Smino | NOIR


Smino outdoes himself in his new album titled, NOIR

NOIR by Smino gets NASTY with the bass drops, trademarking the effortless intricacies of his music.

This St. Louis born rapper is merciless with his slant rhyme and powerful baseline throughout the sophomore year album, NOIR, released November 8th. In 2017, Smino dropped his first solo album, blkswn; laced in creativity and colour. It has been clear since the beginning that this artist knows his sound. Spelling out his unforgettable hooks, this appetizer was just the tasty beginning of Smino’s solo career.


With head bouncing and body swaying vibes, Smino trades Anita for Alvita in TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD. He keeps it classy with the blackest of berries in MERLOT, followed later by straight mockery in SKEDOS. In an odd but clever production, Monte Brooker decorates Smino’s vocals in KLINK with a flourish of what sounds like scattered rain hitting a tin roof.  Let’s talk about the title. In his 4 minute opener, KOVERT, the “statuesque”, “strong”, “sweet”, insinuation of “NOIR” is explained. Smino is notorious for his references; this one pairs the “black ass movie” of his life to black film.

Notable features on this album include Valee in KRUSHED ICE. This unexpected transition off BAM X2 brings a track that will set you on a wave with the pair’s earth quaking bars. MF GROOVE features the seducing sounds of Rayvn Lenae; you can tell these two are in their own world on this track. Suggestions for this album would be to allow it to marinade, the first listen won’t allow you to digest all Smino is throwing at you. His tracks are dripping in poetry. Listen to it in the car or where your bass can handle the beat and watch those transitions, cause they’re magic.