St. Louis musician Smino and Chi’s Monte Booker are making a huge impact in Chicago and beyond, today they released their second project of the year, Blk Juptr, via The Fader. It is an excellent follow up to their Sick Sick Sick EP. The partnership of Smino and Monte is extraordinary, Stefan Ponce told Pigeons and Planes, “Smino and Monte, in my opinion, are going to be DJ Premier, Guru level. Drake and 40 Level. They will be that legendary.” He is not the only one to feel that way, it seems like the whole city is excited about the ZeroFatigue, ClassickFam movement.
Blk Juptr is 5 songs in length, it’s tight and varied, they pack in many moods and sounds. Julian Bell assists with vocals and soulful, searing lead guitar on “Poppa,” Phoelix contributes on bass. Frequent collaborator and fellow ClasskFam member, Jay2, features on “Runnin,” and they sound as good together as ever. One of my fav songs of the year, “3M” featured this pair. “Oxygen” shows a more relaxed flow and highlights Smino’s vocal flexibility while he sings on the airy song. I can’t pick a favorite track, all five are hot. The project was recorded at Classick Studios, and mixed by artist in his own right, Elton “L10″ Chueng. Monte Booker has established himself as one of Chi’s best young producers with his distinctive sound and it’s been a big year for him. Along with his work with Smino, he produced much of Ravyn Lenae’s smashing debut, Moon Shoes, and recently dropped his own EP, Soulection White Label: 016.
I fully anticipate watching Smino and Monte Booker continue to build on their exciting trajectory in the years to come. See the artistry for yourself on Dec. 20, 1833 is presenting Blk Juptr live at Schubas with damn near the whole ClassickFam – Ravyn Lenae, Jean Deaux, Jay2 and Bryant Stewart will also be performing. Hit play and allow Smino and Monte Booker to take you all the way to Blk Juptr.
