In 2026, the sample alchemist returns to his first love with his 11th album, Endless Smile 2. A 16track project conceived as a tribute to his landmark 2015 album Endless Smile, which featured his iconic tracks Betty and Quattendezvous de moi. Born from a desire to return to the essentials, Endless Smile 2 focuses on instrumental compositions enriched with samples and organic textures inspired by the 70s. The album develops a warm and sunsoaked atmosphere, crossed by the melancholic touch that defines Degiheugis musical universe. Recorded between 2023 and 2025 in his studio Endless Smile Records and mixed by his longtime collaborator Mr. Gib, the album opens with the triphop anthem The Last Opening. Far from being a simple introduction, it acts as a true gateway into Degiheugis new sonic journey. Keyboards set the tone, the horn section led by NZeng invites listeners into the groove, while guitars and organic keyboards immerse us fully into his musical world. The scene is set hes back. Among the standout tracks, Aint Goin Down delivers a reggaeinfluenced groove driven by a message of hope, while Vem O Mar feat. Hugo Kant explores funk and tropical soundscapes. Ipanemax, a nod to the classic The Girl From Ipanema, and Ouh Baby extend this Brazilian atmosphere, while Savoir Danser leans toward oriental textures and Juanita Bonita ventures into a bold fusion of cumbia and dub. The album also reveals Degiheugis signature melancholic side. An addictive loop settles deep into the listeners mind as Sympathique et sympa balances nostalgia with urban groove. The haunting strings of Naked and the soul ballad She Worries respectively reflect on mortality and the fragility of romantic relationships. Guest artist Miscellaneous addresses genderbased violence on Love Is Blind, telling the story of a woman trapped in a toxic relationship. Endless Smile 2 closes with Enivrezvous, an outro inspired by Charles Baudelaires poem, bringing the album to a contemplative conclusion. With this release, Degiheugi masterfully completes a musical journey that began ten years ago.
