Meet Smarts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Smarts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Smarts, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
I haven’t fully read the Bible but hands down it is the book that has impacted me the most in my life. I recently had a super natural experience and it reminded me of what was written in Ephesians 6:12 KJV,
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
I’m pretty sure I visited a house with supernatural activities to say the least.
And other sayings like, “no one can serve two masters,…” That one I find true especially in a work place.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say what sets my music apart is a mixture of my personal experiences and all the topics I spend time learning about.

I’m excited about my new project, “Chief Sessions”. I spent years working with known artists I listen to and respect as fellow lyricists. I really took time to gather the right sounds and artist I could to create this project.

Getting to where I’m able to collaborate with known rappers wasn’t easy. I had to earn their respect as an artist and rapper. I started writing lyrics to my favorite beats and kept refining my cadence and flow at open mics. I became noticed more and more and got a chance to do major shows featuring Red Man, Fat Joe and local well known artists.
I overcame most challenges by making an attempt. Your’e not going to be the best the fist time you pick up the microphone but after time and practice perhaps you can be good or even great. Learning how to come up with a catchy melody can be difficult but after trial and error it too can also become easy to overcome.
I’m learning to not be so critical of myself when it comes to my music. I carefully craft my lyrics, melodies, cadence and flow to the music while others just try to freestyle jibberish through the whole track, even though it may be catchy.
I’d like the world to know that if you listen to my lyrics, they will find that there actually is a message behind the music that Is tailored together to rhyme in a manner that creates a melody. There is an essence of my entity in every bar I write because it stems from the seeds that have been planted in me since the day I was born.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Around Boyle Heights are the following: One of my morning spots is Milpa Grille on Cesar Chavez Ave. The brothers that own it have an amazing fried chicken breakfast sandwich or if you’re not into eating meat they have a brussel sprout option and it is just as good. Their coffee is also hand crafted with lots of care, my favorite has been the lavender horchata iced latte made with rice milk, lavender syrup and topped off with cinnamon. Since it’s been real hot lately I switched from iced coffee to their refreshers, they have a Berry Jamaica and a peach citrus honey that really do refresh.
My friends enjoy music and that includes vinyl. One spot I recommend checking out would be Sonido Del Valle on 1st. I like spending time looking through old records and listening to new old music. As a musician I’m always looking for new sounds that help inspire me.
After all that record digging, I’ll probably have a cold beer down the street at Distrito Catorce, They have good atmosphere, good food and different beer on tap. If we are looking for a fast Mexican meal Al &. Beas is a staple here in Boyle Heights. They have the best crispy tacos around.
Stepping further out down Cesar Chavez we would visit Union Station for some architectural inspiration. The station is still being used for filming and observing the Station you can see why, everywhere you look you see a combination of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco styles that captivate the eye.
Another place I like taking my guests from out of town is the Hollywood sign. We can take a long walk up to the sign through the neighborhood or drive right up and hop off to catch some spectacular views.
Some of my friends love being in nature, one place I love going to outside the city is Sequoa National Park, going there is like visiting another world. You really feel small when surrounded by giant sequoia trees.
One of many pleasures we have in Los Angeles is a little farmers market filled with cannabis vendors. There are a few that pop up in the city and usually have a live dj, food and drinks. The sesh is full of interesting people from all walks of life all coming together to enjoy their love for marijuana.
I live and work close to the Art’s District. There are plenty of places there to eat and drink. I’ve spent many fun nights visiting the local breweries like Art’s District Brewing, Angel City Brewing & Boomtown Brewing.
We would visit Placita Olvera for a quick stroll after Union Station. Olvera Street has lots of souvenir shops and restaurants and museums. The area is full of Mexican culture and has Avila Adobe, oldest house in Los Angeles built in 1818.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all I got to give thanks to the all mighty up above for blessing me with friends that encourage me to continue with my music. I could not have done half as much with out them. Like most artists, I can often procrastinate due to me being a perfectionist. This is one reason I wait for some time to pass so I can learn more and continue perfecting my craft. Special shout out to my fellow Nasty by Nature crew member Iggz with vocals and beats, Tavoliviano on beats, all the other MC’s who contributed to my music and all my fans supporting my music through social media.

Instagram: @smarts_musick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartsMC/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smartsmusick

Other: https://www.n1m.com/smartsmusic 

Image Credits
I have rights to all images used. Pics by: @Johneeblazelbc @adiroxstr