art by @cepenwhy

SmooVth, pronounced how you probably just read it to yourself, is quite literally what you experience with his pallet. A calm aura, consistently maturing, that is respectively reminiscent of an Evidence or Ka in terms of delivery. It’s refreshing – something like a deep inhale-exhale or the satisfaction from your first whiskey shot of the night. You know, that quiet inner relief? That’s SmooVth.

For background’s sake, if you missed his previous releases you can handle that now and thank us later. As of recently, the New York City native has been under The Winners umbrella, an exquisite collection of emcees, singers, and producers. No, we don’t use the word “exquisite” to fill in this paragraph mindlessly – they’re special. This is fly, luxurious hip-hop that strays rather far away from the in, mainstream sound of today. With elastic content and unpredictable lyrics, SmooVth and The Winners are easily one of the most exciting collective’s making noise in the underground. Do note that SmooVth also recently made his production debut alongside Hus Kingpin and yU, which you should check out and will certainly be hearing more of.

“Road Warriorz” features Milano and Sean Rosati on guest verses and Vic Grimes on the boards. We could go on for hours about these artists, but for now we will let the record do the talking if you’ve never heard them rhyme before. SmooVth is currently wrapping up his forthcoming ‘SS96J‘ (Smoothest Since ’96 Jay-Z) full length album, which is set to be released this spring. It is very much his most anticipated release to date, and features quite a few notable emcees – from Planet Asia to Hus Kingpin. Be prepared and enjoy this new leak while you wait. Peace and love.

SmooVth at Band Camp

Statik Selektah x SmooVth (Showoff Radio – Shade 45)

Rap Is Outta Control (interview) w/ SmooVth and Marvelous Mag

The post SmooVth Drops Off New “Road Warriorz” And Brought A Few Friends Along appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Cover Art: @cepenwhy

You can ride waves in any weather with Hus Kingpin’s bodies of work. Not just ride the wave, but feel the cool breeze and euphoric undertones. They’re rich lyrics – which should leave you with a new found respect for emcees who can handle their wordplay. Did we mention the amount of co-signs and green lights he has received over the years from some of our pioneers and current staples? (see interview below)

Aside from the aesthetics, let’s note his consistency these past few years. On the independent scene, we all know that’s beyond crucial. Hus never leaves his fans to run for dry – always releasing random, sporadic singles with little warning. This is commendable and appreciated. Rookie emcees – take notes.

But forget all the fly words here – listen for yourself and catch up on his previous releases if you haven’t yet. Peace and love:

If someone is just now getting familiar with Hus Kingpin, how would you describe yourself in a few short words?

I’m a Brooklyn born MC representing Hempstead NY – half trini, half Bajan – wavy rhyme lord influenced by Nas, Noreaga, Dj Premier, Roc Marciano, Jay Z, Trap Music (laughs) – strip clubs in Atlanta – warm cognac and LA weed.

You live on the west coast now but still represent your hometown Hempstead in a lot of your records. Can you talk a little bit about your experience on the west coast and how the relocation has improved your craft, if so?

The first person I met when I moved to LA was Planet Asia. He came and scooped me and we copped some jerk chicken. Asia then took me around to meet everyone from Krondon, to Evidence, to Alchemist, to his GCM crew. Planet Asia also introduced me to Raekwon for the first time. I love PA. Everything in LA is glorious. Good weed always helps me with writers block. There are also great shows out here. Shout out to Fashawn as well, he’s a good genuine young shooter.

One thing listeners may notice is your open ended, free flowing content and your ability to allow us to paint our own pictures with your lyrics. What’s your writing process look like?

Writing process is all about energy for me, the perfect time is usually fresh out of the weed dispensary or when I’m with Rozewood who also lives in LA now. I usually go to the studio and smoke, chill, then I’ll probably fall asleep, I hate writing in the studio, but I’ll do it with the right energy

You really excercise the moniker “Lord Wavy”. It goes beyond the typical rapper’s nickname – so much that your rhymes often feel like we are riding a sonic wave. Was the Lord Wavy stamp a natural development? How did it come to frution?

“Lord Wavy” came from listening to Max B in NYC. I liked his style. It’s unfortunate about his situation. And yes it was pretty natural to form into Lord Wavy after meeting Big Daddy Kane in Queens when I was 18. He told me he’s leaving the torch for me. That was a bugged out moment in time.

The Winners is a powerful team of recording artists with some of the most natural chemistry we’ve heard in a while. Can you discuss how the team operates? And is longevity instores for The Winners?

The Winners is like TDE meets Wu-Tang. We’re all rhyme lords but not mega conscious with it – it’s all about the style and saying things that people have never said before. We have SmooVth from NY, Rozewood from NY, Sean Rosati from Boston, JuneLyfe from Boston, Sage Infinite from New Jersey, Marvelous Mag from NY, Giallo Point from UK, and singer El AY from UK. We’re going to wave up this year. Mega longevity – be on the look out!

To close this out, what does Hus Kingpin have planned for 2016? Any live shows, projects, collaborations etc.?

I’m dropping my debut in-studio full length album finally with some fly guests. Planet Asia is executive producing one of my LP’s coming. Roze and myself are finishing the Snowgoons album. Audible Doctor and myself have a project coming. SmooVth is going to break the Internet with his new ‘SS96J’ release. I got some beats from A$ap Ty from A$ap Mob. I got some new material with Marco Polo and a few other secrets underway.

Do you have any shoutouts? If so, shoot, shooter.

Shoutout Tommy Boy Records, Planet Asia, Evidence, Alchemist, Big Twins, Jazz and anyone else I forgot! Thank you.

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