He was like “ it’s cool man, come down ,” so I’m like ehhh, alright bet, and I slid. I do my thing, Zero Fatigue.Īnd then JID hit me, that’s my brother. Anyone that knows me, knows that I don’t work with people much. S: When I first got the to go to the Dreamville sessions, I said nah to my managers. LL: How did your work on Revenge of the Dreamers III come together? But I didn’t like it, so I just freestyled a verse and he put it on his album. He texted me and was like, “ I want you on this song. Chance? Real n***a, like he’s your cousin or some shit. LL: Aside from the Grammy, another huge moment for you this year was being featured on Chance the Rapper’s “Eternal”. I was like damn, I’m finna move here, these n***as speak English?! They’re beautiful, and they love my music.
I took my whole band - a bunch of black people that never been to South Africa before, period, no part of the motherland before. S: I’d say that rapping took me back to where I’m from. LL: What has been the biggest achievement in your career thus far? ” She’s more happy about me telling her I’m about to buy my sister a car for Christmas.
” She expects a lot out of me so she was tweakin’, but at the same time, she was like “ That’s wassup. I said, “ Ma, you know, I got nominated for a Grammy or whatever. My momma was tweakin’ when she found out that I was Grammy-nominated. I’m in LA, and it ain’t no love, it’s work, straight up. “ Ay, where you at? You good bro? You want food? We cookin” - all that type of shit I get that here so it’s love. Any time I’m playing in Chicago, I feel like I’m at home. S: This the crib! Chicago shows are like my second home. Now, coming back so much further down the road, how does it feel to perform here? LL: You moved to Chicago in 2013 without any money. On behalf of myself and all the fans who attended Red Bull Music Festival this year (both in Atlanta and Chicago), thank you.Ĭonversation slightly edited for content and clarity. From hosting panels to throwing shows, supporting creativity, and so much more, they’re one of few companies truly invested in fostering talent. Genuinely, few brands have supported rising artists as much as Red Bull has, and continues to do. Note: Special thanks to Red Bull for the opportunity. Louis’ own here, or read the transcribed conversation below! If anyone is wondering where that kid who slept on the floor of the studio is, I can assure you he’s alright. But if his track record should indicate anything at all, it’s that the ride is far from over.Īs they say, the thrill of life is progress. Finally, in 2019, it felt as though the “mainstream” got its first taste of Smino, to which the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Year after year, he’s built upon a slow-burning base of success, constantly growing without compromise. This allegiance to foundation is what makes Smino’s career such a thrill to watch. It took me to the motherland, to South Africa. Rather, it was that “r apping took me back to where I’m from.
In fact, when I asked Smino the biggest accomplishment of his career thus far - just days after he was nominated for a Grammy, might I remind you - he didn’t mention the sold-out shows, the accolades, or even the money. Led by bursts of vibrant vocal runs, coordinated dance moves, and a dizzying sense of Southern-soaked soul, the conviction in Smino’s performance said that he didn’t forget who that kid was. In front of an exhilarated Thalia Hall, I was surprised to notice that these humble beginnings didn’t seem too far out of reach. He slept on the floor of a cramped recording booth, convinced that at some point or another, Plan A would pay off. You see, at one point in his life, Smino moved from St. Entering the stage with the same effortless cool that swept across his introductory album, blkswn, Smino won the night before it even started. And tiring, probably.īut on November 23rd, the wear and tear of a restless year, bounded by success, refused to be seen. Louis mainstay embarked on the 33-stop Hoopti Tour, directly after releasing his critically-acclaimed album, NOIR. A few months before that, Smino offered a standout performance on Chance The Rapper’s highly-anticipated album, The Big Day. A few days prior, he was nominated for his first Grammy Award in light of his contributions to the renowned Revenge of the Dreamers III. On November 23rd, coordinated by Red Bull Music Festival, Smino played for a sold-out crowd at Thalia Hall in Chicago. Photo by Pooneh Ghana / Red Bull Content Pool