Bold, Fierce, & Fresh: Joy Crookes Makes a Powerful Return With “Pass the Salt” ft. Vince Staples

Joy Crookes "Pass the Salt" © 2025
Joy Crookes "Pass the Salt" © 2025
London soul singer Joy Crookes returns with a bold, fierce, and fresh sound in “Pass the Salt,” her first single in over three years, featuring none other than Vince Staples.
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“Pass the Salt” – Joy Crookes ft. Vince Staples




Following the success of her 2021 debut album, Skin, British singer/songwriter Joy Crookes has made her long-awaited return with “Pass the Salt.”

Released January 10 via Insanity Records / Sony Music UK, the track is a fun, drumming, hip-hop infused clapback at rumour and gossip; led by heavy rhythmic percussions, Crookes’ vocals drive forth, playfully challenging her ‘salty’ counterpart.

Pass the Salt - Joy Crookes
Pass the Salt – Joy Crookes ft. Vince Staples
Listen to this
I got plenty to get off my chest
Bitty titties, but never big bress
Don’t expect me to try and impress ya
Second to none
Don’t fit in in a room of plus-ones
Giving face like a tiger kitten
Can be quiet and still confident

Boldly fierce and musically fresh, Crookes joins forces with Vince Staples in her new track. Together, they front a true powerhouse duo – and what better way to start off the new chapter for the two-time BRIT nominee. Returning with her definitive husky, raw and soulful vocals, “Pass The Salt” represents a triumphant return for the London singer.

I shine and you get sunburn
That sounds like a you problem
Go ‘head, slice your cake
Call it what you want,
what you want, ah

You can pass the salt,
pass the salt, da-da-da

I got thick skin on these bones, ah
When a b*tch don’t rise to rumour
Get the words stuck in your throat
Joy Crookes "Pass the Salt" © 2025
Joy Crookes “Pass the Salt” © 2025



Skin defined Crookes as more than just an artist on the rise – but one able to craft stories from political, social and cultural margins.

Skin was a box of hidden experiences; Crookes nodded to a culturally-rich London, the accessibility of political freedom, and ruminated on space within social activism.

Crookes brings these conversations to her community too; in late 2023, she collaborated with Choose Love to raise £95,000 for Palestinian relief. After selling out the show in a matter of hours, she was able to put on a second night at Hackney Church in London.

Why so salty?
Pot and the kettle both black as coffee

Swing low, sweet chariot,
if these hoes ungodly

So if you don’t mind,
can I feel your heartbeat?
(I’d really appreciate it)
Just like Farley before he passed
Whole whole world watching
me getting their laugh on
I’m the black sheep
burdened with the backbone

Strong enough to carry us home
(Sorry)

Crookes constantly sets new bounds for the potential of modern artistry, and what it means. She shows you can lead with talent, aestheticism, and social activism – while still leading with creative strides and musical success.

The single is accompanied by a glorious music video, full of deep red hues allowing Crookes to draw our attention. As she stands authoritative and powerful in the room, she is wrapped in bold prints and textures (and for a second, none at all!), demonstrating to us the agency that she has – and will forever have – on her music.

Call it what you want, what you want, ah
You can pass the salt, pass the salt, da-da-da
I got thick skin on these bones, ah
When a b*tch don’t rise to rumour
Get the words stuck in your throat,
I was the only one who dared
to all your drama when you’re gone
I was the only one to wonder
all your plans when you were home
I was the only one to tell you
all the truth and make you fall
Am I the only one, the only one?

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:: stream/purchase Pass the Salt here ::
:: connect with Joy Crookes here ::

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“Pass the Salt” – Joy Crookes ft. Vince Staples



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Pass the Salt - Joy Crookes

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? © courtesy of the artist


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