
Released on August 14, 2026, “If Only” brings together New York-based artist Chip Pirrs and underground rapper Spell Jordan for a three-minute hip-hop collaboration that explores the possibilities suggested by two deceptively simple words. Released through TenToes Fuerte LLC, the single sits within Pirrs’ experimental approach to hip-hop, where conventional genre boundaries are treated as opportunities for creative exploration.
At its core, “If Only” revolves around hindsight and the lingering question of how life might have unfolded differently. It invites thoughts about missed opportunities, alternative decisions and circumstances beyond our control. The track is compelling because it refuses to suggest an easy resolution. Regret and nostalgia are familiar subjects in music, but the idea of confronting alternative versions of one’s life offers considerable emotional depth.
The lyrics take a raw, stream-of-consciousness approach, moving between personal struggles, grief, ambition and the search for emotional connection. The opening lines are particularly striking, addressing the burden of healthcare and the anxiety of feeling that life has already reached its peak. The rapid shifts between serious reflections and casual braggadocio give the track an unpredictability that contributes to its unfiltered, conversational quality.
EPK – https://artists.downersclub.com/chip-pirrs
Part of the collaboration’s appeal lies in the contrast between the artists. Pirrs describes his approach as “deconstructed hip-hop,” blending genres and emphasizing memorable melodies. Spell Jordan, meanwhile, has developed a presence in experimental underground rap through emotionally direct writing and unconventional collaborations. Their partnership is an interesting meeting point between atmospheric musical experimentation and a more personal, introspective approach to hip-hop.
That idea is evident in the arrangement, with Yoed Nir contributing on string instrumentation. The track reaches beyond a conventional beat-driven rap format, and takes a more melodic approach. “If Only” represents an intriguing collaboration between two artists working outside the boundaries of mainstream hip-hop, and is a must-listen for fans of experimental music.
