Within 48 hours, the video was pulled for a copyright claim—but the claimant was not Smino’s label (Motown/Universal). The claimant was listed as Nirvanazip LLC , a company registered in Delaware that, according to public business filings, was formed exactly six hours before the video was uploaded.
Though released at the end of 2024, Maybe in Nirvana was actually written and recorded much earlier—specifically during . This timeline places its creation right before the global COVID-19 pandemic and prior to his critically acclaimed 2022 album, Luv 4 Rent .
Maybe in Nirvana is a testament to Smino's consistency, showing that even his "shelved" music possesses a unique charm and lyrical wit that many artists struggle to achieve in their main projects.
: Reviewers like Anthony Fantano found it a bit "underwhelming" compared to the high bar of his previous work but appreciated the versatile fusion of elements .
Maybe in Nirvana is the fourth studio album (and first full-length studio EP) by St. Louis artist , released on December 6, 2024 . The project serves as a bridge between his 2022 album Luv 4 Rent
Think of Maybe in Nirvana not as Smino’s next major step forward, but as a fascinating look back. It’s a time capsule that captures a specific energy—less polished, perhaps, but more raw and unfiltered. For listeners who enjoy Smino’s core artistic traits—his enchanting vocals, his elastic flows, his outstanding beat selection—the album offers plenty to enjoy. For dedicated fans, it’s a gift: a collection of material that was originally part of the Luv 4 Rent sessions that provides further insight into that era of his music.
You look down. Your sneakers have turned into slippers made of cloud and denim. Your phone is gone. In its place is a small, vibrating kazoo.
Smino described the project as a necessary "closure". Although released in late 2024, much of the material was recorded , specifically before his third studio album, Luv 4 Rent
Released on December 6, 2024 , through his independent label Zero Fatigue , the 10-track project runs just under 29 minutes and represents a pivotal, introspective era in the St. Louis artist's discography.
is the fourth studio album by the St. Louis artist, originally released independently under his own label, Zero Fatigue , on December 6, 2024 . The project serves as a time-capsule body of work. It was written and recorded entirely during 2020 before the creation of his critically acclaimed 2022 major-label album, Luv 4 Rent .
The St. Louis Hug (A Nirvanazip Transmission)
's latest project, , is a deeply reflective exploration of his personal growth, loss, and the complexities of finding peace while navigating fame. Originally finished around 2020 but delayed until December 2024, the album serves as a bridge to his earlier work and his 2022 release, Luv 4 Rent . Core Themes and Highlights