The Polaris Prize-winning experimental rapper Backxwash has unveiled “9th Heaven,” the second single from her forthcoming album Only Dust Remains, set for release on March 28 via her independent label Ugly Hag.
The new track follows last year’s seven-minute opus “WAKE UP” and continues to showcase her evolution as an artist. At a more concentrated four minutes, “9th Heaven” delivers the same emotional intensity through sample-heavy production that dramatically shifts into breakbeat territory during its final movement.
Listen below:
This release marks a significant progression in the Montreal-based artist’s sonic journey. While her Polaris-winning I Lie Here Buried With My Rings and My Dresses plunged listeners into the depths of despair, and her Halloween 2023 release His Happiness Shall Come First Even Though We Are Suffering began incorporating more versatile production techniques, Only Dust Remains promises a more balanced exploration of darkness and light.
According to the album’s advance notes, the new collection will navigate themes of mourning, reflection, and hope with the raw authenticity that has become Backxwash’s hallmark. Her formidable lyricism remains central to her work, but the production choices reflect an artist continually pushing against genre boundaries.
“9th Heaven” demonstrates this artistic growth through its meticulously crafted soundscape that elevates Backxwash’s incandescent verses rather than simply supporting them. The track’s dynamic structure—culminating in its genre-bending finale—showcases her commitment to innovation within hip-hop.
Following the album release, Backxwash will perform a hometown show in Montreal this April, with several European festival dates scheduled and additional 2025 performances to be announced.
