kinsmuv

Specific labels elude Kin Smuv’s 360 degree entrenchment in music. From soulful crooning exposing his singing prowess to relentless rapping playing on his narrative nature to his leadership and guidance when producing and engineering for a variety of acts – Kin Smuv is a musical mosaic of talents, influences and experiences. Although he didn’t put together his first project until 2003, Kin Smuv’s ears were working overtime from the very beginning of hip hop as a genre. Speaking with a nostalgic tone, Smuv remembers his cousin showing him Kurtis Blow’s “The Breaks” and following the lineage of hip hop through Sugar Hill Gang to Run DMC and LL Cool J. He felt the energy and thrived on its intrinsically new sensibilities. This was fresh, this was dynamic, this allowed for lawless creation. But hip-hop was even more relevant because of the type of music that surrounded it according to Smuv. Growing up, his parents cultured him with music by the likes of Miles Davis, Curtis Mayfield, Glady’s Knight, Teddy Pendergrass and Kenny Rogers among others, which became the well he would later draw from. It was way back in grade seven that Smuv stayed back during recess with a few friends, pulled out the tape recorder and started freestyling over a live beatbox. But instead of simply having some fun and leaving it at that, Smuv decided to take the recording home and listen to it a few more times. Somewhat impressed with himself, he moved to the pen and soon found a new portal for his ideas, boasts and insecurities in life. Initially keen on being the MC in the group, Smuv hooked up with his cousin Rush to form the group Xplicit. With Smuv, Rush and DJ Mercilless his other cousin, on production, Smuv released the “Streets President EP.” Two years later, an extended version including some new songs along with remixes was released as an LP. But soon Rush wanted to branch out and produce for different acts so the group split, but Smuv remained a willing collaborator with Rush while Smuv and DJ Mercilless formed a new partnership, building a recording studio together.“I do like collaborations,” says Smuv from his apartment on the east side of Toronto. “Who wouldn’t want to work with someone creative who brings something new to the table. I’m not concerned with taking credit for everything, collabos sometimes can really amplify our creative energy.” By this time, Smuv was also making beats to compliment his raps which helped him create a new project two years later called “I’ve Got The Juice.” A play on the popular movie featuring Tupac, the mix CD featured the likes of Bishop Brigante, Lady Justice, Izhe Da’ Kid, Elliot Scars, Droops, Ras Thug, Kid Cocky, and Stretch Diesel. This is when Smuv’s truly eclectic abilities rose to the forefront. As a member of a collective called S.L.U.G., he would often produce a beat, write a verse, and record the song himself in his home studio. “The method to my madness switches all the time,” says Smuv who at this time was also embracing his singing abilities. “I’ll start with the snares sometimes, or maybe the piano another. Sometimes I’ll make a beat with a verse I’ve already written in mind. Or other times I make the beat then start thinking of the concept of the song whether it’s the melody or the hook all together and just figure out a direction.” Becoming an all encompassing artist meant Smuv wasn’t preoccupied with being viewed as any single entity. Now he’s not a rapper, he’s not a singer, he’s not just a producer, he’s an entertainer with an ear for quality, a heart for sincerity and a mind made for music.