Late rapper Juice WRLD and R&B singer-songwriter The Weeknd released their collaboration single "Smile."
Rap and R&B fans can find the lyric video of the song on Juice WRLD's official Youtube channel. It premiered on August 7, 2020. The Weeknd announced the release of the song four days prior.
As of this writing, the "Smile" music video has about 4.5 million views and 442k likes. There are also over 36k comments, with some pointing out the original title as "Sad" and a mixed reaction on The Weeknd's addition.
Juice WRLD's parts were leaked last July 15, 2018, with an unfinished verse reserved for The Weeknd. The original title was "Sad," and it ran on a different beat, produced by Nicholas Mira, as compared to the one in "Smile." The song's beat was remade several times before it eventually ended up with a remake of Mira's leaked beat. It features heavy bass drums, consistent hi-hats, and occasional claps to create the beat.
The music video centers on a black artist majestically crafting a somber yet vibrant painting of Juice WRLD and, later, of The Weeknd. While this is happening, the lyrics are shown at the bottom.
Juice WRLD wants fans to "Smile" in new single with The Weeknd
The lyrics in the song are somewhat of a foreshadowing of the rapper's tragedy.
The catchy chorus goes, "I'd do anything in my power to see you just smile, I want you to prosper and come proper even if that means I ain't by your side," while the verse eerily mentions "devil on my shoulder tellin' me I'll die soon. I don't want that to impact you."
It is not unusual for Juice WRLD to talk about death, inner demons, and relationships in his songs. This song seems to imply that he knows something is out there to get him, so he wants the best for his girl - and maybe, his fans. He wants those he loves to smile and become successful even when he is gone.
Juice WRLD, born Jarad Anthony Higgins, died of a seizure last December 2019. He died in a hospital but had a seizure while his private jet landed in the airport. According to medical examiners, the seizure was the result of accidental overdose by mixing potent painkillers.
After his death, his posthumous studio album "Legends Never Die" soared to the top spot on the Billboard 200. The song "Smile" is included in that album.
The late rapper is also known for his other emo-rap hits such as "All Girls Are the Same" and "Lucid Dreams." Both of which made it to the Billboard Hot 100.
As for the Weeknd, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye is best known not only for his mainstream R&B songs but also for his mystical identity. He is best known for hits such as "The Hills," "Can't Feel My Face," "Blinding Lights," "Starboy," and "Heartless." His song "Earned It" was featured in the erotic movie "Fifty Shades of Grey" and he has also worked with Ariana Grande on "Love Me Harder." His most recent work is "After Hours," his fourth studio album under XO label and Republic Records.
