I Smell Like Pizza (Released March 17, Associated Acts) is far from what you’d expect if one was to be foolish enough to judge a book by it’s cover-or in this case, title. Yet, if you are expecting to have all your assumptions about independent hip-hop challenged then I Smell Like Pizza is precisely that. Knowing the difference between comprise and compose is key to understanding the truly hybrid nature that is ISLP. Blacksmith is able to bridge together the best of many worlds with scintillating blends and juicy wordplay. Comprise is to consist of; ISLP is comprised only with the elements of hip-hop that translate well from region to region, genre to genre-BASS. With bass that rattles the trunk and has a consistent groove without drowning the exuberant voice of Blacksmith out ISLP will keep the listener centered on sounds that inebriate the eardrum. Compose means to make by adjoining parts and/or ideas. ISLP has retained an artsy feel without being yuppie or faux-east coast.Gone in hip-hop is the ability to create within a context of art. Hip-Hop is largely become a competition of media conglomerates hyping their newest pickaninny until they sale or fail. Nonetheless Blacksmith uses the rhythms of jazz, the word play of hip-hop, the party-style sound engineering of rock-n-roll and the harmonies of R&B to engender feelings normally reserved for weddings and Super Bowls. Accordingly Blacksmith is not your typical hip-hop artist. The intangibles of charisma and authenticity ebb through the speakers for a feel that reminds you of the theatre lights going off-it’s show time. Atypical artists-stereotypically, challenge the norms and questions our inherent social structure: not Blacksmith. By combining the rhythmic harmonies of jazz with low-end theory Blacksmith has found a way to edify himself and the listener while hip-hop and the familiar themes of sex, drugs and fun are echoed in manners that allow one to participate in them without guilt nor criminal charges. ISLP is comprised of eight (8) songs, however there are at minimum, twice as many styles incorporated into the production all blended to mathematical precision. The intro track, Still Standing has an underscore that could’ve been written by R.L. Stein himself as the goosebumps permeate orgasmicly thru your speakers. Your favorite song from the album is not up for debate, yet the best song is debateable. But the infectious song Drugs is undoubtedly a superb display of rap prowess. With production that mesmerizes the listener and enchants your inner rapper, Blacksmith ‘makes a baby’ with the beat. Every artist has a song that is derived from their personal experience: but not many have a song that you can experience. ISLP is an experience-an audio movie that puts the listener as the central character. Hope you like your pepperonis. Javier Toussaint Album: I Smell Like Pizza Artist: NoCoast BlackSsmith Label: Associated Acts LLC Rating: 5/5 Available: Spotify, Google Play, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, AssociatedActs.net Album Quote: ‘Sip on a Heineken, mix it with the crispy creme drugs and the vicodin…” From: Drugs (Track 6)