Smartzee ’s LEGACY is a rare thing: a raw, unfiltered hip-hop album that says what it means and means what it says. The Beninese-born, French-chart-slaying MC is reclaiming something. And he’s not doing it quietly.
The opening tracks set the tone like a punch to the gut. “Back Down” hits with the urgency of someone who’s had to fight too many silent wars, both on the streets and in boardrooms. Produced by Rujay, the beat swings heavy and wide, but Smartzee doesn’t get lost in the noise. He spits like a man who’s taken every corporate handshake and childhood memory and stuffed it into a verse that demands your respect. The message? He’s never backed down, and he’s not about to start now.
Then there’s “Walk This Way,” which is autobiographical catharsis. Produced by Anywaywell, the track is a self-liberation anthem layered in emotional fatigue and gritty determination. It’s the kind of song that reminds you hip-hop isn’t just about flex—it’s about freedom.
Smartzee’s strength has always been his versatility. He’s got European R&B hits under his belt, ghostwriting credits, and a knack for hooks. But LEGACY finds him leaning into something deeper: full ownership of his voice. There’s no radio polish here, no TikTok-ready dance breaks. Instead, LEGACY is textured with personal weight—songs like “One in a Million” and “All of Me” crack open wounds and stitch them shut with bars.
