Craw

CRAW is set to drop his new album ‘Escape Artist’ on October 16, 2015. We are proud to host the exclusive premiere of the new single ‘Push Pull’ exclusively right here along with some questions about the new single answered from the man himself: rising hip hop artist CRAW (Michael Crawford).




Our Exclusive Q&A with Craw about “Push Pull”

Keven: I love the vibe of this song – its dark but its extremely catchy can you tell me who or what situations in your life influenced this track?

Craw: Push Pull was an interesting song for me to write. I accumulated the 4 verses over the course of a year or so, and when I heard Matty’s beat, it all came together. I wrote the first verse when I was recovering from back surgery. My good friend StLouie had sent me a conceptual R&B track that he wanted me to write to, but I never ended up using the verse that I wrote. When I heard the beat for Push Pull, with that verse, it just felt right.

The other 3 verses were written during a pretty crazy time in my life; my rap partner in Character Assassins, and good friend, Shizzy, got into a bad car accident, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and my homie Johnny passed away, all within the course of a few months. Essentially, everything mentioned in the title track of the album transpired during the course of writing Push Pull.

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Keven: There are some heavy lyrics on Push Pull – including some That reference you being told to kill yourself over the phone. Can you elaborate on what drove that situation?

Craw: The fundamental idea behind Push Pull was that everything in life, from relationships, to friendships, to triumphs and struggles, all ebb and flow. That particular line is referencing a phone call I got from a good friend when we were going through a rough patch. In fact, I wrote the last verse of Push Pull right after getting off of that phone call, while I was still experiencing the raw emotion of hearing something like that from someone I love. The writing process for most of the album was very vulnerable for me, I was making a constant effort to keep it as real as possible and still come correct.

Keven: Escape Artist is an album that means a lot to you and from what I’ve heard so far I have no doubts you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished making it. What do you hope fans will get out of the record the most?

Craw: Thank you, I appreciate that a lot. Escape Artist, to me, is a reflection of my soul, a documentation of my life over the past few years. Working with Matty on this album really allowed me to break some boundaries, get uncomfortable, and leave it all on wax, because I knew he was doing the same through his production.

I hope that this album can act as a soundtrack to life and maybe help someone get through a rough time, along the way. I am really proud of this project and what we’ve been able to accomplish sonically. I definitely feel like this is the most authentic music I’ve ever made, and I hope that transmits through the album.

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Follow CRAW on Facebook / Instagram / Official Site

About Craw:
Craw (formerly Crawdad) is an American Hip Hop artist from Ventura, California. At a young age, he began writing and rapping and his passion for the culture has ensued sense. In 2008 Craw united with Producer Jim Claytor of Venice Beach, CA. Their first collaborative effort was an extended play released in 2009 titled “The Underground Perspective”.

2010 saw the release of Craw’s extended play “The Art of Making Flowetry”. This EP included production from several different producers from all over the world. Throughout his life, Craw battled many demons. He attended six different high schools before ultimately dropping out. In September of 2011 after enduring the loss of several close friends, he accomplished the largest feat of his life, getting clean.

His new life decisions granted him unparalleled momentum and in 2011 Craw co-founded the group Character Assassins alongside San Francisco rapper Shizzy. Character Assassins released their first project “Sinnocent” in 2012. 2012 also saw the release of Craw’s “Complex”. An extended play featuring a series of narrative a’capaellas between each track.

In 2013 Character Assassins released their second effort, “Heartbreak Hip Hop & Junkie Jams”, this album featured the likes of Slaine (of La Coka Nostra), King Magnetic (of AOTP), Randola (of Randam Luck), AIMS, Skinny Cavallo & more. Following HHH & JJ the crew began working with Matty Trump (Kelly Clarkson, Jadakiss, Styles P, Action Bronson, Sammy Adams, Slaine, AZ, Fat Joe) to embark on their debut studio album “Disasterpiece”. In 2013 Craw released his “Back II the Rhyme” EP which included his single “Where the Moon Stays” which peaked at #3 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts after being ranked on the top 40 charts for nearly 6 consecutive months. 2013 also saw the release of a collaborative effort between Craw & Hollywood producer, Organ Grinder, titled “Ology”.

In 2014 Character Assassins released their first single from their debut album Disasterpiece titled “Paper Shredders” Featuring Chino XL and produced by Matty Trump. The song received spins nationwide and peaked at #2 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts. In 2014 Craw won the award for Best Hip Hop Artist of 2014 at the Ventura County Music Awards alongside a talented roster of various other winners, including the legendary Chuck D of Public Enemy.

As this pattern of constant catalog building continues, Craw is set to release his debut studio album, Escape Artist, produced by Matty Trump in fall of 2015. Prior to its release, this album was nominated for “Album of the Year” by the Ventura County Music Awards, and the single Target Practice featuring Blueprint debuted at #4 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts in June of 2015. - Fox Force Five News

(October 22, 2015 – Ventura, CA) Ventura rapper Craw just released his debut album “Escape Artist” produced by veteran producer Matty Trump. The album operates under the less is more mantra, with just 12 tracks; but we’re not mad.


