We Vibing To Smino & His Soulful, Deeply-Funk Inspired Album

Like the tittle says, we’ve been vibing, well mainly I’ve been vibing to Smino’s new debut album blkswn released March 14, 2017. 314 is important number to Smino as it the number of the area code of St. Louis, so this album in a way is a major shout out for his hometown.

Born, Chris Smith Jr, but known by his stage name Smino. Is a St. Louis rapper, who mixes with the following genres hip-hop, funk, soul, R&B; he is a singer, songwriter as well as being a rapper. There is the group of rappers that are really starting to make heads turn, Chance the Rapper is the most known within this group, Smino is apart of it, as are, Mick Jenkins, Goldlink, Chaz French, Isaiah Rashad, and a few others. They are the new generations of American rappers that are changing hip-hop rap in their own unique ways. Smino describes his sound as futuristic funk and soulful rap. He also names Kanye West as his biggest influence, as well as his family whom all have been involved in music. You can really hear and feel all these influences within his music, with the infusion of the jazz, funk, and gospel in his music.

He has released two EP’s titled: S!Ck S!Ck S!Ck and blkjuptr. Other projects which he has been apart of that some of you might have heard him on, was Noname’s mixtape Telefone, on the track Shadow Man in which he features alongside Saba and Phoelix to make defiantly one of the more listened to tracks on the album. Don’t get it mixed with blkswn the single which was released in 2016.

The opening track has this smooth funk synth, which is then accompanied by an R&B toned beat, is has a very slow feel to it. Smino’s voice sounds muffled, which may have been done to push this slow-jam feel. The song is a great way to open the album, lyrical he delivers with indulging cleverly-written verses. This is the same for the entire album, he delivers rich lyrics which is one of the reasons I really rate him, and peg him to really rise in the industry. Wild Irish Roses the name of that opening track. I’d define his rapping style are fast paced, and slick. He’s got a real unique style and sound. There are moments in the track where there are recordings skits of just people talking, without music this is a concept that has been used a lot recently by a lot of up and coming musicians, artists like Loyle Carner and J Cole. I bring this up because I really like it, it really adds another level to the albums and I just find it really inviting.

Smino, is one of my favourite rappers from the States. You all defiantly need to check him out now. You'll all be vibing soon. Notable track mentions are as follows: Glass Flows, blkswn, Marca, Anita, Netflix & Dusse, and Spitshine but the whole album is without a doubt a feel-good masterful, soulful album. (4.7/5)

This year, I’ve written a lot about debut album releases and this has to go up there with my collection of 'best debut album releases'. It will forever be a timeless listen, there is no doubt that he will soon release something that makes this sound old. Until that time comes, I’m going to have this album on repeat and enjoy it.