MusicsWeek: How did you get started in music?
Smartzee: From a young age, I would sing along to my favorite artists across all genres, often hiding in my room to learn the lyrics to every song. At 18, some friends invited me to a community recording studio to experience studio recording. After a few sessions, I couldn’t resist the urge to create my own music. I wrote my first lyrics on the spot and started rapping, and from that moment, I knew music would be a part of my life.
MusicsWeek: What inspired you to become a musician?
Smartzee: Music has the power to convey deep messages—whether it’s about inspiration, motivation, fun, or sharing personal stories. For me, music became a way to express emotions I couldn’t share otherwise. Growing up in an environment where vulnerability wasn’t encouraged, music became my outlet. My struggles and experiences inspired me to use music as a voice for myself and others.
MusicsWeek: Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing?
Smartzee: I was born in Benin, Africa, as the middle child in a family of five. We didn’t have much until my father, a self-made salesman, worked tirelessly to build a name for himself. Life was stable until we had to leave our country abruptly due to political reasons. This led to a nomadic life, moving to different countries, but the time we spent in France stood out the most. We started from nothing—project housing, food stamps, unpaid rent—but through it all, my family’s bond kept us strong. These experiences shaped my resilience and outlook on life.
MusicsWeek: What's your favorite memory related to music?
Smartzee: One of my favorite memories is meeting Fredwreck, the legendary producer who’s worked with artists like Snoop Dogg and Britney Spears and is now part of Dr. Dre’s team. Being in the studio with someone of his caliber for the first time was unforgettable. The professionalism, creativity, and sheer energy of that session were inspiring and taught me a lot about the craft.
MusicsWeek: What's your biggest passion outside of music?
Smartzee: I’m passionate about leadership—it’s something I’ve studied, practiced, and made a career out of. Over the past 15 years, I’ve grown as a corporate leader and taken on roles that allowed me to mentor and inspire others. Additionally, I’ve been a soccer coach for the past eight years. Coaching is another form of leadership but in a different arena. Both fields challenge me to bring out the best in others and constantly grow myself.
MusicsWeek: How do you stay motivated and inspired?
Smartzee: I have a personal routine that keeps me grounded and focused. It starts with an early morning session of sports and meditation, where I align with my goals and visualize what I want to achieve. Musically, I draw inspiration from all types of music—whether it’s hip-hop, soul, or even other genres. This blend of structure and creative exploration keeps me energized and inspired.
MusicsWeek: What's your favorite song to sing along to?
Smartzee: Two songs I always come back to are 2Pac’s “Keep Ya Head Up” and “Thugz Mansion.” They resonate deeply with me, both in their messages and emotional delivery.
MusicsWeek: What's your creative process like when writing songs?
Smartzee: When I have a beat, I immerse myself in it, playing it on a loop to feel the vibe and direction. This often leads to random words and sentences, which usually form the foundation of the hook.
If I’m writing without a beat, I focus entirely on the message I want to convey, giving me complete creative freedom.
In both approaches, I pay close attention to cadence, rhyme, and flow to ensure the song feels cohesive and impactful.
MusicsWeek: Do you have a favorite album or artist that influences your work?
Smartzee: 2Pac is undoubtedly my greatest influence. His ability to blend raw emotion with powerful storytelling is unmatched. I’m also deeply inspired by Scarface, Jay-Z, and India Arie, who all bring unique perspectives and styles to their music.
MusicsWeek: What's the most challenging part of being a musician?
Smartzee: The creative process itself is exhilarating and never dull. The biggest challenge, however, is getting your music out there and sharing it with a wider audience. As an artist, you believe your music can make an impact, and the drive to reach people who need to hear it is both motivating and challenging.
.jpeg)
COMMENTS
Leave a comment