“Smooth Operator,” a timeless bossa-nova pop tune from the beloved Sade, has transcended generations as one of the most seductive, elegant experiences known to man. I’m positive it wasn’t pictured as an instrumental made for the dense rhyme schemes and comic-book hero flavor that Ben Reilly’s remix has given it, but “THE SMOOTHEST OPP” has no doubt delivered new life to the track.

Ben Reilly is an ardent curator at heart. His classic rap palette he developed throughout his Brooklyn upbringing partners fantastically alongside his desire to keep his hands on everything his name is attached to. Passion evidently seeps through all that he creates, which first paid off through the release of FREELANCE. This 13-track dive into freedom and the importance of birds in his life-specifically cardinals-was an important milestone for him, featuring massive tracks like “Maytag (Tax Free)” and “Townhouse.” Not only is FREELANCE widely regarded as a fantastic debut, Ben’s cult fan-base has considerably expanded since. 2023 also brought us the Not Your Hero 4 Hire EP, an inspired collection of Ben’s spin on current sounds.

This year is set to be massive for the “Scarlet Spider.” Based on his current endeavors, such as “THE SMOOTHEST OPP” (which has received an abundance of co-signs), and a wonderful rollout for the previous EP, something classic is in the works over in Ben’s camp. From small details such as each syllable’s delivery, to larger aspects like his music videos and visual experiences, he seems to always guide his work to land exactly where he intended. My only wish for him is to continue to be an authentic vessel for creative and personal projects, while continuing to roll out each new effort with fresh approaches. Ben is not only someone to keep your eye on this year, but an artist who will most likely be with us for years to come.