Smoothwaffle - NOiR...! (Single)

Smoothwaffle, the enigmatic hip-hop and jazz-infused artist from Newport News, VA, has released his latest single, NOiR...!, a profound exploration of love, betrayal, and identity. NOiR...! blends Smoothwaffle's signature jazz-inspired soundscapes with raw lyrical storytelling, diving deep into themes of trust, disillusionment, and the darkness that accompanies emotional struggle.

Smoothwaffle, born Sean Mentis, embraces his past as a military child raised in Germany, drawing inspiration from the symbolism of the Berlin Wall to break barriers in self-exploration. He began his music production journey in 2006 and, by 2010, started taking his rap career seriously. After moving to Philadelphia in 2011 and graduating from The Art Institute of Philadelphia, he became a prolific producer and engineer within the city's underground music scene.

With collaborations across a range of artists including Rae.Dianz, Reek HellaSmoke, Kause, and more, Smoothwaffle has cemented his place in contemporary hip-hop while resisting easy categorization. He deftly balances conscious lyricism with bold, brash soundscapes.

NOiR...! features saxophonist Gabe Preston and additional bass by Tim Jones, captures the essence of a soul wrestling with the uncertainty of love and the heavy weight of silence. "This is for whoever felt stuck in cycles of loss and self-doubt," Smooth Waffle explains. "It’s about searching for light in a world clouded by darkness when it feels like nobody cares."

This single continues to push the envelope ahead of Smoothwaffle's upcoming fourth studio project TRiUMPH…!, expected later this year. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Kendrick Lamar, Mick Jenkins, and Isaiah Rashad, NOiR...! offers a unique fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and introspective poetry.