Squintz’s New Album ‘Learn From Pain’ Is Raw, Real, and Relevant

Squintz just raised the bar for grime

His fourth project, Learn From Pain, dropped on August 9, and it’s a standout release. Edmonton-based artist Squintz, or SQ as his fans know him, has put together 16 tracks that fuse razor-sharp lyricism with beats that’ll shake your speakers.

Let’s be clear—this isn’t your typical grime album. Squintz and producer Fench have crafted something truly distinctive. From the first track, it’s evident that this album operates on a different level. It’s deep, soulful, and shows Squintz at his most authentic, sharing his journey from the streets to the studio.

“I wanted to take a more enlightened approach to Grime – a sound that highlights my spiritual growth, My first three projects tackled the ebb-and-flow of inner city life, the good and the bad. But ‘Learn From Pain’ is more about overcoming that past adversity and building a brighter future.“

Tracks such as “I Can Learn From Pain,” where he reflects with the line, ‘My heart is heavy, I remember times I failed,’ alongside “I’m On Track,” and “How Do We Escape,” where he directly asks, ‘How do we escape the pain?’ display Squintz’s courage to confront his struggles head-on. In “The Past Year,” “Sides We Don’t Show,” and my personal favourite, ”There are Bad><Good,” he tells stories about personal experiences and the stark truths of life, making his journey feel raw and relatable.

But don’t think for a second that Squintz has gone soft. This album still hits hard. Lyrics like “All I wanna do is make money while I create” capture his drive, while “You ain’t gotta respect me, respect yourself” delivers a punch to the gut with its raw honesty.

What’s impressive is how Squintz tackles heavy themes – inner city life, inequality, redemption – without losing that essential grime energy. It’s a balancing act, and he nails it. The production from Fench is top-notch too, creating a sound that’s both fresh and familiar.

Squintz has come a long way from his days on the London radio circuit tearing up sets on BBC 1Xtra, Reprezent Radio, and Mode FM. “Learn From Pain” proves he’s not just a skilled MC, but a true artist with something to say. “It’s a message of hope,” he says, “because if I can do it, then so can you.”

The album’s cover art is as intricate as the music itself. It’s a visual representation of Squintz’s life journey, filled with broken fragments that symbolise pivotal moments that have shaped him. In the bottom right corner, a bird breaks free from its cage, representing his journey of overcoming adversity and reaching new heights. The artwork, much like the album, is best appreciated over time, revealing deeper layers with each glance.

For a Grime artist who has already worked with giants like JME, Frisco, and Jammer, this project is more personal and marks a new chapter in Squintz’s career—one that’s filled with growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Listen to SQUINTZ’s new record Learn From Pain

For collectors and die-hard fans, the limited edition CD format, is available via Squintz’s Bandcamp store

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Photography by @CicelyGrace

Photography by Joshua Kinsella @kinsellz

Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo