Blkswn Explained

blkswn
Type:studio
Artist:Smino
Cover:Blkswn.JPG
Released:March 14, 2017
Recorded:2014–16
Studio:Classick Studios
Length:63:14
Prev Title:blkjuptr
Prev Year:2015
Next Title:NØIR
Next Year:2018
Italic Title:no

blkswn (pronounced "black swan") is the debut studio album by American rapper Smino. It was released on March 14, 2017 with Zero Fatigue under license to Downtown Records.[1]

The album includes guest appearances from Ravyn Lenae, Bari,, Jay2, Via Rosa, Drea Smith, Akenya, Jean Deaux, and Noname, with production from Monte Booker, THEMpeople, Sango, Phoelix, and J. Bird. The artwork of the album was done by Victor Birriel and taken by Chicago native, Taylor Madison, photographer of Diary of Disposables.[2]

Background

The release date holds a special significance to the St. Louis rapper because 314 is the area code of his hometown.[3]

Release and promotion

Singles

On December 2, 2016, Smino announced the title of the album and released "blkswn" as the first single.[4] [5] On February 8, 2017, the second single, "Anita" was released.[6] [7] He released "Blkoscars" on February 24, and "Father Son, Holy Smoke" on March 10 as promotional singles.[8] [9] On July 26, the music video for "Netflix & Dusse" was released. On March 26, 2018, Smino released the album's final single and music video for "Wild Irish Roses".[10]

Tours

Following the album's release, he headlined in his month-long Swanita Tour, which included 22 dates with guests Monte Booker, Jay2, Bari, and Jean Deaux.[11] Smino and Ravyn Lenae also opened for SZA on the CTRL Tour.[12] During October, he was opening act for T-Pain on his Acoustic Tour, who later appeared on the remix for "Anita" on October 27.[13] [14]

Critical reception

Upon its release, album received critical acclaim and positive reviews. Kelsee Thomas of Earmilk said "Smino is letting us know in blkswn that he's aware of the change and of the fact that he needs to pay attention to keeping his vices under control now more than ever. He asked for this blessing and now he's asking for help while his blessings." Scott Glaysher of Exclaim said "Any time an artist can blend genres together in a way that doesn't seem forced or stolen, it definitely makes for an eye-opening listen." On March 17, 2017, Apple Music named Smino "New Artist of the Week".[15]

Accolades

PublicationRank
BET
Complex
Consequence of Sound
Rolling Stone

Track listing

Notes

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pickens. Ashley. Smino Wants To Reflect A New Light On St. Louis With Debut Album 'blkswn'. Vibe. March 8, 2017.
  2. Web site: Tanzer. Myles. Smino Announces Debut Album 'blkswn'. The Fader. March 8, 2017.
  3. Web site: Ivey. Justin. Smino Shares Release Date for 'blkswn' album. XXL. March 8, 2017.
  4. Web site: Danny. Schwartz. Smino releases title track from his debut album 'blkswn'. HotNewHipHop. December 2, 2016.
  5. Web site: C.M.. Emmanuel. Smino and Sango Make Magic on 'blkswn'. XXL. December 2, 2016.
  6. Web site: Pickens. Ashley. Smino Explores The Undiluted Reality Of A Black Woman With "Anita". Vibe. February 8, 2017.
  7. Web site: A. Barry. Peter. Smino Drops Soulful New Song "Anita". XXL. February 8, 2017.
  8. Web site: Thompson. Desire. Interview: Smino Celebrates The Art Of Black Excellence On "Blkoscars". Vibe. February 25, 2017.
  9. Web site: Craighead. Olivia. Listen To Smino's New Song "Father Son Holy Smoke". The Fader. March 10, 2017.
  10. Web site: Smino Loses Himself in the Music in New "Wild Irish Roses" Video - XXL.
  11. Ketchum III. William E.. 'I Know Exactly What I Want': St. Louis Rapper Smino on New Album 'blkswn' and Focusing on What Comes Next. Billboard. May 24, 2017.
  12. Lamarre. Carl. SZA Announces Extensive 'CTRL' Tour. Billboard. 4 March 2018.
  13. Penrose. Nerisha. T-Pain Announces Acoustic Tour. Billboard. 4 March 2018.
  14. Web site: Findlay. Mitch. Smino Lands T-Pain For The "Anita (Remix)". Hotnewhiphop. 27 October 2017. 4 March 2018.
  15. Web site: New Artist of the Week. Apple Music. March 17, 2017.

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