This is the 5th studio LP from Atlanta, Georgia emcee Nick Grant. Blowing up a decade ago off his debut mixtape ’88 along with the Epic Records-backed full-length debut Return of the Cool, his next tape Dreamin’ Out Loud would prelude the acclaimed God Bless the Child produced by Tae Beast of the Top Dawg Entertainment in-house production team Digi+Phonics followed by Carolina Diaries & Welcome to Loveland. While his previous work like Sunday Dinner and I Took It Personal offered a sharp perspective on the industry, he’s returning with a Smile on his face.

“Another Classic” opens the project by hopping over an orchestral boom-bap beat, with Grant discussing the necessity of staying focused on his craft. “Money Problems” utilizes a chipmunk soul sample to ground the listener in his personal experiences with financial hurdles. “The Algorhythm,” featuring Punch, incorporates a flute-heavy production to critique the repetitive nature of modern music trends, leading seamlessly into the gospel-influenced “Back Up,” which serves as a stern warning to those who underestimate his longevity.

Westside Gunn joins Nick on “Price Tag,” sampling “Love (I Guess That’s the Fool in Me)” by City Limits, to deliver a gritty commentary on the cost of success. The track “Bullsh!t,” featuring CyHi the Prynce & Ransom, pays homage to the late wrestling legend Scott Hall, weaving in references to his storied career.

The latter half of Smile kicks off with “Generational Runs / No Shortcuts,” a two-part composition where Grant asserts his desire to be remembered among the greats. This is followed by the more personal “Dope Bitch” and the satirical “Sensitive Gangsta,” which pokes fun at the performative nature of modern street personas. The album concludes with “Everyday I Wake,” a soul-sampling track that channels deep-seated pain and reflection.

Agreeably considered to be one of the most slept-on lyricists of this decade, Nick Grant continues to validate those claims with Smile. He is striving to become a timeless artist, proving to his audience that anything is possible when one remains authentic. By bringing in a handful of guests who are all operating at their own peak, Grant has crafted a project that feels both varied and cohesive.

Score: 7/10