RESPECT. Interview: Mike Smiff Talks "Wanted More," Being Mentored by Trick Daddy & More

Florida native Mike Smiff is All Gas No Breaks! By living the lifestyle and sticking to the true meaning of it, Smiff has released his appropriately-titled debut project, which boasts special appearances by Trick Daddy, City Girls, Boosie, and more. The “Who Want Smoke” rapper is coming up by living through the struggles and talking about it, giving hope to anyone who is going through it!

We caught up with Mike, who spoke on how it is working with the aforementioned featured artists, the meaning behind the lyrics on “Wanted More,” receiving encouragement from his mentor Trick Daddy and more.

RESPECT.: How did you get your artist name? Or is that your real name?

My real name is Michael Smith. It is shortened to Mike and the last name I changed the “th” to “ff.” Many people know why I changed it because of where I am from.

Photographer: Malik Alrahim @iammalikalrahim

RESPECT.: Why did you name the project All Gas No Breaks?

It represents hustling and not having a plan B. I have been rapping all of my life. I did my first rap when I was in the second grade. I took it seriously when I didn’t have a choice or no option. I didn’t have any money but had talent. I keep telling myself to keep going.

RESPECT.: As your single is getting airplay, what is your story behind the music?

“First 100” is a vibe that gave younging a check! Coming from nothing and been hustling by stepping out on faith and feeling like you want to quit isn’t an option! I have been grinding for 10 years to get signed a deal. We are going to continue to work hard and keep pushing!

RESPECT.: How was it like working with these artists who were featured on the project?

It was beautiful. It wasn’t about just the features. It was how the record came together and it was dope. The Boosie experience was dope! I listen more than I talk. I watch his vibes and how he listens to the track over and over until he gets it right. It shows that he cares about the music and the delivery of it. You have to be confident with yourself by how the work ethic is. With the City Girls, I had three sessions with them. She made sure everything was right.

RESPECT.: Trick Daddy is your mentor, and I see that you have a feature with him. How were the vibes like working with him? What influenced you or advice did he give you?

He took me on the road to the ‘Legends of the South’ tour to be his hype man. He made me spit 16 bars with the crowd. Most of the crowd was urban and hood. With the advice he had given me, I had remembered one show that was an-all white crowd. He told me to not judge because they had came to see a show. They know who the artists are, and we give the people what they want.

RESPECT.: Explain to us more about the “Wanted More” track.

It makes you want more at life when you see people struggling everyday. We look down on college kids but give props to a man who comes home from prison. It’s a different situation by willing to accept what life to be more of.

RESPECT.: What did you want as the message in your music to bring to your fans?

Hope. I have a voice that is voiceless. I seen what I have seen and been through what I have been through. Life is a mess. I had seen and lived where dads aren’t in the house, borrowing money, getting food stamps, and etc and that is normal to me. It is normal for parents and grandparents to bury their child. All lives are different, and I want to show life isn’t a mess. When getting out of the hood by getting to the money and wanting more!

RESPECT.: Define RESPECT.

Showing integrity. Respecting everyone around you and for yourself.

RESPECT.: Will you be performing anytime soon? Festivals? Tours?

This month, I will be in the Southern coasts: Georgia, Louisiana, Florida and the Carolina states performing my latest project!