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The closer pales in comparison to many of the tracks on the album and the work only would have improved if Smino dropped it, especially since “MF GROOVE” (the second-to-last track) could’ve been a fantastic conclusion to the project. The closing chapter to the album needs to be strong and “Verizon” is the furthest thing from a grand finale. When discussing the shortcomings of “NOIR,” it is clear that the final track “Verizon” is an unmistakable blemish, as its instrumental is possibly the emptiest out of all the songs on the track-list. said in his classic song, “Things Done Changed.” Although this line is set up to be a pivotal factor in the track, nothing remotely related to the subject is included in his verses’ lyrics, therefore failing to penetrate surface-level commentary. Louis as they could become killers (Voorhees) or tremendous successes (Tatum).Īnother interpretation though, is that he could be protesting how these are the only two options for his area’s youth, similar to what Notorious B.I.G. The line is presenting the wide array of outcomes for African Americans from St. Jason Voorhees alludes to Jason from “Friday the 13th,” and Jayson Tatum is a star-player for the Boston Celtics who is actually from St.
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If that wasn’t enough, the hook is nonsense as well, so it is difficult to advocate for the track despite the promising first verse. However, the lackadaisical writing for the second verse causes the latter half of the song to lag. For instance, the 11-track “PIZANO” kicks off with a mesmerizing first verse where Smino spits at lightning speed over a lucid beat packed with kicking bass. “L.M.F” and “PIZANO” also have potential but suffer from gaping imperfections. The rapper ruins the song with her cheesy joke at the beginning of her verse and her weak lines, like “A- like a cinnamon roll, head and p- game strong,” which is the last line of the closing verse, leaving Smino no opportunity to recover the track. Everything about this track is fantastic until Dreezy halts the song’s momentum like a wall of bricks.
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For instance, on “FENTY SEX” Smino lays a slick chorus over a hip-swaying instrumental, and the combination of a morphing bass and quirky xylophone pattern create an original sound. (Image via DJBooth)ĭespite these major positives, there are still loose ends on the project that drag down its overall experience. Smino’s album contains both highs and lows, but it is overall a quality second project. Smino’s animated delivery and clever wordplay also contribute to making “SKEDOS” a noteworthy song. The two halves contrast each other nicely and add a unique recurring component to the track. This level-headed section is more of a logical and poetic argument. (If they don’t) Bring it to they neck, tuxedo see-throughīlood suckas close, n- swat the mosquitos” K-Indie Artists That Will Enrich and Bring Fresh Air to Your Playlists Based on the richness of the two young artists’ set of collaborations, I’d expect many more to come soon. Lenae remains present throughout the track, and the two harmonize beautifully as she contributes from the background during Smino’s parts. Smino builds off of her performance with his own alluring singing on the song’s hook. Similarly, Ravyn Lenae provides a wonderful appearance on her and Smino’s duet, “MF GROOVE.” About midway through, the R&B singer’s voice graces the whirling sonic instrumental and her stunning vocals mix with the music to create a moving, euphoric sensation. For instance, “SUMMER SALT” stands out as an emphatic beaut, with its ethereal environment bundled with soothing strings, bass and vocals, but the rapper Bari propels the six-track even further with his distorted delivery on the closing verse. Though Smino only invites a small group of guests on “NOIR,” they are utilized well. In a quick change of pace, the second half transitions from the delicacy of the first part to a muddy bass line and a vocal blues flavor during its chorus, allowing the artist to flaunt his singing ability with a climactic isolation in the midst of the mystifying latter half. In this first part, his lyrics embody self-reflection, as he describes his current life to his audience. The two-part introduction “KOVERT” begins with Smino dashing through a subtle instrumental supported by gentle synths.