The first track “Escape Artist” is really an introduction into Craw’s life. He speaks on having back surgery, his family, his relationships, and his music. Upon initially hearing the song, it made me want to know more about him and what he was talking about, so…mission accomplished.

Craw - Escape Artist
Craw – Escape Artist Album Cover
The intellectual insight and awareness that airs throughout the course of this album is heavy, yet well masked by Craw’s uncanny ability to exemplify his excellent rhyming patterns. On songs like “Family Ties” Craw explains:

“The way I rip this shit is mechanical, highly organized animal when my dreams are tangible/ I’ve seen some damage though, a manicy mind / tourniquet around the arm-call that a family tie”

Lyrics that go beyond the scope of what the listener may attain at first glance seem to be a common theme on Escape Artist. The album, which peaked at No. 38 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts, also features guest appearances from local rapper Kap K, Los Angeles based Kub, and Rhymesayers Entertainment’s own Blueprint.


On “Push Pull” Craw dives deep into the ebb and flow of romatic relationships, while still maintaining a gritty double-time-esque flow. Certain lines like:

“Now I’m on the phone with you, telling me to go and die / swallow a bottle of Percocet and close my eyes”

make you realize that this man is really taking a dive into the depths of his consciousness in order to deliver us, the listeners, this music.

Perhaps the best staple of written word-play in this work is shown in the second track “UV”.


Although “UV” may not contain the same witty double-time flow of its counterpart “Target Practice”, it is surely an example of Craw’s ability to rap a very difficult song in a seemingly effortless manner.

Not without its flaws, Escape Artist is a brilliant break through for the Ventura native. From cover to cover, he delivers on a wide degree of subjects, all-the-while demonstrating his rhyming talent. From the unique tone of Craw’s voice, to the excellent soundscapes created by Matty Trump, Escape Artist leaves listeners feeling satisfied and hopeful of what’s to come from Craw.

-Eddie Garcia - Ventura County Hip Hop

New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Ventura, CA hip-hop artist CRAW has released his debut album "Escape Artist" and has premiered his new video for the track "UV" online at https://youtu.be/GO1hTl331lE. The album was produced by veteran producer Matty Trump (Fat Joe, Jadakiss) and has been nominated for "Album of the Year" by the Ventura County Music Awards. "This album is truly my best work to date, and a documentation of my life over the past few years. Working with Matty Trump on this record allowed me to expand my sound and try things that I've never done before. From singing - to grimey double time, it's all there. And having the opportunity to work with a legend like Blueprint was a dream come true for me. I really feel like Escape Artist shows where I'm at and where I plan on going with my music," commented CRAW. ""When I wrote UV I wanted to demonstrate my versatility on the album, and match the energy Matty created though the beat. The director, Alex Henderson, did a beautiful job of crafting an intense visual that vibes with the track perfectly." CRAW has been grinding on the independent hip-hop scene for the past couple years and garnering some serious attention from fans. In 2014 he dropped a collaborative effort with San Francisco rapper Shizzy in the group Character Assassins and recorded tracks with the likes of Chino XL, Slaine from La Coka Nostra, and King Magnetic from Army of Pharaohs. Since then, CRAW has ventured out with his own solo effort and the his debut single "Target Practice" featuring Blueprint debuted at #4 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts. CRAW will perform a free CD release party show at The Tavern in Ventura, CA on Friday, October 16th. Read more at: https://tr.im/PtIY4 - Top-40 Charts

Ventura hip-hop artist CRAW just recently dropped his new album "Escape Artist", and now he drops this insane lyric video for "Black Lung" featuring KUB. The album was produced by veteran producer Matty Trump and has been nominated for "Album of the Year" by the Ventura County Music Awards.

CRAW has been grinding on the independent hip-hop scene for the past couple years and garnering some serious attention from fans. In 2014 he dropped a collaborative effort with San Francisco rapper Shizzy in the group Character Assassins and recorded tracks with the likes of Chino XL, Slaine from La Coka Nostra, and King Magnetic from Army of Pharoahs. Since then, CRAW has ventured out with his own solo effort and the his debut single "Target Practice" featuring Blueprint debuted at #4 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts. - OK-THO

Local hip hop artist, Michael Crawford drops his new album “Escape Artist” on October 16 with a CD release party at the Tavern. I was sent an advance copy and yeah, the man’s got talent. - Ventura Breeze Newspaper

Craw (formerly Crawdad) is an American Hip Hop artist from Ventura, California. At a young age, he began writing and rapping and his passion for the culture has ensued sense. In 2008 Craw united with Producer Jim Claytor of Venice Beach, CA. Their first collaborative effort was an extended play released in 2009 titled “The Underground Perspective”.

2010 saw the release of Craw’s extended play “The Art of Making Flowetry”. This EP included production from several different producers from all over the world.

Throughout his life, Craw battled many demons. He attended six different high schools before ultimately dropping out. In September of 2011 after enduring the loss of several close friends, he accomplished the largest feat of his life, getting clean.

