Smino: Luv 4 Rent Review

He may rock Air Forces, but let me tell you, Smino most certainly does not “force shit.”

How can we be sure? Well, because the St. Louis artist waited patiently for nearly four years to follow up his critically acclaimed 2018 album, Noir. Now, Smino di grigio is back with his first full-length tape on Motown Records, titled Luv 4 Rent. 

Let me start by saying this, the leadup to this album was great. Personally, I am not a fan of artists releasing a single a year before an album drops and then still putting it on the album. I’m selfish. I want new songs. 

That being said, I would not have been mad if Smino included the amazing “Rice & Gravy” or “I Deserve,” two tracks that were some of my favorites of 2021. But, Smino made the fun decision of scrapping those tracks and dropping two new singles in the two weeks leading up to the album release, both of which are amazing. So, I’m not complaining. 

“No L’s” Prod. Kal Banx

The first full song on the album is “No L’s,” and what a way to kick the album off. I mean, that Monica “Knock Knock” sample is fantastic. I almost got C.T.E. bobbing my head so much, especially when he gets into his “Ave Maria, Agave Tequila” flow at the end of the first verse. The beat switch is also gorgeous and a cool changeup for the song. 

“90 Proof” (Ft. J. Cole) Prod. Groove & Monte Booker

“90 Proof” was the first single for the album and probably the most excited I’ve been for a song to drop in my life. Smino has this knack for creating these choruses that are so out there and different yet so catchy. Cole comes in and destroys his verse as he continues his monster feature run (I don’t think it’s even a run anymore. It’s just a career of great features). I love when he effortlessly goes from rapping to singing his heart out. Fun fact: Cole wanted this song for his album but graciously gave it back to Smino upon later request. 

“Pro Freak” (Ft. Doechii & Fatman Scoop) Prod. Childish Major, Monte Booker, Phoelix, DJ Dahi, & Nami

“Pro Freak” is an extremely fun and upbeat track. I like the Fatman Scoop intro and when Smino utilizes higher-pitched vocals in the chorus. Now, let’s get to Doechii, the newly-signed T.D.E. artist who is a future star in rap. I almost had to grab my inhaler during her verse trying to follow it. She had an amazing verse, and I love that she’s getting all of this attention. 

“Ole Ass Kendrick” Prod. Monte Booker & PRODXVZN

“Ole Ass Kendrick” may be the most Monte Booker beat of all time, and I love it. It sounds like that Spongebob episode when he says, “Fuuuuuture, fuuuuuture.” Monte and Smino may be my favorite artist-producer duo out right now, and they definitely need an entire album together. I love the spacey chorus and Smino’s laid back flow.

“Louphoria” (Ft. Cruza) Prod. Monte Booker, Adam Sylvester, AJ Thomas, & Amaran

“Louphoria” is probably my least favorite track on the album, but that does not mean it is a bad track. The album is just so good. Smino could’ve added more vocally over this atmospheric beat, but I liked Cruza’s contributions on it. 

“Blu Billy” Prod. Monte Booker, Phoelix, & Charlie Myles

On the other hand, “Blu Billy” is terrific all around. I love his chorus, and Monte makes such a calming and pretty beat. I enjoyed how he changed up how he sang the chorus each time, keeping the listener on their toes. The outro is beautiful, and I love his phrasing at the end, although I cannot write out what he says (listen to the song, that man is clever with his wording).

“Matinee” Prod. Kal Banx

“Matinee” was the final single for the album and is currently my favorite track on the album. If I were comparing this album to Noir, then this would be the “PIZANO” of the album with its high energy and fast rapping. This chorus is infectious, with so many layers to this song. I love how he changes from fast rapping to singing when he says, “Straight to the biscuit, soon as I wake up and I, I, I.” You can catch me singing that part like a dying cat in the shower. 

“Modennaminute” (Ft. Lucky Daye & Phoelix) Prod. Monte Booker & Phoelix

The track “Modennaminute” gives me big Drake and Giveon vibes (I mean this as a compliment). He also says, “I used to sweat her a lot/I was like Tyler, the Creator,” which is just a hilarious line. I love the pre-chorus on this—another example of Smino picking out an odd flow that completely works. Lucky Daye does his thing on his verse, and Phoelix sounded great on the chorus.

“Defibrillator” Prod. Groove

“Defibrillator” seems to be the song that is getting the most attention on my Twitter timeline, and for good reason: it’s great. His storytelling in the second verse is thought-provoking as Smino details family members showing their pride for him, just as Smino is proud of his nephew for succeeding academically with a single mother. This chorus will also leave you floating and features some great melodies. 

“Garden Lady” Prod. Smino, Sucuki, Monte Booker, & Phoelix

“Garden Lady” is another laid-back atmospheric song similar to “Louphoria” earlier in the tracklist, although I think Smino performs way better here. There’s way more of an actual chorus here and a theme. I love the light drums on this (bongos, maybe?). Smi kills the second verse, and I enjoy how well this song blends into the next track. 

“Settle Down” (Ft. Cory Henry & Ravyn Lenae) Prod. Monte Booker & Charlie Myles

“Settle Down” is the most upbeat song on the album and has me skipping around my college campus. The song sounds triumphant as Smino rids himself of stress. I really enjoy Ravyn Lenae’s soft vocals on the chorus and in her verse (she also killed her recent feature on the new J.I.D. album). This song gave me “RISE!” by Tyler, the Creator vibes. 

“Pudgy” (Ft. Lil Uzi Vert) Prod. Childish Major, Chi Chi, Daoud, & Beat Butcha

A great verse from Lil Uzi Vert in 2022? That was not on my bingo board for this album, but it was a welcomed surprise on “Pudgy.” I can’t say I have been huge on Uzi’s recent music, but he and Smino work well together here, although there is something weird about the mix on his voice. I’m still trying to figure out what. I love Smino’s post-chorus, and this beat from Childish Major is just insane. 

“Curtains” Prod. Cory Henry & Monte Booker

“Curtains” is the longest track on the album, coming in at over six minutes. The time is mostly used wisely, but the track runs a little long. This is one of my favorite choruses on the album and some of the best rapping from Smino DiVinci. 

“Lee & Lovie” (Ft. reggie) Prod. Groove & Cory Henry

Lastly, we have “Lee and Lovie” featuring Houston artist Reggie, who is currently my favorite up-and-coming artist. He and Smino are a perfect pair. Smino summarizes the album’s theme on this track when he says, “Give so much of myself to others/I’m runnin’ out of self for my own shit.” This was a perfect closing track with its pretty beat and its ability to encapsulate the ideas presented throughout the album. 

Closing Thoughts

In closing, this was an amazing album from Smino. He now has three great tapes under his belt, and I hope this album opens up Smino to a whole new fanbase. Sometimes, some of his words are slurred and difficult to understand, although my ears are a big fan of his accent. I’ll be seeing him in March when he tours with J.I.D. On that night, I shall ascend to heaven.