Avg Rating: 
3.9 ( 23 total votes )
(iam) James Wade - Smile
Artist: (iam) James Wade
Producer: Sinima
Album: Popular Stranger
Label: Unsigned
Having ruined my share of family photos with grotesquely artificial grins (it isn’t easy to maintain a pleasant expression while being forced to stand absolutely still for 15 damn minutes), I’ve made it my policy to avoid faking cheerfulness whenever possible – even if the results aren’t always pretty. Of course, it’s not difficult to “Smile like you mean it” when you’re flying as high as Booth newcomer (iam) James Wade is on this standout mixtape cut, as Sinima‘s stirring piano-string beat (sampled from UK singer/songwriter Mika’s Any Other World) serves as backdrop for the Stone Mountain native’s poetic braggadocio. Though James kicks things off with the ceremonious lines, “The crowd favorite, they bow down / Crown David…,” he shows a more humble side on the back end, acknowledging that the real reason he’s grinning is because he’s been blessed with the opportunity to reach people through music. With this fresh, reflective cut as an introduction, JW should live up to the name of his new mixtape and become a very Popular Stranger in the Booth. If you like what you’re hearing, you’re in luck – the street album dropped on Feb 24, and is available now online.
This song first appeared on the
Independent Chart
on March 15, 2010
Listen to More: (iam) James Wade Written by richard
More From (iam) James Wade
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11633 |
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I've never been a fan of sampling trendy UK artists (that is not a bandwagon you need to jump on just to do it), but its done very very well here by Sinima (nice spelling, ha!).
James Wade, other than representing the last names of NBA players I hope will be Chicago Bulls next year, comes correct here. He doesn't bowl me over, but he is consistent from start to finish. 
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 272 |
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that sample is kind of weird...i see where he was going with this song...but something is missing...he got some bars, but i heard it...bad engineering...flow is ok...it aint on point...dudes got potential but he needs to step up if we want to hang with the big boys...
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 116 |
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I have to admit that the opening for this track was a little strange - I didn't really know where it was going - but once it got started I was hooked. I think this is one of those "let it grow on you" tracks.
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 544 |
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Agree with Matthew.
At first I didn't think I was gonna like this but toward the middle of the song it grew on me. I actually thought the hook was pretty dope after the song ended. Dope song for James' first. |
| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Smile is no the top song on this CD so if you love this youll love the others. Dude is damn good and I'm keeping my eye out to see what else happens from this guy.
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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This song is awesome...James Wade is sick...his whole new album "Popular Stranger" is legit
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I agree with constaca, Wade has got some fire, this song is an example of that I believe, his bars are clever, the beat is hot in my opinion. I think this song is sick. I am eager to hear more for Wade.
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I heard this song in Cali cuz I get down with my man Ill Will, I like it cause this dudes bringin somethin different to the game, you know like changin up things doin stuff we havnt seen. But of course when you bring somethin new people will be heisitant to like, but like most yall said it grew on you. I think this dude could be on to something!
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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James Wade is dope. I heard his music before, he be doin big things out in Ohio. I really like this track!
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 2476 |
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The beginning of this reminds me of that Google commercial. I can't be the only one. Anyway, overall this is undeniably quality music, thanks in no small part to some on point verses from James Wade. I could have done without the sped up sample on the chorus, but it's a small complaint. I'll take more from Wade anyday.
Really Z? You had to work in the Bulls? It's a good thing the man's not named Lebron Wade, you would have lost your mind .
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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Pretty enjoyable...
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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Lyrics are decent, I suppose, cos the beat overpowers his voice. Couldn't hear the verses clearly. Rotation-Stuff.
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 13 |
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didnt like the start was going to change song but got in to it when he started spitting like this song
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| Posted on Mar 09, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1305 |
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I like this for some reason.
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| Posted on Mar 11, 2010 |
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| Posted on Mar 14, 2010 |
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The song is catchy. Been listenin to James Wade back when he was william blake. Definitely stepped his flow up and production.
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| Posted on Mar 15, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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this track is nice... made me check out the whole mixtape and it does not disappoint -- gotta keep me posted on him!
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| Posted on Mar 16, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Hip hop needs more guys like this, period, its like smart but entertaining - im feelin this, what else does he have?
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| Posted on Mar 16, 2010 |
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| Posted on Mar 16, 2010 |
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| Posted on Jul 19, 2010 |
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i like dis good
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| Posted on Sep 17, 2010 |
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| Posted on Dec 27, 2012 |
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