Smino released his fourth studio album Maybe in Nirvana on Friday (Dec. 6) via his independent label Zero Fatigue.
“I actually just said ‘maybe in nirvana’ in one of the songs — but honestly, it was an album I was being indecisive about putting out. And I was just like … when I’m in a place where I’m at peace with my mind, you know, I’d be able to put this album out,” he told Billboard in a recent interview, adding that he made the album in 2020, two years before he put out his last studio album Luv 4 Rent. “I was just being very honest and very blatant about my emotions. It was like single-era Smee, you know? So, I was having my little roster, talking about, you know, just being — basically, I was just wilding. The music still sounds grown though… a kid in a grown man body, that’s what it sounds like.”
The rapper also revealed that the intro of the 11-track project, “Dear Fren,” is his favorite because it’s “the most personal one. I wrote a letter to my grandma and to my little cousin, who both aren’t here anymore. They passed away,” Smino said. “But I think everybody’s favorite song is ‘Tequan.’ Because it’s tequila and wine, and that’s ‘Tequan.’”
Maybe in Nirvana arrives two years after Luv 4 Rent, which included collaborations with J. Cole (“90 Proof”), Doechii and Fatman Scoop (“Pro Freak”), Cruza (“Louphoria”), Kal Banx (“Matinee”), Lucky Daye and Phoelix (“Modennaminute”), Cory Henry and Ravyn Lenae (“Settle Down”), Lil Uzi Vert (“Pudgy”) and reggie (“Lee & Lovie”). The 15-song set reached No. 28 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 50 on the Billboard 200.
Listen to Maybe in Nirvana below.
