Jamal Gasol & SayZee Return With “Smoke Wave 2”: Niagara’s Cross-Border Duo Elevate the Craft
Niagara’s underground is heating up again as Jamal Gasol and SayZee reunite for Smoke Wave 2, the long-awaited sequel
Niagara’s underground is heating up again as Jamal Gasol and SayZee reunite for Smoke Wave 2, the long-awaited sequel fans have been waiting on. With both artists repping opposite sides of the border—Gasol from Niagara Falls, NY, and SayZee from the Canadian side—the duo is back with sharper chemistry, heavier production, and a renewed hunger that reflects their growth since the first installment.
Set to drop exclusively on Bandcamp on December 8, Smoke Wave 2 taps into raw storytelling, elevated craftsmanship, and the unmistakable grit that has become a signature for both MCs. In this conversation, the two break down their creative process, the meaning behind key records, and why this project is a major moment for the region they proudly represent.
INTERVIEW
What inspired you both to come together again for Smoke Wave 2, and how does this project build on the first installment?
Jamal Gasol:
Me and SayZee been cool for some time, so when we linked up for Part 1 and heard how that came out, we had to run it back. Just giving bars over fire production at a consistent pace pushed our pens—especially mine.
SayZee:
It’s really about chemistry. We’ve known each other like 17 years or more. When we linked up, it was easy. Plus we both from Niagara—Canada and USA sides—so it made sense.
How would you describe the energy and sound of this sequel compared to the original Smoke Wave?
Jamal Gasol:
More energy. More live. I was on shrooms for most of Part 1, but not this time, and I still came up with some ill shit.
SayZee:
This shit is straight butter. Clean sound. I think we perfected it the second time around. Dope production and we’ve both been evolving since last year.
What made Bandcamp the right platform for an exclusive release on December 8?
Jamal Gasol:
Bandcamp lets us upload immediately. Other platforms need approval and processing. And Bandcamp is where I seen my first real dollar—being able to set your own prices. I’m using all platforms, but Bandcamp gets it first.
SayZee:
We wanna SELL this album. Streaming is cool and it’ll be there eventually, but we wanted to give people a chance to support the work.
Were there any themes, moods, or stories you explored this time that didn’t appear on the first project?
Jamal Gasol:
We wanted to represent this part of the map to the fullest. Niagara Falls is known for tourism, but not music internationally. We put on for the area intentionally—to shine light on unknown talent.
SayZee:
We always tell hood stories and talk about the come up, but we’re also on some grown-man shit this time. The album reflects our growth.
How did your creative chemistry evolve during the making of Smoke Wave 2?
Jamal Gasol:
Weed and life itself. I gotta live to have something to talk about.
SayZee:
It was easy. We did this tape in a few weeks while working on other albums. It came naturally.
Break down one track that defines the tone of the release.
Jamal Gasol:
The first track we did was “Who Was There” by The Standouts. I was home with an Achilles injury, thinking about how sometimes you really only got yourself. I just put my life thoughts into the music.
SayZee:
“Weak Hearted,” produced by me. We talking about mama cleaning the house, playing that 90s shit. The whole album got that vibe.
Who helped shape the sound of Smoke Wave 2?
Jamal Gasol:
We used our own producers—brought the best beats together. SayZee makes his own beats too, so he asked which ones we should use.
SayZee:
One feature: Lord Juco. Production from Sonny Carson, Denny LeFlare, The Standouts, Finn… plus some from the first album. Straight fire.
What challenges did you face creating this sequel?
Jamal Gasol:
Not too many. Maybe just getting to the studio. I write fast when it’s time. A few typos on artwork and credits, but nothing major.
SayZee:
This was easy. We decided to do a part 2 and got busy. Everything happened naturally.
What do you hope listeners take away from Smoke Wave 2?
Jamal Gasol:
I hope they give it a shot. Some people say they’ve seen my name but never checked the music—and when they do, they don’t regret it.
SayZee:
I want people to realize we’re built different. We come from a place where it’s brutal outside. We wanna show the world Niagara got something special.
What’s next for each of you after this collaboration?
Jamal Gasol:
I’m working on an audiobook for my next release. I wanted to do a short film, but I think I’m starting with the book I wrote in 2018. And I got like six more tapes ready.
SayZee:
A whole lot of albums. We both just dropped projects in October. No slowing down when you know your capabilities.
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