Album review: Luv 4 Rent — Smino
The rapper’s 3rd studio album has some of his best songs yet.
American rapper, Smino, has just released his first album since 2018, “Luv 4 Rent”. Smino’s music combines hip hop, R&B, neo-soul, and funk. I first discovered Smino in 2016 from his feature on Monte Booker’s “Colors”. He is perhaps best known for the hit, Wild Irish Roses. I’ve been familiar with a lot of Smino’s music for years and would consider myself a very casual fan. However, I never put in the time or effort to listen to a full album or project of his. After falling in love with the singles for the album, I decided to listen to the whole thing and I wasn’t let down.
The album has production credits from esteemed producers Monte Booker and Childish Major, leading to a unique sound on this album that I haven’t really heard in Smino’s previous songs. Many of the songs have been compared to work from both Kendrick Lamar and Outkast. The first song I heard from this release cycle, as well as one of my favorites from the record, is “90 Proof” featuring J. Cole.
Don’t blame yourself for all the shit you seen me do
I’m gettin’ used to bein’ loved, girl, the right way
I’m absolutely in love with Smino’s high register on the chorus of this track. I also personally am obsessed with J Cole’s verse. I know it took many people awhile to warm up to his verse and were hesitant about the autotune on the post-chorus. I think it adds a unique flair to the song and definitely stands out in comparison to some of the other features on the album (but I also loved Doechii’s verse).
My favorite song on Luv 4 Rent is the track, “Ole Ass Kendrick”. The production makes it a stand out track and is so addicting right on first listen. There are some really interesting strings and Smino’s vocals end up matching the beat itself on the chorus with the repetition of the phrase “she bad”. The song is sensual and chaotic in the best way possible.
Just seen my very favorite b*tch inside my very favorite city, it was very cheeky (I did)
There we are inside the car, we gettin’ busy, I was playin’ some old ass Kendrick
My opinions start to differ from Fantano’s when it comes to the track “Louphoria”. While he calls it “too atmospheric”, that’s exactly what I love about it. The album is extremely cohesive and being able to feel like I’m being transported to a different place when I’m listening is something not too many artists can truly accomplish. Similar to “Ole Ass Kendrick”, Louphoria has a super mellow, guitar-centric beat. Smino uses his higher register while he sings sensual lyrics and whispers his ad libs.
I definitely recommend giving this album a listen. Features from J Cole, Doechii, and Lil Uzi Vert add their own sparkle but ultimately Smino is the mastermind behind this unique and powerful record. It’s incredibly cohesive and vibey in the best way. Smino is also going on a co-headline tour with JID in 2023 so maybe you’ll get a chance to catch some of these songs live!
