Remember Smiley from Drake’s hit ‘Over the Top’? Well, he’s proving he’s got plenty more to offer on his own. The OVO artist has just dropped ‘Never Box Me In,’ an expanded version of his earlier project, ‘Don’t Box Me In,’ adding five fresh tracks to the mix.
Expanding the ‘Don’t Box Me In’ Project
Released on November 7, 2025, ‘Never Box Me In’ builds upon the original nine-song set with five new additions. This mixtape showcases Smiley’s signature charisma and unique delivery, making him the undeniable star of his own project. It’s a clear statement that he’s carving out his own lane in the hip-hop scene.
While collaborations with Drake, like ‘2 Mazza,’ have put him on the map, Smiley is demonstrating his ability to captivate listeners with his solo work. This extended project offers a deeper dive into his artistry and sound.
Tracklist Highlights
The mixtape features a solid lineup of tracks, including collaborations with notable artists. Disc 1 includes songs like ‘Bob Curry,’ ‘Oliver North,’ and ‘Ratchet Baby (feat. Roy Woods).’ Disc 2 continues the momentum with ‘Budge,’ ‘6ixSideKids,’ and the Drake-featured ‘2 Mazza,’ alongside other tracks like ‘Money Feen (feat. Icewear Vezzo)’ and ‘Big Dog (feat. Baka Not Nice).’
- Bob Curry
- Oliver North
- Ratchet Baby (feat. Roy Woods)
- Faddah
- Not a Fan
- Budge
- 6ixSideKids
- 2 Mazza (with Drake)
- Kept Snowin
- Trapman (feat. Why G)
- Money Feen (feat. Icewear Vezzo)
- Big Dog (feat. Baka Not Nice)
- Wave The Flag
- Spill The Tea
Singles Leading the Way
Prior to the release of ‘Never Box Me In,’ Smiley dropped three singles that gave fans a taste of what was to come: ‘Spill The Tea’ on September 19, 2024, and ‘Budge’ and ‘Money Feen,’ both released on January 31, 2025. These tracks have already built anticipation for the full project.
Smiley’s ‘Never Box Me In’ is a strong follow-up that solidifies his presence in the music industry, proving he’s ready to step out of the shadow of collaborations and into the spotlight.
Have you listened to Smiley’s ‘Never Box Me In’ yet? What are your favorite tracks? Let us know in the comments below!