Utilizing rhythm as a instrument for communication falls underneath the modus operandi of most fashionable rappers; that mentioned, when Smilez is doing it in his new single “Espresso Queen,” it feels as recent and modern a way as anything on this rising star’s profile does. Smilez isn’t the kind of rapper or songwriter to place all of his eggs in a single basket, which is to say that you just’re not going to catch him counting on the depth of his lyrics alone to inform us a narrative. Contrarily, all the pieces that’s at his disposal can be used, starting with these beats.  

The harmonies surrounding the hook are maybe probably the most punkish aspect of the observe, however they don’t distract from the cost within the lyricism in any respect. If something, I feel the juxtaposition of melodic and bodily parts on this combine makes the lyrical substance a bit extra fiery and engaging than it might have in any other case, translating these pop-punk-style verses into one thing universally accessible and telling of the expertise this participant is bringing to the desk with him. He’s taking pictures from the hip while avoiding the temptation to overstate anybody facet of his ability set, which is loads more durable than it sounds (simply hearken to the mainstream proper now).  

Smilez’s rapping is definitely as robust as his singing is in “Espresso Queen,” and I feel the steadiness between the 2 strategies of supply does loads to highlight his versatility as a performer. Relying on the tempo and the tone of the lyrics he’s making an attempt to get throughout to the viewers, he has completely different choices on the microphone that a variety of his closest rivals in and outdoors of the underground simply merely should not have entry to, and he desires us to be particularly conscious of this on this single.

“Espresso Queen” options one of many least overwhelming pop hooks I’ve listened to this August, and though on the conservative facet, I feel it nonetheless matches up properly with what we’ve been seeing and listening to increasingly of in pop and melodic lure previously yr or so.

Who says you could be indulgent in these genres to sound easy within the ultimate product? Smilez not solely rejects the usage of fanciful studio aids on this efficiency however flat-out makes it clear he can go barebones and nonetheless ship us one thing that feels elaborate and indicative of his fashion.   Considerate hip-hop with a strong melodic edge isn’t inconceivable to return by in 2023, however when you’re searching for pure high quality, you possibly can’t go flawed with what Smilez has produced for us in “Espresso Queen” this month. He’s acquired the swagger on the mic that we anticipate out of probably the most elite gamers on this style of music, however what’s extra is his ambitiousness as a songwriter – I can already inform right here that this isn’t his peak, however yet one more evolutionary stage from the famous performer. I’ll be ensuring to maintain this man on my radar it doesn’t matter what type of venture he’s engaged on subsequent.

Mindy McCall