The lyrics may be relatively shallow, but the production is anything but. The clear standout track from the backend of the album is without a doubt “CRUSHED ICE”, which is a bass-heavy, sex-focused jam that slaps. This lines up in “PIZANO”, where we see a confident double-time verse with braggadocio galore, as if Smino hit a blunt and started feeling himself. We’re clear into ‘smoke and chill’ territory at this point music you can vibe to, sit in the car with friends or someone you’ve had a romantic eye on for a while, and just exist in the moment. A slick piano line makes for a snappy groove that blends well with Smino‘s rapping cadence and the drums. “WE GOT THE BISCUITS” is the comedown, but later songs like “HOOPTI” retain more than enough energy to keep you moving. The alcohol referenced in these tracks paint a scene of excess, partying well into the dark of night. Listen to the hook as he throws his voice into octaves much higher than normal and descends back down for a memorable chorus that’s undeniably catchy. “TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD” incorporates some reggae flavor while keeping with the tone that “KLINK” establishes one song prior. There’s a distinct swagger in Smino‘s vocal delivery.

“KLINK” provides visions of lights basking the concrete you step on as the sun retreats, inviting the freaks to come out. The execution brings all of its facets together, binding the music’s various approaches into one digestible ball of energy that hits you in your soul. Much like walking down the blocks of a city’s heart, culture flanking you on each side, NØIR gives you a lot to think about. They also function well as a parallel to the artist’s unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and R&B. The words are in reference to Smino himself, spoken with ASMR-like gentleness and affection. The first words you hear on NØIR, quoted above, are from Smino‘s partner, Jean Deaux. Denver’s like that, and I’m familiar with that city, as I live close to it. I’ve never been there, but I would like to think it has a high capacity for intimacy, as well as the rough attitude and an aesthetic a lot of urban areas exhibit. I imagine the sound of NØIR is wildly indebted to not only the personality of Smino as an artist, but Chicago, the city he hails from. That’s what I think when I think about you.’ Black, statuesque, you know? Strong, sweet, that’s what I think when I think of noir. Release date: Novem| Zero Fatigue | Facebook | Spotify His versatile voice and production choices help us digest the plentiful bounty of tracks on offer. Smino overindulges in showing us what he is made of with NØIR.

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