Rapper SMILEZ recently unveiled the music video, “I Hate My Ex,” an anthem for the heartbroken, off his debut album Ur in My World, which dropped not long ago.
Over a beat loaded with trap and bass, SMILEZ chants out his resentments toward his ex. Not only are the lyrics catchy and ready-made for stadium-wide shout-alongs, but they also express a multi-dimensional break-up experience. At times vengeful, and other times wistful, SMILEZ gives us what we most love about him: his unique ability to express a full range of emotions without sacrificing savagery or swagger.
Dripping in the perfect concoction of irony, nostalgia, and attitude, SMILEZ’s music, style, and personality resonate deeply with listeners across multiple generations. Influenced by acts ranging from Green Day to Tupac, the LA rapper can strut with swagger onto any stage and with any artist.
But it’s his friendship and collaborations with 6ix9ine that have become the stuff of legends; he appeared as the only independent artist featured on his pal’s 2020 album Tattletales, queuing alongside superstars Nicki Minaj and Akon.
The music video for “I Hate My Ex” radiates with SMILEZ’s signature style. Flipping through a digital yearbook of exes (played by SMILEZ’s army of Insta model friends), we carousel by the women of his past.
Tattoo.com caught up with SMILEZ to talk about the inspiration for “I Hate My Ex,” how he got started in music, and how his unique sound evolved.
What inspired your new single/music video, “I Hate My Ex?”
It was actually a song I made a few years ago, but I always thought it had a strong hook so it kind of stayed on my mind. It’s just that feeling of regret in hindsight on past relationships, and it’s just a feeling everyone at some point can relate to.
Who directed the video and where was it shot?
I directed the video. We shot part of it in a warehouse downtown, and we filmed the other where I live; we have the garage painted yellow so we can film videos whenever.
Where are you from?
I’m from Dallas, Texas. But I’ve lived in LA since I was 12.
Did your hometown have an impact on your sound?
Yeah, it instilled this natural rebellious mentality in me; Dallas can be a very clean-cut place, so it made me always want to go against that.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
Yeah, it’s always naturally evolving; it’s whatever I feel like making at that time. I’ve always been into hip-hop and punk-rock, so I kind of always stay in that world.
How did you get started in music?
I got into music when I was like 9 years old, and I loved it so much, I just knew I had to do something in that world.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?
Yeah, of course, I’m inspired by everything. I would say I’m mainly inspired by emotions and internal processes that happen. Writing can help you understand yourself and almost be a spiritual experience.
What can you share about your writing process?
I write about everything; nothing is off-limits, but I try to focus on stuff I’ve actually experienced and understand.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
Lil Uzi Vert – yeah, guys like that are just in their zone right now.
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs?
More music and more projects.
