“4rm Da Source”:

Smino sets the groundwork for the themes of his album with this introduction by his cousin. It begins as a nod to familial ties and transitions into the street life that ripped the rapper from his previously tranquil lifestyle.

“No L’s”:

The first real track of

Luv 4 Rent

emphatically (and literally) bursts through the door with an interpolation of “Knock Knock” by Monica. While typical stoner anthems usually refrain from being excitable, Smino takes a different path by declaring fridays as his day for total indulgence. The chorus ends with lyrics stating that Smino is consumed by worries and protruding thoughts, but his final verse concludes that he just needs to find the time to relax and neglect his concerns. The constant melodic refrains that lace the instrumental keep you constantly engaged, while the beat itself is reminiscent of a cash register, as if Smino is clocking out for the day.

“90 Proof “(feat. J. Cole)

: Smino kicks his vocal range into a higher gear and pitches on “90 Proof,” similar to that of Kendrick Lamar’s squealing melodies. Again, Smino highlights the importance of taking a break, but spends more time on this track acknowledging his shortcomings. J. Cole uses the opportunity to reflect on his success and how he’s grown more humble as his prosperity grows.

“Pro Freak”


(feat. Doechii & Fatman Scoop)

: “Pro Freak” ups the ante with its bouncy instrumental and its repetitive chorus that entices you to groove along to it. Smino details his sexual experiences with women as a therapeutic outlet. The instrumental switches up for Smino’s final verse, as the beat perfectly complements the execution of each bar he spits. The subject matter is more of the same, but it’s a fresh tonal change that prevents the track from becoming stale.

“Ole Ass Kendrick”:

Smino’s Kendrick Lamar influences are worn on his sleeve on this track mentioning the Compton rapper. His dizzying lyrical display has the vocal inflection of Lamar’s

To Pimp A Butterfly

era. Yet, the production is soft-spoken and allows Smino to flow nicely on top of it.

“Louphoria”


(feat. Cruza):

Laced with what sounds like pitched-down sirens, “Louphoria” is a moody retrospection on a past relationship that has caused Smino many sleepless nights. Cruza dominates the lustful aura of the track and reinforces the unhealthiness of trying to neglect personal health with instant gratification.

“Blu Billy”:

An ode to making money, “Blu Billy” outlines the many methods of achieving prosperity, whether it’s through drug dealing, music or violence. At the end of the day, all of these common occupations have the same ultimate goal of getting paid. Smino delivers with some pleasant harmonies and fills up the track with melodies that keep the listener engaged.

​​ “Matinee”:

“Matinee” is a party song that focuses on finishing the night after experiencing excesses of drugs, alcohol and sex. The beat’s subtle chopped and screwed sample that plays faintly at times is a nice addition and is an homage to Louisiana dance-rap.

“Modennaminute”


(feat. Lucky Daye & Phoelix)

: The chorus of this song is reminiscent of Drake’s propensity to utilize soul samples to artificially add substance to his tracks, but Smino seems to have taken the duty upon himself within the hooks. Smino reflects back on his immature past, citing his behavior as similar to the angst of Tyler, the Creator early in his career. Smino takes the time to finally analyze his decisions in life, rather than ignoring them for trivial pleasures.

“Defibrillator”:

“Defibrillator” evokes memories of the past and those who Smino have seen succumb to whatever the causes may be. While the track is lyrically dense, it presents itself as a little too nonchalant for its themes, which causes its poignancy to be lost in execution.

“Garden Lady”:

Although I do enjoy the drum-heavy and trippy production, “Garden Lady,” like “Defibrillator,” is another cut that probably could have been excluded from the album. It often feels like an amorphous body of themes that never fully develop lyrically or sonically.

“Settle Down”


(feat. Cory Henry & Ravyn Lenae):

“Settle Down” returns to the bouncier production that was so fresh at previous points on

Luv 4 Rent

, including the incredibly effortless but fast-paced chorus that showcases chemistry between Smino and his co-stars. Smino tries to convey his ultimate message of love over hate throughout this track with lyrics like “Makin’ up haters in your mind sound like self-hate to me,” and moments where he discourages banter that could lead to violence like when he raps, “Bantu knots and a .38, make the world revolve around you.”

“Pudgy”


(feat. Lil Uzi Vert):

Lil Uzi Vert and Smino exhibit pure chemistry and comfort throughout the track “Pudgy.” Uzi comes through with classically humorous lyrics like “Standin’ on top of the world, I’ma be like 7’8” and “I don’t care what you do in my whip, take your shoes off, anime.” Smino matches this vibe with quotables such as “Mike Wazowski, got my eye on her” and “Blew his head like he Marge.”

“Curtains”:

“Curtains” attempts to be one of the more epic insights into Smino’s psyche, but it certainly overstays its welcome with about two minutes of dead space towards the end. A lot of the track focuses on Smino’s journey from rags to riches, a topic covered more effectively on prior tracks.

“Lee & Lovie”


(feat. Reggie):

Smino declares his newfound ability to put others over himself on “Lee & Lovie,” but again, the track balances itself between passionate and being too blasé. I was also not particularly fond of Reggie’s distorted vocals because they detract from the song’s mostly polished quality. It’s a disappointing end to a generally constant LP. It’s by no means a terrible addition to the tracklist, just not as its conclusion.