1. Artist name and where did it originated from?
My artist name is DSmith. The name is just my first name's initial and my last name. I wanted my artist name to represent me and who I am and so I stuck closely to my real name.
2. Where are you from?
I am from Joliet, IL aka the 815! My hometown, the place whereany dreams don't come true.
3. Influences/inspirations?
My greatest influences come from the people around me and the artists from my town that inspired me to start creating music. They inspire me to the fullest. I work hard to reach new heights to pave the way for any artists that I inspire.
4. What makes your music different than other rappers ?
I have always felt like my style of music is different than what you would normally hear coming out of my city. I put my heart into these tracks. I don't sit and write with other artists to come up with ideas, I wrote everything I have ever dropped on my own--i stress this a lot because my music is an extension of myself so I don't really feel comfortable with making music that sounds similar to other artists.
5. Dream collab?
My dream collab would be working with Chance the Rapper. The man is incredibly talented and very influential. Every artist should want to be in the situation he's in.
6. Favorite rapper and why?
My favorite rapper right now is Chance the Rapper because he is living every artists dream and that's to be successful and do it without the backing of a major label. On top of being consistent with every release. Thats what every artists goal should be.
7. Where do you see yourself In 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself making a very comfortable living off of music and taking care of my family and friends with doing what I love.
8. Favorite album?
My favorite album of all time would have to go to "The College Dropout" by Kanye West. That album was so different and I would play that album start to finish when I first got it.
9. Upcoming projects?
I am currently working on new music for an artist from the UK. I am doing a collab with him for his upcoming label album and I am very excited about the record because his style isn't "Hip-Hop/Rap" but he felt like I could add my style of rap to his music and the outcome is incredible. There's also my follow-up mixtape to "XIII: Stories Never Told" which I am beginning work on this year. I'll be dropping singles from that mixtape in the near future.
10. Fun fact about you?
Fun fact: I am a very skilled gamer. Have always been into video games and computer technology since I was a child. Someday I wish to create a story for a videogame that would grow into a huge franchise. I write stories as well as music and would love to see them come to life in the future.
