On this collaborative hard-hitting single, “SO SMOOTH,” After midnight(Am), Gully Beezy, Vision, and trill Traxx showcase their best abilities with this thoughtful soundscape. An intense beat is complemented with a delicate and airy riff that lingers lightly in the atmosphere, making for a great start. All artists then proceed to pour their energy and story into the process.
The release’s character and color are really drawn in by the stop-start nature of the beat – there’s no sign of the performers hiding behind synths or riffs. Instead, they’re cooperating with the environment to achieve their goals.
You get the impression that the whole thing is a performance, industrially creative, and defies any implied industry rules or the typical sound of most contemporary hip-hop/RnB releases.
“SO SMOOTH” is a powerful piece of music, musically deep and gloomy but minimalist at the same time – the voice and execution stand quietly tall, capturing your attention and being genuine; credible at the same time.
“SO SMOOTH” keeps confidence and a sense of steadfast possibility at the forefront of the experience while maintaining an easygoing yet intentional vibe. The hook is humble but practical, and it has classic hip-hop feel to it.
Meanwhile, the artists’ verses differ in style and rhythm, which helps to add structure and keep you engaged throughout. The sound is crisp and clean, making it easy to relax and enjoy. “SO SMOOTH” is undoubtedly one of the year’s most memorable or instantly recognizable music.
The accompanying video for this release helps to strengthen that connection to the music and the artists – the visual performance appears to be as honest and genuine as the song suggests; a well-shot series of clips that allow you to see the artists in action and lost in an instant and the ideas of the moment.
