Back in July, a demo version of a track called “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Ashamed)” was released, and with it came one of the most emotionally wrenching releases in Hip-Hop this summer. A painfully personal tale of personal demons, the song is a single from Kxng Crooked (fka Crooked I), the Slaughterhouse MC whose new album The Urban Hitchcock will be released on October 5. Featuring Truth Ali, the song details Kxng Crooked’s bouts with depression, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts. Produced by Jonathan Hay & Ajami and also featuring Morgan McRae, the song deals with heavy content but ultimately has a happy ending, with Crooked overcoming the internal battles and sharing his experiences in an effort to help anyone listening who may have similar troubles.

The video is reported to be part one of a five-part series, all of which will take place in one of three cities (Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; and Louisville, Kentucky, the setting for this particular installment). The song’s title and the video’s concept are homages of sorts to the late country singer Keith Whitley, whose 1988 song “Don’t Close Your Eyes” dealt with similar issues (Whitley passed away from complications due to alcohol poisoning the following year). The Louisville setting is a direct nod to Whitley, who lived and recorded there. However, Kxng Crooked’s presence is just as prevalent and touching. Watch the video here, and keep both ears open for The Urban Hitchcock.

Related: Yelawolf, Kxng Crooked, Royce Da 5’9″ & Rittz Host a Lyrical Clinic. MCs Take Note…(Audio)