About Me
A product of the Motorcity, Detroit, MI. LaMar "Smoktagous77" Johnson was gifted by God to be a drummer! As an infant, Smok would sit on his grandmother's lap and play along to the gospel choir at his childhood church. As the years passed Smok became very involved with the local music scene playing for most of Detroit's premier gospel performers, gospel stageplays..."IF THESE HIPS COULD TALK", "WHY DO GOOD GIRLZ LIKE BAD BOYZ", & "I WON'T BE THE OTHER WOMAN"!!...even Motown legends, Ali Woodson (Temptations) and The Floaters!!! During summer breaks, Smok worked with Francisco Mora (Sun Ra Arkestra,) sharpening his skills and experimenting with different cultural styles of drumming. He has recorded with Wanda Nero Butler (Live in Birmingham, Sound of Gospel Records), Straight Gate Mass (Expectations, Bajada Records), and Mauretta Brown-Clark (By His Grace, Atlanta International Records) just to name a few. To this date Smok has performed and toured with some of the world's top artists ranging from the gospel pioneers, Tramaine Hawkins to Kim Burrell, and also from the soulful R&B vocalist, Chico DeBarge to LaTocha Scott (XSCAPE). Smok's unorthodox drumming style, and impeccable rhythmic approach have earned him endorsement contracts with Abbott Drum Works, Silverfox Drumsticks, Turk Masters Cymbals, Luen Drumheads, Axis Percussion and currently now an affiliate of SESAC ...DEUTERMONY 33:11 NIV "Bless all his (my) skills, O Lord, and be pleased with the work of his (my) hands. Smite the loins of those who rise up against him (me); strike his (my) foes till they rise no more."
