On the Horizon: New Albums from Smino and Kota the Friend
Smino’s “Nirvana” cover
In less than 48 hours, Smino is set to drop his 10-track album, Nirvana. The tracklist features collaborations with Thundercat, Raven Lenae, and Bun B.
Known for his seamless fusion of rap, soul, and R&B, Smino’s music is smooth and immersive—perfect for a chill vibe. It’ll be interesting to see if Nirvana continues that trend. To build excitement, Smino has teased the album with a playful skit and announced an upcoming livestream set for tomorrow.
From Smino’s IG
One of my favorite things about this album so far is the cover art. It’s exactly the type of design that inspires me. Created by Long Beach-based artist Ro.lexx, it combines striking black-and-white photography with text and graphic elements to curate a bold, unique vibe.
Nirvana album cover art
With its striking visuals and an impressive lineup of collaborators, Nirvana feels poised to be another memorable chapter in Smino's dynamic discography.
Meanwhile, another album to look forward to is Once In A Blue Moon by Kota the Friend and Statik Selektah, dropping December 13.
Another album where the cover art is just dope.
Kota’s introspective lyrics, focus on positivity, and jazz-influenced beats are what initially drew me to his music—and what keeps me coming back. He’s even landed in my Spotify Wrapped top five two years in a row!
While social media buzz has been relatively quiet, Kota and Statik did drop a teaser single, BLAH, on November first. It’s the second track on the 10-song album and gives us just a taste of what’s to come. Song titles and features remain under wraps for now, but anticipation is high.
This isn’t the first time Kota and Statik have teamed up to deliver something special. Their previous collaborations include To Kill A Sunrise (March 2021) and To See A Sunset (March 2023), both of which showcase Kota’s signature lyricism and Statik’s smooth production. Kota has remained impressively consistent with releasing high-quality albums, his most recent dropping earlier this year.
One of the things I love most about Kota is how uplifting his music feels. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just need a pick-me-up, his words and beats always deliver.
With Nirvana and Once In A Blue Moon on the horizon, it’s shaping up to be an exciting season for music lovers. Mark your calendars—I’ll be sharing my thoughts on both albums soon!
