Jaden is the only sad boy the streets recognize.

Having the world in your palms doesn’t always make you happy. Look at a guy like Jaden Smith: He probably grew up with money, had opportunites to do whatever he wanted career-wise, and has been to some crazy-ass parties. However, he still presents himself as this depressed young adult who can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to his feelings getting hurt. Recently, Jaden dropped a four-track project called 2024: A Case Study of the Long Term Effects of Young Love. In it, he opens up about love, heartbreak, and everything in-between.

In “Roses,” Jaden sounds smitten with love. He talks about leaving roses at someone’s door, Romeo-style, and wanting company in his bedroom. He also alludes to his past relationship with Kylie Jenner, saying he’s happy for her but wishes their relationship had been fluffier. The track is a very serene, featuring pleasant instrumentation, soothing vocals, and a pretty cool rap part.

“D.U.M.B.” is a breakup song where Jaden subtly throws shade at his ex by asking her some lowkey disrespectful questions. One standout moment is when he sarcastically asks if she enjoys sabotaging relationships, clearly a rhetorical jab meant to make her look foolish. Though the track feels somewhat thrown together, I appreciate its frantic tempo, its surprisingly pleasant vibes, and the aggression Jaden maintains throughout. The chorus, featuring altered vocals from a mysterious guest singer, is definitely a highlight.

“Gorgeous” is the quintessential love song. In it, Jaden praises his girl for her natural beauty and her ability to appreciate the simple moments with him. He also muses over her fascination with New York, despite her being from Corpus Christi. The track is backed by a lush, fast-paced beat, infectious melodies, and light, airy vocals. Overall, it feels like something Jaden might have written while sitting in a flower garden.

Ending the four-pack is “The Coolest Part 2.” Unfortunately, I do not know what “The Coolest Part 1” is. Anywho, this track showcases Jaden in full rap mode. He delivers his verses with a cold, slick style, flexing about the women at his side, the lavish trips he’s taken, and all of his pricey possessions. While I’m not the biggest fan of the monotone delivery, I do appreciate that he gave us at least one track that doesn’t lean into the sappy vibes the rest of the project seems to have.

Jaden continues to exist in a world where teenage love dominates. In this world, we get to hear him rap like a cool kid, vent like a troubled teen, and sing like someone who has a very exposed heart. If this is an acquired taste you are OK with, you’ll enjoy this project.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.