Emerging rapper/songwriter Darian Smith Jr. unveils his latest project, ICONiC, a 9-track body of work that captures his go-getter mentality and resilience. Title Iconic, for a reason, the project embodies his competitive spirit and growth as an artist who is willing to push beyond their comfort zone to achieve success. The project was crafted during his run in the annual America’s Next Top Hitmaker 2025,  and was produced and mixed by producer THE MOST HIGH SAV, who lends his expertise behind the boards to create the right sonic landscape for Darian Smith Jr. to paint his verbal pictures.

The first track,  “Goat ≠ SHEEP,” is self-explanatory from the title. Still, Darian Smith Jr goes deeper than the superficial as he embodies his true potential and flexes his lyrical biceps against the obstacles that come with standing up for one’s beliefs. Using a classic Muhammad Ali press clipping to set the stage for the forthcoming onslaught of lyrical bravado, the rapper steps up to bat and cuts to the chase with lines like “I’m wide awake, I can never follow with the weaks/That type of shit get you Slaughtered in the streets/Like right away/Follow black rappers on the meet like andale/drop a litle game when we speak.” This leads into the anthemic “THE PPL’s CHAMP,” which brims with urgency and is bolstered by a cinematic backdrop. Once again, Darian Smith Jr reiterates his stance as the next in line. Armed with his laidback flow and well-crafted lyrics that exemplify his lyrical status. In “SAY AYE,” he takes us on a trip down into his stomping grounds and the different characters that fill his world. His storytelling skills are remarkable as he carefully unveils each element and how each is threaded into the other. One can visualize his words and be transported to the scenery as he kicks his bars on wax. In the reflective “GET DOWN,” he talks about his journey in the game and his antecedents as a true resident who walks the walk and never backs down; however, before that, it’s a short interlude “ONE FIST,” which serves as the perfect introduction.

The boxing theme continues with the interlude “7TH ROUND,” which is triumphant with blaring horn stabs, punchy drums and vocal snippets from the classic Ali movie. Other dope tracks include the bravado-driven “PLAYA’s TALK” featuring THE MOST HIGH SAV and “MR SMITH II.” The former sees both rappers trading bars over a solemn backdrop, while the latter is a showcase of Darian Smith Jr’s songwriting skill as he takes it up a notch with expressive flows, unapologetic bars laced with bravado and a whole lot of imagery to match. The final track, “TIME IS NOW,” has a jazz/soul vibe and sparse grooves and sees the rapper bringing it full circle with a high dose of self-affirmation after a phase of self-doubt. He crafts an engaging and relatable piece that sees his older and more experienced self coaching his younger self with Lines like  “Sick and tired of being sick and tired/the emotions I done felt/Now we here, got my older self talking to me now/Here is your corwn is what that nigga said, wiping off my frown/Spirit glowing, can’t be afriad to show it, hopefully you know it/Every time you step, you making wave, bigger than this moment.” This underpins his growth and the character development that follows after going through the proverbial fire of life.

Overall, ICONiC, serves as a snapshot of the life of a young man whose mission is ongoing. He acknowledges his flaws and mistakes and is growing into the very being he promised himself. In summary, this is just another stepping stone towards his goals. Darian Smith Jr

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