Kyle's Smyle shines

There’s a new school in hip-hop — one heavy with live instrumentation and musical experimentation, containing the energy of gospel choirs and a glimmer of positivity unheard since the days of the Native Tongues posse. These qualities stand out in the music of Chicago newcomer Kyle and his sophomore release, Smyle.

Joining the ranks of Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa, Kyle’s Smyle plays through and through like a rap album defiantly pushing to be more than just that. On “Don’t Wanna Fall In Love,” Kyle’s voice gracefully weaves its way between bars with smooth sung verses all laid over a funky electronic beat that holds loyalty to no generation. This characteristic refusal to work within any stylistic boundary is a dominant feature throughout the record, most prominently on “All 4 You” (featuring Malaysian indie-pop singer Yuna) and “Endless Summer Symphony.” It is in these moments that Kyle displays his ability to blend the rawness of rap music with the jubilance and energy of dance, gospel, and funk — an act he does so with fearlessness.

In a post-millennial hip-hop world that has seen and accepted the vulnerabilities of next-generation rappers such as Drake and Kid Cudi and — more importantly — taken these features in as refreshing qualities rather than a disservice to the culture, it has become easier for albums like Smyle to shine. It is in this evolving standard of sound and attitude within hip-hop that we can only hope Kyle and his new school continues.

• Album: Smyle
• Artist: Kyle
• Label: Indie-Pop
• Songs: 1. The Force 2. Feels Good 3. Summertimesoul 4. Don't Wanna Fall In Love 5. Endless Summer Symphony 6. Really? Yeah! 7. Deepest Part of Me (Interlude) 8. Superduperhero (feat. SuperDuperBrick) 9. All 4 You (feat. Yuna) 10. Remember Me? (feat. Chance the Rapper) 11. All Alright 12. Dewwutitdoez 13. @Foundbae (feat. Je$$e)