His new life decisions granted him unparalleled momentum and in 2011 Craw co-founded the group Character Assassins alongside San Francisco rapper Shizzy. Character Assassins released their first project “Sinnocent” in 2012. 2012 also saw the release of Craw’s “Complex”. An extended play featuring a series of narrative a’capaellas between each track.

In 2013 Character Assassins released their second effort, “Heartbreak Hip Hop & Junkie Jams”, this album featured the likes of Slaine (of La Coka Nostra), King Magnetic (of AOTP), Randola (of Randam Luck), AIMS, Skinny Cavallo & more.

Following HHH & JJ the crew began working with Matty Trump (Kelly Clarkson, Jadakiss, Styles P, Action Bronson, Sammy Adams, Slaine, AZ, Fat Joe) to embark on their debut studio album “Disasterpiece”.

In 2013 Craw released his “Back II the Rhyme” EP which included his single “Where the Moon Stays” which peaked at #3 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts after being ranked on the top 40 charts for nearly 6 consecutive months. 2013 also saw the release of a collaborative effort between Craw & Hollywood producer, Organ Grinder, titled “Ology”.

In 2014 Character Assassins released their first single from their debut album Disasterpiece titled “Paper Shredders” Featuring Chino XL and produced by Matty Trump. The song received spins nationwide and peaked at #2 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts. In 2014 Craw won the award for Best Hip Hop Artist of 2014 at the Ventura County Music Awards alongside a talented roster of various other winners, including the legendary Chuck D of Public Enemy.

As this pattern of constant catalog building continues, Craw is set to release his debut studio album, Escape Artist, produced by Matty Trump in fall of 2015. Prior to its release, this album was nominated for “Album of the Year” by the Ventura County Music Awards, and the single Target Practice featuring Blueprint debuted at #4 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts in June of 2015. - FAYGOLUVERS

Craw
Escape Artist
CrawThe rap game, and it’s important to note it’s the only genre that refers to itself as a game, is arguably at a creative low point. Often the biggest hits in the hip-hop genre are repetitive, R&B-infused nursery rhymes. That’s what makes Craw (formerly Crawdad) and his full-length debut so interesting. It’s a throwback to the late-’90s when the biggest artists dropped profane and shocking lyrics but delivered with brutal honesty and from personal experience. Fifteen years ago, Craw could very well have been taken for an Eminem clone, but these days it’s downright refreshing to hear an MC actually open up on serious issues, including his own battle with substance abuse, and personal family problems like his mother’s cancer scare. The beats are simple and effective, and Craw’s raspy and tight delivery lets him fit more clever rhymes into one verse than a lot of rappers do on an entire track. Not every track hits the mark. For instance, “Same Ol’ Same” with its refrain of “I pissed on a cop today, shook off my dick and I walked away,” is a juvenile response to the very serious problem of police brutality. It certainly won’t make the fraternal order of law enforcement’s annual mix tape, but you can’t say Craw doesn’t speak his mind. Whether the current, short-attention-span rap audience will embrace or can even appreciate what Craw does as an MC remains to be seen, but he proves on Escape Artist that he’s undoubtedly one of the finest rappers in the game — the 805 game, that is.

— Chris Jay

Available at www.crawdadmusic.com. - Ventura County Reporter

Ventura, CA hip-hop artist CRAW has released his debut album "Escape Artist" and has premiered his new video for the track "UV" online at https://youtu.be/GO1hTl331lE. The album was produced by veteran producer Matty Trump (Fat Joe, Jadakiss) and has been nominated for "Album of the Year" by the Ventura County Music Awards.

"This album is truly my best work to date, and a documentation of my life over the past few years. Working with Matty Trump on this record allowed me to expand my sound and try things that I've never done before. From singing - to grimey double time, it's all there. And having the opportunity to work with a legend like Blueprint was a dream come true for me. I really feel like Escape Artist shows where I'm at and where I plan on going with my music," commented CRAW. ""When I wrote UV I wanted to demonstrate my versatility on the album, and match the energy Matty created though the beat. The director, Alex Henderson, did a beautiful job of crafting an intense visual that vibes with the track perfectly."

CRAW has been grinding on the independent hip-hop scene for the past couple years and garnering some serious attention from fans. In 2014 he dropped a collaborative effort with San Francisco rapper Shizzy in the group Character Assassins and recorded tracks with the likes of Chino XL, Slaine from La Coka Nostra, and King Magnetic from Army of Pharaohs. Since then, CRAW has ventured out with his own solo effort and the his debut single "Target Practice" featuring Blueprint debuted at #4 on the Rap Attack Nationwide College Radio Charts.

CRAW will perform a free CD release party show at The Tavern in Ventura, CA on Friday, October 16th. - Broadway World

"Crawdad is one of the most promising up and coming rappers in the LA scene, Period." - James Claytor - DigitalLiveWire

"The effect they have resonates deeply across those they perform in front of and is recognized by their fans as irreplaceable and one of a kind." - Event Genisis & Syncup Video Co.

"There’s an air of intelligence found in the lyrics as well, that are at times, insightful and thought-provoking, maintaining an emotional integrity and self-realism" - Crack In The Road