Noir cover

Noir

Smino · 2018

58 min · 18 tracks · hip-hop

Smino's Noir melds eclectic beats with smooth, playful lyricism, creating a vibrant collage of contemporary hip-hop sounds.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD — This track exemplifies Smino's playful wordplay and smooth flow, combining catchy hooks with a laid-back beat that encapsulates the album's vibe.
  • →
    KLINK — KLINK stands out for its intricate production and dynamic shifts, showcasing Smino's ability to weave personal storytelling into infectious rhythms.
  • →
    SUMMER SALT — This track highlights Smino's melodic sensibilities and lyrical depth, using vivid imagery to evoke nostalgia and warmth, perfectly aligning with the album's overall theme.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Noir showcases Smino's unique style through varied beats and clever lyricism, marking him as a standout in contemporary hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album features a wide range of beats, from jazzy instrumentals to trap-influenced rhythms, creating a diverse sonic palette.
  • Smino employs playful and intricate rhyme schemes throughout the tracks, often switching flows mid-verse.
  • Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'SUMMER SALT', which shifts from a laid-back groove to a more frenetic pace.
  • The closing track, 'VERIZON', features a gradual fade-out that leaves the listener with an open-ended feeling.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful lyricism with vibrant beats
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • late-night hangout vibes
  • eclectic sounds for adventurous listeners
  • smooth transitions between songs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, cohesive albums
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2018, Noir is Smino's debut studio album following his critically acclaimed EP, blkswn. This album marks a pivotal moment in his career as it showcases his distinct sound and lyrical prowess, establishing him as a notable figure in the hip-hop scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Isaiah Rashad· Mick Jenkins· Saba

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • L.M.F.

    The bridge introduces an unexpected shift in tempo and mood, creating a reflective pause amidst the celebratory verses.

    This structural choice enhances the emotional weight of the song, contrasting the upbeat energy with moments of introspection.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 KOVERT 4:38
  • 2 L.M.F. 3:08
  • 3 KLINK 3:02
  • 4 TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD 3:00
  • 5 SPINZ 3:50
  • 6 SUMMER SALT 2:27
  • 7 Z4L 2:42
  • 8 MERLOT 2:55
  • 9 WE GOT THE BISCUITS 4:29
  • 10 HOOPTI 2:34
  • 11 PIZANO 3:15
  • 12 LOW DOWN DERRTY BLUES 3:15
  • 13 FENTY SEX 3:34
  • 14 BAM 2x 2:55
  • 15 KRUSHED ICE 2:43
  • 16 SKEDOS 2:45
  • 17 MF GROOVE 4:06
  • 18 VERIZON 3:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata