Ché Noir and 38 Spesh are reaping the rewards of their experiences with “Smooth Jazz” - Atwood Magazine.

      Che Noir’s “Smooth Jazz,” featuring The Other Guys and 38 Spesh, captures lessons learned from the past and transforms them into a strong, confident, and positive force in the present.

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      “Smooth Jazz” – Che Noir ft. The Other Guys, 38 Spesh

      Ché Noir’s “Smooth Jazz” serves as a reminder of how to transform misfortune, loss, and life's challenges into something positive. Escaping from despair and bitterness can feel like attempting to conquer the tallest mountain, appearing almost impossible. Taken from her recently released album No Validation, a collaboration with the Washington, DC-based production duo The Other Guys, “Smooth Jazz” offers a boost of self-worth and confidence, lifting the heavy burdens many people carry. It stands as a hip-hop anthem that emphasizes harnessing confidence as a positive force, converting difficult lessons and obstacles into limitless possibilities. With the album titled No Validation, the song embodies the spirit of self-empowerment, encouraging listeners not to wait for others to define their worth. This reflects who Ché Noir is and what she represents.

      No Validation – Che Noir & The Other Guys

      The track opens with a jazzy horn that sets a mid-tempo melody, maintaining a sustained note at the end. Following that note, a second trumpet joins in with a high-pitched sound, creating a perfect contrast that drives the song's rhythm. A well-timed bass thumps along with sporadic piano keys, reminiscent of raindrops in high tones, crafting a cinematic atmosphere.

      Ché Noir weaves her raps effortlessly over The Other Guys' instrumental foundation. Her flow is smooth and engaging, and her storytelling is both clear and inviting. She embodies the essence of “Smooth Jazz” with calm confidence, creating a distinctive aura. A particular line in the third verse resonates powerfully:

      "When in debt from paying dues, I was cashing in lessons,

      This passive income doesn’t come from being passive-aggressive."

      Noir transforms debt into lessons, both lyrically and practically. Her choice of words carries significant weight, especially in her clever use of "passive." She asserts her active role in generating passive income, and whenever doubt arises, she reinforces her statement immediately afterward. The trumpets, drums, and bass form a continuous loop throughout each verse, with multiple bars and no chorus. The jazzy yet assertive beat maintains a steady rhythm without an overwhelming burst of energy. While the tempo remains consistent, the song serves as a reminder to embrace confidence and continue progressing.

      Smooth Jazz – Che Noir, 38 Spesh, The Other Guys

      The track features Rochester, NY emcee 38 Spesh, who joins halfway through with a rich tone, further enhancing the song's theme.

      "The way that I speak

      just increases my believability

      it’s deep

      me and the streets got a lethal chemistry

      and I turned that shit to a legal entity."

      Similar to Noir, 38 Spesh transforms negativity into something positive, turning "lethal" into "legal entity." His flow often feels conversational, and his pauses between phrases demonstrate a masterful use of space. The brief pause after "it’s deep," and a longer pause after "me and the streets got a lethal chemistry," add texture to his delivery, allowing the beat to continue.

      There’s a cyclical quality to this song, acknowledging the energies around us and our ability to channel and transform them—a constant metamorphosis. Listening to the track evokes a self-assertive courage, like a pep talk before work, a meeting, or a confrontation, inspiring calmness and readiness to channel that energy.

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      :: stream/purchase No Validation here ::

      :: connect with Che Noir here ::

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      “Smooth Jazz” – Che Noir ft. The Other Guys, 38 Spesh

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