COTONOU, BENIN – December 27 marks the release of Legacy, the highly anticipated new album from trailblazing artist Smartzee. Known for his innovative fusion of French R&B and West Coast hip-hop, Smartzee’s latest work is a deeply personal and introspective collection that encapsulates his two-decade-long journey in music and beyond.
“Legacy is deeply personal—it’s a reflection of my journey, both as an artist and as a person,” Smartzee shares. “Twenty years ago, I was driven by ambition, raw energy, and the desire to prove myself. Today, I’m more grounded, and this album represents growth, resilience, and gratitude. It’s about celebrating the highs, acknowledging the lows, and using all those experiences to craft something meaningful.”
Anchored by the powerful single “Back Down,” the album offers a stirring declaration of perseverance. “The song was inspired by moments in both my music and corporate careers where I had to fight through doubt, setbacks, and intense pressure,” Smartzee explains. “Whether it was rebuilding momentum in the music scene or leading teams to surpass ambitious goals in business, the mindset was the same: stay focused, stay humble, and never retreat.”
Smartzee’s evolution as an artist is evident in Legacy. The album’s sound bridges his early work with his present artistry, blending soulful R&B and gritty hip-hop with a sharp focus on storytelling. “Legacy is a melting pot of all the sounds and experiences that have shaped me,” he says. “It’s less about proving myself and more about sharing my truth. The production is layered, the lyrics are deliberate, and the messages are deeper.”
Balancing his music career with his role as a Senior Executive in the telecommunications industry, Smartzee brings a unique perspective to his creative process. “My leadership experience has definitely shaped my music,” he notes. “It’s taught me the value of clear vision and execution. With Legacy, I approached it like a project—setting goals, aligning with collaborators, and ensuring the final product reflects the message I want to deliver.”
Beyond its dynamic sound, Legacy carries a profound emotional weight. The album was crafted with his children in mind, offering them a deeper understanding of their father. “I want them to see it as more than music—it’s a conversation, a story, and a source of inspiration,” Smartzee reflects.
With Legacy, Smartzee cements his place as a global music icon. “I want this album to stand as a testament to authenticity, growth, and resilience,” he says. “It’s about celebrating the journey, not just the destination.”
About Smartzee
Smartzee, born in 1980 in Cotonou, Benin, is a multifaceted artist who has shaped the European music scene since his breakthrough in 2004. He gained prominence with his feature on “Et c’est parti,” the chart-topping single by French R&B star Nâdiya. Beyond his music, Smartzee is a globally recognized Senior Executive leader in the telecommunications industry, known for merging his creative energy with corporate innovation.
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Emerging artist Swang, born Eldrick Mahone, has unveiled his latest single, "Ye Flow," a genre-bending track that captures the highs and lows of love and life. Hailing from a small city in Alabama near the Florida Panhandle, Swang has made it his mission to create music that defies categorization, blending contemporary R&B, alternative, pop, lo-fi, and soft rock elements. With "Ye Flow," Swang invites listeners into his raw emotion and layered storytelling world.
"Ye Flow" was born organically, showcasing Swang's ability to craft songs intuitively. Although Swang later stumbled upon the work of Dominic Fike, which he found inspiring, the core of "Ye Flow" remains uniquely his own. The song reflects Swang's personal experiences, particularly his past relationships and situationships. Translating these moments into music provided a sense of closure. "The only challenging part was figuring out how to word it without going overboard," Swang explained. "I felt better after I recorded it because it feels like I got closure on stuff I haven’t talked to anyone about. Verbally saying it helped me get past it." This vulnerability is evident in "Ye Flow," where acoustic guitar melodies meet electric guitar riffs to mirror the emotional turbulence of love.
Swang's evolution as an artist is marked by his determination to break free from creative constraints. Under the name Junior Mahone, he released mixtapes that were predominantly hip-hop-focused. However, he soon realized the limitations of sticking to one genre. "With rap, you can only talk about certain experiences so much before it becomes repetitive," Swang said. "It became harder to actually love the music I was doing." Now, as Swang, he embraces genre-blending to express every side of himself artistically.
Despite his growing work, Swang remains committed to perfecting his craft and building a loyal fanbase. "I’m thinking about an EP," he revealed. "I want it all to blend together very well, so it gives you a different experience without being too much or feeling like it’s too little." Swang plans to continue releasing singles, with "Ye Flow" as a standout example of his ability to balance emotion and innovation.
What sets Swang apart is his dedication to creating music that resonates on a deeper level. "It’s cool to get likes and stuff, but hearing people say, ‘This helped me understand what I was going through,’ is more valuable than money," Swang shared. This focus on connecting with listeners drives him to prioritize feeling over formula, ensuring that each song offers something meaningful.
Swang’s journey as an artist is rooted in authenticity and growth. He reflected on his music career, "The highlight is networking with different people and learning that the music world is smaller than people think. You realize how someone with only 500 followers can make half a million because they write for others." This insight motivates Swang to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.
As he looks to the future, Swang aims to refine his dual talents as a singer and rapper. "If I could ever just force myself to sing more, I could check bases on both sides and give a full feeling of something," he said. With "Ye Flow," Swang proves he’s well on his way to achieving that balance, offering a track as unpredictable and multifaceted as the emotions it captures.
"Ye Flow" is now available on all major streaming platforms. Listeners can follow Swang’s journey on social media and experience firsthand the artistry of an artist determined to make his mark.
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