Smokey

When a new artist arises, or a least one that seizes the auditory attention of the masses, comparisons are always made, so the artist strives to differentiate themselves from the limitations set before them. Critical disclaim has left hip hop in a state of upheaval; So amidst the flames of it’s angst hails Smokey. An artist who wants and is determined to bring the fun back to hip-hop, there’s humor in his delivery but Smokey is all about his business, and perfecting his craft. Believing that the hip hop industry is ridden with repetition, Smokey seeks only to bring hip hop forward, by being reminiscent of the past: “people don’t know how to have fun with music, [my music is] something that you can vibe and kick it to, I’m more in the hip hop R&B category, [I] like having that good vibe, I like entertaining the crowd and showing that I have fun [and] I’m always doing something different.”
His name derives from his complexion, and denotes opacity, yet when he’s around he’s the ‘main event.’ Smokey is not just satisfied with flowing on the mic, but encompassing everything that entails being an emcee and an entertainer. ‘I love going on stage, being creative with the whole craft, [and] getting a lot people’s attention.’ Starting out almost 9 years ago, it has been about 4 years since Smokey decided that hip-hop is where he was needed. The lack of faith others had in him when he first told them he would rhyme at a competition propelled him not only do out shine the other contestants but also win. Heralding from Miami, Smokey also identifies with his Haitian roots, but he’s clear to point out “Who I am is what I write about, what I feel is what I rap about. When he focuses on his craft, he individualizes it for that person stating “im getting into someone’s ear.” For him, its not about him being Haitian artist its about him being a good hip hop artist.
It’s fair to ask that since he’s bringing the fun back, does he lack the lyrical content that hip hop is currently deficient of, he reassures that his lyrical capabilities are of no contest. He draws his influence from hip hop artists of the past who made music fun, made it more entertaining to listen to, rather than an endorsed hype to commercially shell out to the masses. In his newly released track “Im a Pimp,” Smokey adds flair and subtle humor and dispenses a dose of his swagger, while Smokilicious inputs some finesse to the hook - adding the ‘enjoyable’ vibe he’s trying to stream out in his music. He’s interested in making music that people can actually relate to, enjoyable and stress relieving. Hip hop was created was from the heart, and Smokey intends to keep it there.