Presented by Goldenvoice: New Gold Standard
An Interview with D Smoke
October 22, 2025
Growing up in Inglewood, what aspects of the city shaped your artistic perspective the most?
Inglewood to me is a four-point diamond: home, school, church, and the streets. Home gave me love and unconditional support. School gave me my foundations as a writer and a set of friends that I cherish till this day. Church gave me a sense of purpose and connection to a higher power. The streets gave me an edge and a fighter spirit. All of that is reflected in my music.
Who were some artists or mentors that inspired you to pursue this career?
My uncle Andrew and my mother have been my North Star for my entire life. Before I could fend for myself, they were already making music and helping people at the highest level. I’ve seen their lives change from music they created. I wanted that for myself.
How important is it for you to carry the identity of Inglewood into your work on a global stage?
As special as Inglewood is, it’s representative of a certain type of environment that recurs around the world, an environment that is vast, difficult, nuanced, beautiful, and ever-changing. Inglewood is both the hood and the promised land. By representing Inglewood, I’m telling a story that’s more universal than unique. You've been open about uplifting your community through education and music. What role do you think music plays in creating opportunities for young people in LA? I’m of the belief that once people discover themselves through life experiences and art that resonates with them, the world naturally opens up to them. Music helps us shape and find ourselves. It validates our experience. Even if I didn’t choose rap, great rap introduced me to my best self, and from there anything is possible.
How important are artist-owned entities in creating community and opportunities for discovery? After your participation in the Party In My Living Room activation at Coachella with GV Black, who is an artist you'd like to see perform next year?
Artist-owned entities move our communities forward in beautiful ways. Party In My Living Room is an example of that. I’d love to see Sherie and Iman Europe do something special with them.
Wake Up Supa recently came out this year. How do you feel this project builds on or differs from your earlier releases? Was there a particular story or theme you wanted to center from the start?
This project is supa special to me. This is the first project where I produced nearly half of the songs on there. It has all the elements I believe should be in a D Smoke album, from live music to thoughtful lyrics, but there’s a special amount of care and lived experience that’s in this one. Plus, we got a new angel blessing this one.
You've spoken about making music that's bigger than just yourself. What conversations do you hope this album starts within your community and beyond?
This album should spark conversations about love, loss, community, resilience, grief, gangsta sh*t, and more.
Is there a particular song you'd tell someone to start with if they wanted to understand where you're at right now?
At this point in my life, “Frequency” would be my first recommended song, then “Biscuits,” then “Count Cha Blessins,” then “Na Na Na.” Those would give people the full picture.
What can your LA fans look forward to for your upcoming show at El Rey Theatre?
Being from LA, it’s important to give an incredible experience to the hometown fans. As an artist, and a storyteller, I love connecting with my LA people because those fans know best what the music speaks of and who it represents. I look out into the crowd and see so many familiar faces, friends from different times, family, former students, and loved ones. This experience will be live. It will be intimate, and it will be special.
