Acclaimed Canadian rapper and Death Row Records affiliate Merkules, renowned for his raw lyricism, versatility and unmatched authenticity, makes a triumphant return with his highly-anticipated new album “Survivor’s Guilt.”

The 24-track project is packed with heavy-hitting collaborations, including Shaquille O’Neal, D12, Prof, DAX, Classified, Nhale, Afroman, Brotha Lynch Hung, X-Raided, October London, Evil Ebenezer, Chris Webby, B-Real, Ricky Hil and DizzyIsDead. With over 1 billion views across top-trending YouTube videos and multiple albums hitting #1 on the Canadian iTunes hip-hop charts, Merkules continues to expand his massive global following by blending gritty storytelling with explosive beats, bridging both underground and mainstream audiences.

 

 

“It’s been 5 entire years since I’ve given you guys a body of work to listen to. During that time I had no choice but to reach as deep into my soul as possible and do some inside work, learn who I really am at the core so I can give you the best version of me, and new music that’s so undeniable it’s everything you need to make up for lost time.

“Behind the scenes I was trying to be as vulnerable as I could with my pen whilst compiling collabs with all your favourite artists, building an album more cohesive and important than anything I’ve ever put out before. Get ready for the old Merk you missed and a new version you’ll learn to understand. This one’s for us. My goal is to help people with this record. I want you to cry, laugh, smile, and bang your fuckin head so hard it hurts your neck. Welcome to Survivor’s Guilt. The wait is over,” declares Merkules.

 

 

To accompany the album release, Merkules shares a gripping new visual for “Blast Off,” a cinematic music video that takes viewers inside a therapy session, where the rapper confronts his inner demons head-on. The album features standout tracks like “On Guard,” which includes a rare and commanding verse from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal with both artists paying tribute to Canada and its national anthem. Previous singles “Forgive Me”  and “Asshole” featuring Chris Webby having already racked up over 1 million views on YouTube.

His latest album follows the success of highly-praised projects like Apply Pressure (2020) and Special Occasion (2019), as well as standout collaborations with heavyweights such as Jelly Roll, DMX, Tech N9ne and Paul Wall. Merkules has also earned viral recognition with his remixes of hits like “Old Town Road” and “Shape Of You,” which have amassed hundreds of millions of views and cemented his place in the spotlight.

The Survivor’s Guilt Tour kicks off May 1 with 25 dates across the US and 5 shows in Australia, bringing Merkules’ signature mix of intensity and honesty to the stage.

The Survivor’s Guilt Tour:

May 1 – Melbourne, Australia @ 170 Russell

May 2 – Hindmarsh, Australia @ The Gov

May 3 – Perth, Australia @ Magnet House

May 9 – Sydney, Australia @ Mary’s Underground

May 10 – Fortitude Valley, Australia @ The Brightside Brisbane

May 17 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater

May 18 – Bend, OR @ Volcanic Theater

May 20 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick and Mortar

May 21 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s

May 23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom

May 24 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

May 25 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

May 27 – Dallas, TX @ RBC

May 28 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

May 30 – Tulsa, OK @ The Shrine

May 31 – Springfield, MO @ The Regency Live

Jun 3 – Greenville, SC @ Radio Room

Jun 4 – Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819

Jun 6 – New York, NY @ Racket NYC

Jun 7 – Reading, PA @ Reverb

Jun 10 – Columbus, OH @ The KING of CLUBS

Jun 11 – Lansing, MI @ Grewal Hall @ 224

Jun 13 – West Chicago, IL @ The WC Social Club

Jun 14 – Madison, WI @ The Annex

Jun 15 – Minneapolis, MN @ Green Room

Jun 17 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s

Jun 18 – North Kansas City, MO @ Harrah’s Casino

Jun 20 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater

Jul 4 – Dawson Creek, British Columbia @ Extreme MudFest 2025