Close Enough to Hurt
| "Close Enough to Hurt" | ||||
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| Single by Rod Wave | ||||
| from the album Ghetto Gospel | ||||
| Released | October 23, 2019 | |||
| Length | 2:15 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Rod Wave singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Close Enough to Hurt" on YouTube | ||||
"Close Enough to Hurt" is a song by American rapper Rod Wave, released on October 23, 2019 as the third single from his debut studio album Ghetto Gospel (2019). It was produced by Ashton Sellars and Drum Dummie.
Composition
[edit]The song finds Rod Wave detailing his distrust, paranoia[1] and PTSD,[2] over a beat consisting of mellow guitar strings.[3][4] Lyrically, he focuses on protecting himself from people that would mistreat him, which he highlights in the chorus.[1][3]
Critical reception
[edit]In regard to the distinction between Rod Wave's rapping and singing styles, Charles Holmes of Rolling Stone wrote that on the song "he employs the ability to vocally switch gears most effectively." Holmes also commented, "As far subject matter goes, 'Close Enough to Hurt' is well-worn territory. It's a song dedicated to the ones who deserted Rod Wave, don't deserve Rod Wave, and hurt Rod Wave. The trope isn't new, but the color he adds to it makes the journey worth it."[3] Kenan Draughorne of HipHopDX responded negatively to the song's production, commenting "Subtle guitar licks on 'Close Enough to Hurt' breathe much-needed life into the instrumentals, but in the scope of the whole album, it's hardly more effective than adding salt and pepper to a rotten piece of chicken."[4]
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[5] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
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‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b A., Aron (October 23, 2019). "Rod Wave Drops Off "Close Enough To Hurt"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Pierre, Alphonse (November 13, 2019). "Rod Wave: Ghetto Gospel". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ a b c Holmes, Charles (November 4, 2019). "Rod Wave Sings Like an Angel and Raps Like a Demon". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ a b Draughorne, Kenan (November 26, 2019). "Review: Rod Wave Limits His Own Potential On 'Ghetto Gospel'". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ "American single certifications – Rod Wave – Close Enough to Hurt". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 21, 2025.