In 2015, the group self-released Live From the Dentist Office, their 11-track debut project with features from Chuck Inglish, Curtis Williams, Glass Popcorn, and Demi Hughes. The mixtape was released through multiple digital platforms such as SoundCloud, iTunes, Tidal, and Spotify. The project was later commercialized in physical copies through Injury Reserve's online store. Live From the Dentist Office received general acclaim from music critics. On December 15th, 2016, Injury Reserve released a new mixtape titled Floss, released again through a variety of digital platforms. The album featured Vic Mensa and Cakes Da Killa.
On September 29th, 2017, the group released an EP titled "Drive It Like It's Stolen", preceded by the singles "North Pole", "Make You Sweat", and "Boom (x3)". All of the singles were released with accompanying music videos. They are accompanying The Underachievers on a tour in 2017.
In May of 2019, Injury Reserve released their debut self-titled album Injury Reserve, which was received well by critics and fans, and featuring Pro Teens, Rico Nasty, Freddie Gibbs, Dylan Brady, and more.
On June 29th, 2020, Stepa J. Groggs passed away at age 32.
On August 10th, 2021, Injury Reserve announced their second album, By the Time I Get to Phoenix, released September 15th, 2021. On the 11th, "Knees" dropped, and on the 1st of September, the second and final single "Superman That" was released. The album only has one vocal feature, ZelooperZ on track "SS San Francisco". However, Morgan Simpson of black midi contributed his drumming on "Outside", Body Meat's drums on "Ground Zero", and co-production with Sadpony and Jam City on "Top Picks For You".
On July 7th, 2023, Injury Reserve announced their disbandment via an announcement of a double music video for the last IR song "Bye Storm" and the debut song of Ritchie's and Parker's new duo project By Storm.
Smoke Don't Clear
Injury Reserve Lyrics
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Which one of you niggas left the door open
You gon' let that shit all in
Smoke don't clear
Smoke don't clear
Smoke don't clear
The smoke don't clear
Think I'm playing nigga, but they don't know
Think I'm paying shit but I don't know
Stop, stop playing with
The smoke don't clear
Stop, stop playing with
The smoke don't clear
Think I'm playing nigga they don't know
Think I'm paying shit but I don't know
Stop, stop playing with
The smoke don't clear
Stop, stop playing with
The smoke don't clear
I got my hands down with plenty more here
Roll that shit, pass out, we got some shit right here
Strap up your own boots, it's all uphill from there
Do what you want but you remember when you stare
I try to move a mountain which is many men
I try to move, nope, that ain't really here
Do what you want to do, the smoke never clear
Strap up your own boots, it's all uphill from here
Too old, retaliate, I'm here
Robot, yo, go ahead, put up a crib
I got my own crew
Been through shit right here
Strap up your own boots, it's all uphill from here
Who knew we're barely just ahead
Well I don't know shit
It really just began
I got my own boots, it's all up in the fear
Do what you want to do, the smoke never clear
The lyrics of the song “Smoke Don't Clear” by Injury Reserve is all about someone getting high and trying to move past or work through their problems. The opening lines “Oh man, which one of you niggas left the door open, you gon' let that shit all in” implies that someone left the door open while smoking and now the smoke is everywhere, hence the title “Smoke Don't Clear”. The repetition of “The smoke don't clear” throughout the song creates the image of being stuck in a situation where nothing clears up and one is unable to move on. The lyrics are contemplative and introspective as the artists try to work through their thoughts by using the metaphor of being enveloped in a smoky haze.
In the second verse of the song, the lyrics “Do what you want but you remember when you stare, I try to move a mountain which is many men, I try to move, nope, that ain't really here, Do what you want to do, the smoke never clear, Strap up your own boots, it's all uphill from here” indicates that the singer is trying to make a change and move forward, but they are struggling with the enormity of the task. The mountain symbolizes the hardships in life and how difficult it is to overcome them. The lyrics reveal that perseverance and determination are necessary, and one must “strap up their own boots” and continue moving forward, even when the way ahead is steep and uphill.
Overall, the song “Smoke Don't Clear” highlights the struggles of an individual trying to overcome difficulties by using a metaphor of being in a smoky haze. The lyrics are introspective as they deal with the struggle to move forward despite the difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh man
The singer is expressing an exclamation of surprise.
Which one of you n*****s left the door open
The singer is asking which person did not close the door, leading to smoke coming in.
You gon' let that shit all in
The singer is questioning why the person did not close the door and let all the smoke in.
Smoke don't clear
The artist is repeating that the smoke does not clear.
Aw man, Smoke don't clear
The artist is expressing disappointment that the smoke still has not cleared.
Think I'm playing n*****, but they don't know
The singer is suggesting that others may not take them seriously or believe them.
Think I'm paying **** but I don't know
The singer is saying that they may be misunderstood and people may think they are paying for something, but they do not really know what is going on.
Stop, stop playing with
The artist is telling someone to stop messing around.
The smoke don't clear
The artist is reiterating that the smoke does not clear.
I got my hands down with plenty more here
The artist is saying that they are well-equipped and have many resources available.
Roll that shit, pass out, we got some shit right here
The singer is suggesting that they have drugs and are smoking them.
Strap up your own boots, it's all uphill from there
The artist is saying that one needs to be prepared for challenges ahead and be ready to work hard.
Do what you want but you remember when you stare
The singer is saying that one can make their own choices, but they cannot escape responsibility for them.
I try to move a mountain which is many men
The singer is saying that they are facing a difficult challenge that involves many people.
I try to move, nope, that ain't really here
The singer is saying that despite their efforts, the situation is not changing or improving.
Too old, retaliate, I'm here
The artist is suggesting that they are too experienced to be easily intimidated or threatened.
Robot, yo, go ahead, put up a crib
The artist is using figurative language to say that they will build a strong foundation for themselves.
I got my own crew
The singer is saying that they have a group of people supporting them.
Been through shit right here
The singer is saying that they have experienced difficult situations in the past.
Who knew we're barely just ahead
The artist is expressing surprise that despite their efforts, they have not made much progress.
Well I don't know shit
The artist is admitting that they do not have all the answers.
It really just began
The artist is saying that their journey is just starting and they have a long way to go.
I got my own boots, it's all up in the fear
The singer is saying that they are self-sufficient and can handle any challenges that come their way.
Do what you want to do, the smoke never clear
The artist is repeating that the smoke will not clear, suggesting that the problems they face may not be easily fixed.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jordan Groggs, Christopher Taylor, William Corey, Nathaniel Ritchie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind