved ones that were lost in the process. However, many artists do not discuss some of the regrets that have been endured in the process of elevation. What made Swervo stand out from the rest was his clarification of honesty on how he lived his life.
G Herbo talks about the many losses he’s experienced, and the number of people that have passed away in the prime of his life. On this album, he shares some regrets of his life,and the impact these changes had made.
Listening to his album now, not only as a fan but as a Chicagoian who has lived in relatable situations, has made me realize that. Herbo is not only an artist, but an honest activist in his community. “Survivor’s Remorse” has two sides. Side A includes some tasteful features such as Future, Jeremih, Offset, Benny the Butcher, and Gunna.
On Side B, we also hear from other artists such as Young Thug, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Kodak Black. It is good to hear from Young Thug and Gunna since they are still held in jail without bond until January 2023. So far, aside from me respecting this masterpiece of imagery, there are some tracks that are a must hear. “4 Minutes of Hell, Pt. 6,” “Sleepless Nights,” “Paid” featuring his son, Essex. As well as tracks such as “Outside Looking In,” and “Letter to Juice” are songs that stood out to me the most.
The amount of time he took to create this album, and the stories told within, make this piece of art more than just an album, but a memoir of what it means to be in the fazos of Herbert Wright.
Most know that Juice Wrld passed away in 2019, and he also made music with Herbo, and was produced by one of his closest brothers, Lil Bibby.
On “Letter to Juice,” he vents his feelings over the loss of another Chicago Native that he viewed as family. They were not that far in age, and grew together as artists and as friends. This track was a reflection of his emotions while grieving with the loss of a loved one.
“Survivor’s Remorse” has given chills down the spines of his listeners. It is not common to hear artists give their source of regrets and true feelings in the rap game, but Herbo makes it clear that he is his own man with his own truth. The balance of artistry and humanity makes G Herbo a legend in the making.