A new generation of music is amongst us. Smokedope2016, a rapper from Virginia Beach, has found a way to completely disturb the music industry. With a new sound for cloud rap, using Yung Lean as a diving board for his style, reintroduces cloud rap. Smokedope2016 uses melodic sounds on top of dreamy, unusual beats, with his gruff voice and terse vocal style that’s often found in cloud rap. SD2016 grew up in Virginia and he started making music back in 2022. He came from humble beginnings with his first release, “SmokeShop”. SmokeShop has one of the most unique vibes in his discography, as it captured who he was when he really started his next music ventures. His most popular album, “The Peak,” came out on Jan. 17, 2025. That album launched SD2016’s career.
Smokedope2016 also released a new album called “THE COMEDOWN” on March 27, signifying the end to the trilogy of his albums. This album has not been as well-received as his past two albums, but by no means is this something to skip over in his discography, and it is still a must-listen for Smokedope2016.
“Banshee”
The first song of the album, “Banshee,” sets the mood for the rest of the album with his standard dreamy electronic sound that develops further as the song progresses. It features his vocals and cloud rap beats that saturate the track.
“My Chalice”
The opening beat to this song is captivating and the sharp drums really tie the song together. The adlibs and layering are also new skills for Smokedope2016. This is one of his more experimental songs, but he was able to adlib well and, of course, show that the beat is better than ever. This is one of the best songs on the album, but lyrically it lacks substance; for me, the beat and repetition really make this song work.
“Wild ‘N Out”
This song is where things start to falter for this album after the incredible first two songs. The repetitive lyrics were too much of a standard for this song, giving it a more droning tone than normal. However, this is where one of the common themes of the album comes through, which is mentioning something with inherent risk and then certain negative outcomes: “B**** I’m drivin’ way too fast / I lost sight of the road / Life flashed in front of my eyes.”
“Smoking Kills”
The lower tone voice is really cool; this gives the song a more unique and underground vibe. It replicates some of his early work and can be compared to the song “Khalifa”. The song did a good job of mixing the beat and lyrics. Compared to the other songs in the album, this one seemed to have more passion and personality. Although again, the lyrics don’t quite capture me as much as some of his other songs have.
“Flocc”
“Flocc” has an almost sing-song rhythm, bouncing from lyric to lyric that feels like a creative risk that didn’t quite get pulled off upon first listen.
“How I Bled”
The beginning line of this song is great. When Smokedope2016 starts with an interesting lyric and beat, the song tends to be stronger. This song reminds me most of his album “The Peak.” This lyrically is the best song on the album, as it seems more emotional than the other songs, which makes it more musically interesting.
“Forgiato”
“Forgiato” is a classic example of a Smokedope2016 song with a nostalgic feeling that you can’t quite shake off and lyrics that can be self-aware at times or leaning towards a more bragging tone. “Blood pact do or die with all the homies / I don’t know what’s wrong with me / I guess I’ll keep on going.”
“Be My Zombie”
The sharp noise at the beginning of the song may make me feel a little weird. The first half of the song isn’t as good as the rest. But when Smokedope2016 starts singing “f*** out my face,” the song starts getting really good and the interesting piano noise in the background gives off remnants of YoungLean’s “Agony”. This song does lack the signature Smokedope2016 beat, though. The ending is captivating as the piano is an interesting touch to this song.
“Ozweego”
Starting with a jazz-esque tone, then developing a more standard cloud rap beat with a snapping kick that elevates the song, giving it a more leisurely tone. “Ozweego” is one of the stronger songs on the album and a good departure from what’s the norm for Smokedope20166, which makes his musical future very exciting.
“Famous”
When this song opens up, it feels like I’ve just arrived at Coachella in 2014. The adlibs and layering in this song are different compared to his other work, but it’s a great mixture of nostalgia and new Smokedope2016 songs. Lyrically, this song is the best as the lyrics “I might be famous, but I’m no different than you”/ So anxious feel impending doom,” are more raw and almost feel similar to his other song “EastBay,” which explores Smokedope2016’s journey with anxiety and loneliness. This is most definitely the best song on the album, as he was able to mix nostalgia along with rawness over a completely different type of beat.
“Lips Sealed”
“Lips Sealed” blatantly tells the audience in a classic cloud rap beat the point of the third album in this trilogy, saying “this is the comedown / throw out all the pills.” Highlighting the ever-present self-awareness that’s threaded through these songs that makes smokedopes2016’s music special.
“Lay My Body Down”
The opening of the song again seems to be reminiscent of “Khalifa,” although this song is calmer and has a theme of depression/loneliness. The lyrics “Where you going girl, it doesn’t feel the same without you in my world” seem to be more lyrically genius compared to his other albums and songs. Again, the layering and adlibs in this song are beyond impressive.
“Closing Time”
With a slow start and slower beat, it eases the audience out of this great album, being the most earnest song from Smokedope2016, with the first lyrics talking about his experience growing up and adjusting to the newfound fame he has. “But I miss those days when I was poor / And everything about it felt more real / I don’t like my new story,” said Smokedope2016. “Stayin’ up all night on the games / While my parents fightin’.” With a long build-up in the middle of the song, bridging into him calling this song a “cryin’ out for help,” easily making this his most emotionally tied song and it just so happens to also be incredible.
