Following the widespread critical acclaim of his 2017 debut album, blkswn , the pressure was on for St. Louis-born rapper, singer, and producer Smino to deliver a follow-up that could match its quality. He responded with NØIR , which was released on November 8, 2018. The album arrived via his own Zero Fatigue collective, under license to Downtown Records and distributed by Interscope Records. In a world obsessed with instant streaming and viral moments, NØIR represented a different kind of ambition. Smino himself clarified his artistic vision in an interview with Rolling Stone , stating, "I just didn’t want to make the same album. The music sounds fun as hell. I ain’t gonna say what it is and what it ain’t. It’s raw as fuck".
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In the landscape of modern hip-hop, few artists possess a sonic identity as distinct and elastic as Smino [1, 2]. Born Christopher Smith Jr. in St. Louis, Missouri [2], the rapper, singer, and songwriter has spent years carving out a unique lane that defies easy categorization. While his 2017 debut album, blkswn , introduced the world to his signature blend of neo-soul, funk, and rapid-fire Midwest rap [1, 3], it was his sophomore album, NOIR , that solidified his status as a musical visionary [1]. Following the widespread critical acclaim of his 2017