Smoothe Da Hustler - Interview "THE Hustler's Theme"

Representing out of Brownsville, Brooklyn, Smoothe Da Hustler represents the very essence of grimy, east coast hip-hop! Problem is, over the years people have lost track of history & because he didn’t share in the commercial success of other artists coming up at the time (Nas, Biggie, Jay-Z), I have to set the record straight. Smoothe independently pressed his first 12” “Hustlin bw Broken Language” in 1995 and set in motion what would materialize into a record deal with Profile, and his debut album, “Once Upon A Time In America.” True hip-hop heads file “Once Upon A Time In America” amongst the rawest street albums ever released, but sadly the sales never quite matched the respect that the album had on the street. Everytime you hear the word “hustlin’” or “hustler” in a track today, chances are it came from the blueprint that Smoothe Da Hustler laid down on his first track, “Hustlin.” The B-Side to that track, “Broken Language,” ended up being his most popular track; it sounds like a crazy back and forth freestyle session between Smoothe Da Hustler & his blood brother, Trigga Tha Gambler. Have a listen…

Smoothe Da Hustler & Trigga Tha Gambler – Broken Language

Unfortunately, industry politics are an impeding force in the industry, and it does not always reward those who work the hardest, but instead those who sacrifice their integrity the most. When Smoothe was on the come-up, he was in the same league with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, but his label didn’t give him the same support as other artists received – couple that with the death of his older son’s mother & Smoothe was forced to take a step back from the industry. As for integrity, you have to appreciate how difficult it was at the time for him to shop his music to labels – naturally, they wanted him to switch his style and make more commercial music, but he held his ground & put out a project that was true to his life at the time. If you doubt his talent – think on this, Smoothe Da Hustler was considered for the group, “The Commission,” which would have been him, Jay-Z & Biggie – imagine if that had happened?! While you think on that, enjoy this next track with is called, "Even Da Odds" - the lyrics are crazy...

Smoothe Da Hustler Ft. Trigga Tha Gambler – Even Da Odds

Smoothe recently released his street album, “Violenttime’s Day,” as a reintroduction into the game & to let people know he never truly left. While it had been a minute since we heard tracks from Smoothe, if you listen closely to artists that have been out the past 10 years, you can see the effects Smoothe has had on the game. Check out “Food For Thoughts” off “Once Upon a Time In America,” and then go listen to Jadakiss’ “Why” and see that Smoothe did it 12 years sooner lol. Most recently, Method Man & Redman even remade “Broken Language,” which I thought they could have done better, but it is still proof that his older music left a dent in the game. Peep this last track, "Way Back: Pioneer Tribute," off the new album, where Smoothe Da Hustler shows love to fellow MCs in the game - then enjoy the interview Smoothe & I knocked out for y'all. Peace, SAV*ONE

Smoothe Da Hustler – Way Back (Pioneer Tribute)

01. What's good, Smoothe? It must feel amazing to get back out there and let your fans know you are still putting out good music?

Yeah, definitely…it feels real good. I never left, but was on more of a hiatus…but I'm back full time wreckin' rap sessions.

02. Your first album, "Once Upon A Time In America" (back in 1996) is considered a classic by all true hip-hop heads - how do you feel "VIOLENTTIMES DAY" compares to your first project?

It doesn't compare to it. My first album, I was extremely hungry, so I was more determined to make a mark, just due to the competition at that time, because it was good competition. I wanted to get in with my own niche and make my mark…you had cats like Jay Z, Biggie, Nas, out at the same time, so those were the caliber of dudes that were out at that time, so I had to get in there to make a mark as well. Violenttimes, it was more just to get everyone's ear wet again, and familiarize the new cats to who I am, and address some of the issues that I have witnessed throughout my career and throughout the game—up to now. Plus, I felt it was time to go back to being independent. The game is so redundant, that I wanted to come out with this album, and set this album differently than what is out now. I wanted to 'violently' slaughter the game…period.

03. Broken Language & Hustlin' were so ahead of their time - did you realize you were on some next level shit when you made those tracks? Must have been hard (at the time) to sell street tracks like that to labels though, no?

