Image Credit: Google Images
We were introduced to D Smoke by the popular Netflix music competition Rhythm + Flow show in 2019 — hosted by Cardi B, Chance The Rapper and hip hop legend T.I. Even then we saw the potential of a rising intelligent rapper that could one day take the industry by storm. On Tuesday (November 24), the 2021 Grammy nominations were announced and Inglewood, California bred Daniel Farris professionally known as D Smoke was nominated for Best new artist & Best rap album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards for his debut LP, Black Habits.
Growing up he had always been around music so the idea of him being a rapper was already embedded– his brothers singer SIR and Davion are also both apart of the music industry. Farris graduated from UCLA and was a Spanish and music theory teacher at Inglewood High School. He formed his woodwork label and since then has continued to keep his foot on the gas as he aims for success. He independently released his debut studio album, ‘Black Habits’ on his record label, Woodworks. His most recent album featured artists Jill Scott, his brother SiR, and Ari Lennox, and reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. During our talk he mentions rappers like — Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, Andre 300 in his Top 5.
The 63rd Grammy Awards show will air live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on CBS, January 31.
We had a chance to speak with Daniel to talk about his early music inspirations growing up in California, biggest revolutionary rap artist in his opinion, being nominated for ‘Best Rap Album’ in a category amongst some of hip-hop’s best lyricist, Top 5 rappers, what to expect from his Woodworks label in 2021 + much more.
Check out the interview highlights below:
When he knew he wanted to pursue rap music.
How many doors ‘Rhythm & Flow has opened for him.
The first thing he purchased with prize money from Rhythm + Flow.
Music inspirations growing up in Cali.
Advice his brother R&B singer, SIR, has given him as he adjusts to fame.
Pushing education through his music and the youth.
What to expect from his formed record label, Woodworks in 2021.
Did he expect to ever be Grammy nominated?
Out of the 4 rappers on the ‘Best Rap Album’ category who would he like to collaborate with?
Names his Top 5 rapper all-star roster.
Biggest revolutionary rap artist of all-time.
What RESPECT. means to him.
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