Track Review: KSI // Not Over Yet (feat. Tom Grennan)

Over the past two years, KSI has certainly made a name for himself as an artist. Last year alone, he garnered three Top 10 singles, a Number 1 album and two BRIT award nominations. Now the 29-year-old internet sensation is back with a brand new single ‘Not Over Yet’, in collaboration with BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated star Tom Grennan.

Released on 5 August 2022, the track comes ahead of his upcoming boxing match later this month against rapper Swarmz – a stand-in for fellow YouTuber Alex Wassabi who pulled out due to injury. It’s been two years since his last official fight, defeating Logan Paul via split decision on 9 November 2019. While this unexpected change in opponents has stirred controversy amongst fans, this has certainly not impacted the song’s reception, currently sitting at number 1 trending on the UK’s Official Trending Chart at the time of this article’s publication.

‘Not Over Yet’ marks KSI’s first release on Atlantic Records and its energetic drum and bass beat does just the job to get his fans pumped up for his return to boxing. The explosive elements are balanced with tender lyrics, creating an empowering message of perseverance. 

The song begins with a calming acoustic symphony, accompanied by vocals which convey the singer’s struggle to overcome feelings of self-doubt. As the momentum slowly builds, we enter the first verse where KSI showcases his improved vocal skills. 

Last year’s single ‘Holiday’ marked his official transition from rapper to ringer, and this song is imbued with equal amounts of heartfelt emotion. Paired with the allusive contrast between sun and moon, the tidal wave motif is particularly effective at articulating the ups and downs of a personal journey.

When the chorus begins, a vibrant drum and bass beat bursts on the scene reflecting the singer’s fiery determination. His own internal battle is expressed through continuous self-questioning: “Why do I always tell myself that it’s not over yet? / Why you gotta tear my heart out?/ Leave me in the rain/ Why do I always tell myself that It’s not over yet?”.” Yet these doubts are suppressed by the powerful instrumental, cleverly conveying the singer’s personal victory against the odds. 

Tom’s vocals take over the track in the second verse, diving deeper into feelings of insecurity as he grapples with haters which can be taken in a literal or self-critical sense: “Why is everybody telling me it’s over? / I’m trying to shut the voices out/ they’re getting closer / Help me stay alive so that I can show you it’s not over yet.” The verse ends in triumph with an unfaltering self-assuredness as we return to the energetic chorus. 

In the lead-up to the song’s release, KSI shared how the song not only stirs up excitement for the upcoming fight but also mirrors his own determined and committed attitude. “Teaming up with Tom Grennan, we’ve made an absolute smash to get the people pumped and ready for my headline fight at The O2 later this month.”

“This is a song that amplifies my never give up attitude, whether it’s to do with love or being back in the ring,” he added.

The artistic blend of emotional vulnerability in lyrical form and a powerful pulse is a testament to KSI’s burgeoning passion not just for music but for the world of boxing. Although fans will not get the headline event they’ve been waiting for, ‘Not Over Yet’ suggests that this is only the beginning for KSI, with a successful sporting career ahead of him.

Words by Katie Heyes

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