As Toronto rapper Smiley61st unveiled his anticipated new project, Don’t Box Me In, on Friday (June 13), a key production credit was shared by Boston-based music producer Yo Zay Waddup. The producer took to Instagram to announce his work on the album, drawing attention to the collaborative effort behind the boards.
In his post, Yo Zay Waddup pointed to his contribution on the album’s second track, “6ixSideKids.” He detailed that the production was a joint effort between himself and fellow producers Clemsy and THEGLITCH, showcasing the collaborative nature of the album’s soundscape.
The nine-track project, released to an eager fanbase, boasts a high-profile feature list that includes Drake, Why G, Icewear Vezzo, and Baka Not Nice. The OVO head, a vocal supporter of Smiley, appears on the track “2 Mazza.” Other notable collaborations see Smiley team up with fellow Toronto artist Why G on “Trapman” and OVO Sound’s Baka Not Nice on “Big Dog,” alongside a feature from Detroit’s Icewear Vezzo.
While Smiley61st celebrated the release with a shoutout to his collaborators, writing, “Don’t box me in ❌📦 Out now!! Shoutout everyone involved and shoutout my fucking big bro @champagnepapi for being such a goat my guyzerrr 4L❤️😈,” the announcement from the production side highlights the intricate work that went into crafting the album’s sonic identity.
The arrival of Don’t Box Me In serves as a significant release for Smiley61st, further solidifying his place in the current hip-hop landscape. For the producers involved, landing a credit on a project featuring an artist of Drake’s caliber marks a notable achievement.
Smiley61st’s Don’t Box Me In is now available on all major streaming platforms.
