Nathan Ali doesn’t flinch from the struggle—he turns it into fuel. His new single “Forward” closes out his deeply personal EP Parallel (Slammin’ Media/Believe) with an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like giving up but chose to rise instead. Driven by haunting melodies and raw lyrics, it’s a rally cry disguised as a slow jam.

“Sometimes in life / You feel like you’re breaking / Feel you can’t make it / Gotta move forward,” Ali sings, steady and clear. And he means it. “I done been there at the bottom / I’ve felt like there’s nothing / But when I stood up and I got it / I got everything I wanted.” These lines hit harder when you know where Nathan’s been.