Injury Reserve has finally dropped their highly anticipated new album By the Time I Get to Phoenix.
The 11-track album, which features only one guest appearance from Zelooperz, is Injury Reserve’s first project since the tragic passing of Steppa J. Groggs back in 2020.
“REST IN POWER Jordan Alexander Groggs,” the group posted to their socials last June. “A loving father, life partner and friend.” As news of his death spread, other rappers began to share tributes, including Aminé, who paid homage to Groggs on Instagram, calling him “the kindest soul and one of my favourite rappers.” Run the Jewels’ El-P, Kero Kero Bonito, Jockstrap, and more also paid their respects to the late MC. A GoFundMe page was started for Groggs’ family to help support his wife and four children, and as of writing has currently raised $81,585.
Injury Reserve gained momentum from the success of their tapes Live from the Dentist, Floss, and their self-titled debut, and remaining members Ritchie With a T and producer Parker Corey took this past year to complete By the Time I Get to Phoenix. The project’s title is meant as an homage to the rap group’s hometown. The album comes off the heels of their new singles “Knees,” and “Superman That,” the latter of which finds Ritchie crooning in a fog of Auto-Tune over a glitchy and disorienting beat.
In support of the project, Injury Reserve also announced they will be heading out on tour. The 26-date run features support from Slauson Malone and Zeroh, and kicks off with a handful of U.S. dates starting on Oct. 8. Along the way, Injury Reserve will stop in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Phoenix, and more.
Check out By the Time I Get to Phoenix below:
