Smile

Jay-Z goes in.

BYMitch Findlay
Link Copied to Clipboard!
298 Views

While Jay's new 4:44 album is still sinking in, it's evident the project is full of memorable lyrics and insight. Initial reactions suggest that 4:44's strongest asset is the unbridled honesty, in which Jigga dishes on his infidelity, his insecurities and his ambitions. And while he'll never return to the peak days of say, The Blueprint, "Smile" proves he can still go in with the best of them. 

When I first listened to this album, the third verse had me breaking out into a shit-eating grin. It's everything you would want from 2017 Jigga - charisma, composure, wisdom, and a veteran's swagger. Shout out to Jay & No I.D for this one, and while you might not love the Tidal exclusivity, you can't deny that Jay moves like a straight up boss.

Quotable Lyrics

Jewelry shoppin' in Paris
All y'all jewelers should be embarrassed, huh
Blood diamonds drippin', we cute
I still ain't trippin', that's life, winners and losers
Drug dealers and abusers, America likes me ruthless
My therapist said I relapsed
I said, "Prehaps I Freudian slipped in European whips"

  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
<b>Feature Editor</b> <!--BR--> Mitch Findlay is a writer and hip-hop journalist based in Montreal. Resident old head by default. Enjoys writing Original Content about music, albums, lyrics, and rap history. His favorite memories include interviewing J.I.D and EarthGang at the "Revenge Of The Dreamers 3" studio sessions in Atlanta and receiving a phone call from Dr. Dre. In his spare time he makes horror movies.