SonReal ft: Johan Lenox - Self Sabotage (Single) + 10 Questions

Platinum-selling artist SonReal is returning in strength with new single Self Sabotage (feat. Johan Lenox), released on October 7th. The single sees SonReal in a back-and-forth with his conscience, dealing with the overwhelming feelings of the new and unknown, it’s an exploration of the human condition and our predisposition to take the path of least resistance.

SonReal shares - “It’s so easy to sabotage yourself when you are afraid of what is coming at you. It’s almost like a coping mechanism. In this song, I describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by the woman I later married. The song explores the moment when I dove head first into overcoming the need to run away from what I love.”

Produced by Trevor Muzzy and Joey Resly, Self Sabotage displays SonReal's ability to glide through genres effortlessly. The track begins with beautiful acoustic riffs before hooking you in with a soft catchy melody, Johan Lenox (Kanye West, Big Sean, Snoh Aalegra) elevates the chorus as SonReal and himself harmonise back to back with ease.

Self Sabotage follows recent single Remember Me For Me (feat. Lily Moore) as part of his forthcoming album Nobody’s Happy All The Time. This new album follows ‘i can’t make this up’ and ‘The Aaron LP’, which solidified SonReal’s place as one of the most creative artists around. Over 220 million track streams and 146 million views on YouTube alone can testify to the detail and creativity involved with each release.

SonReal sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell us about Self Sabotage (feat. Johan Lenox), how did it all come about?

I met Johan thru my manager Anil. He slid by the studio just to hang. It was hella organic… we weren’t even planning on working on music that day. I showed him a bunch of stuff and we ended up just messing around with some ideas… Johan is the man. I love working with artists that I mess with as homies first, he’s one of those types of artists.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Too many to name. I love Tyler The Creator, love my homie Cautious Clay’s stuff, Jason Isbell, Orville Peck, Nas lol. So many influences in my sound. I love rap, R&B & folk music as my fav genres if that tells you anything.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’ve got an album coming. I am currently releasing songs off it and I am excited for the world to hear it. Can’t give the date just yet but just know it’s coming!

4. How would you describe your sound?

A melting pot of genres. Rooted in hip hop with folk influences. Brutally honest. Live. Genre bending.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I would say releasing my last album The Aaron LP. Because for me I had never put myself out there like that. It was the first time I really doubled down on not giving a fuck and just making the type of music I wanted to make regardless of what I was known for. That album inspired this next one I’m about to drop. Plaques and stuff are nice but putting out bodies of work I think will live far beyond me is something I have always wanted to do.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

If you love it and want to do it as a job… go for it. The best advice I could give is be yourself… there’s only one you so own that. Be unique. Don’t be afraid to do something different than others. It is so crammed in this world you need to stand out & skill and talent is only a small part. Be relentless and enjoy your ride bc you only get to be on the journey once.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Realestk is fire. Kid from Toronto I really like. He has an absolutely insane voice.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation for you currently?

Been listening to a lot of older shit lately that I fell in love with

Chance - Acid Rap

Jason Isbell - cover me up

Willie Nelson - shotgun willie

Young Thug - punk

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Spending time with my wife & kids, family time is everything to me. Love working out, fitness is very important to me. Golf is life too.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Ngl, I like a beer in the studio lol. I need snacks. And coffee. And PATIENCE! Lol That’s pretty much it.