You answer the question for yourself…LOL! YES, it was extremely hard to be a real rapper, kickin' that real, raw grimy shit, and then have the label suits be able to accept it. At the time, they wanted me to change my name, change the content of my songs…hustlin' really didn't have a place in the game…EVERY label was tellin' me that…but now you hear people sayin' their hustlin' all day long…I didn't want to conform, and all of that that they wanted me to change…they still were sayin' they wanted street, too…what an oxymoron.

04. Speaking of Broken Language, what are your feelings on the remake by Method Man & Redman? Does it humble you to see that your music has actually inspired other artists?

It truly does…from Jay Z to Jermaine Dupri, to Method Man and Red…it was a big up…that validates what I suspected…you can't deny my mark, even if you wanted to…not tryin' to sound cocky, but that was my attitude coming in the game…I will not be denied…people will know me.

05. Who did you work with on "VIOLENTTIMES DAY"? I'm sure people are especially eager to know what the relationship between you & Trigga is like these days?

Well, first off, Trigger is my blood, younger brother, so we're always going to be tight. The process of this album was that I just laid them where ever I was, and then when I got back home, I had thirteen tracks, so, initially, it was just going to be a mix CD. I worked with my home team—Trigger and DV Alias Khryst, and some up and coming producers—Sir Blody, El Sheriffo, Crummy beats, Bitter Harvest.

06. Industry politics played a big role in your decision to take time out from making music, but now that you are back, do you feel that the industry might be in worse shape now than ever? As an experienced artist, I am very eager to hear you speak on this, so air out what you think is f'd up in the game.

First off, I'd like to say that Hip-Hop has come a long way…so, to speak on a positive note…it helped bridge the gap between racism, social economics, around the world. But, I feel two ways. It became real wack…I mean, Itunes and Rhaposody is a record label now…it really doesn't make sense...the big wigs in high positions don't really know music…the game is just f'd up…it doesn't cater to realism, creativity…it's totally about money…once money superseded creativity, it became a sinking ship. Now it's up to the individual artist. It will never be the 90's again…but whatever it's going to be, SMOOTHE DA HUSTLER will be in it to win.

07. What advice would you give to artists coming up in the game today? Are there any new artists you are listening to these days or would like to get on a track with?

My advice to the up and coming…be YOU as much as possible…don't try to be anyone else…don't base your level of success on the next man's growth…keep your publishing…NO MATTER what, be real to yourself, and don't be afraid to pay people for their work…because it helps you. I like cats like Common, Kanye, Talib Kweli…I wouldn't mind doin' a collab with Fergie, Timbaland, Dr Dre and Eminem. On some left field shit…Bounty Killer…

08. Besides the "VIOLENTTIMES DAY" album, what projects can people keep an eye out for from you and the crew? Are there really talks of a cartoon being put out? What can you tell us about your SMG label?

A single series from myself…ten singles…along with behind the scene footage…studio sessions, shows…and we're ironing out the kinks now - that is why it is so great being independent. Cartoon is still in the works…it was a little harder than what we thought, but we don't mind the hard work…big ups to Russell Harv…the creative director behind the project. The label is a small imprint label, and we're still in the process of hiring people…graphic artists, producers, web administrators , promoters, publicists, videographers, photographers…get with winning teams…they thought that my record was ahead of the game…well, my brain is always advanced in my thoughts…

09. With your track record for putting out dope music, I feel like this album should sell itself -- has it received as much support as you'd hope it would?

It's a slow grind…I'm used to starting stuff from sea level, but I DEFINITELY want the DJs to jump behind it and support real Hip-Hop…I am 100% behind it, and it's also about shows, and it is behind my own imprint. So, the streets are loving it, but the mainstream are not playing my type, so I know it takes a little longer, but real DJs know what time it is, and Hip-Hop is living inside of me everyday.

10. I wanna take this time to thank you for doing this interview with us; it was a true honor to build with an artist who already has classic music that everyone can go cop and is still putting heat out there for everyone enjoy! Now that I got that out of the way ... Is there anything else YOU would like to share with readers or whoever, before we say peace?

You'll be able to go to www.smoothedahustler.com to follow the day in the life of me, and my life as an independent, hustlin' cat. You can check me out on my official MySpace page, myspace.com/smoothdahustler. Be on the lookout for the cartoon—Big Wheelz, and Trigger tha Gambler's album…First Time Around, Second Time Coming…it will be digitally distributed first. Shouts to DV Alias Khryst, Dynazte/Da Govamynt, you, and all the people who hold me down daily…I appreciate it…

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