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Rhythm + Flow is a Netflix competition series that launched in 2019, featuring hip-hop artists competing for a chance to showcase their talent. Judges T.I., Cardi B, and Chance the Rapper lead the contestants through a series of challenges to determine who is the best rapper among them.
D Smoke appeared as the first winner of Rhythm + Flow in 2019, which greatly affected his career. Now, he's on the rise as a Grammy and NAACP Image Award-nominated artist, recently signed to Snoop Dogg's Death Row Records and participating in the Mayor of Kingstown series.
From Rhythm + Flow champion to rising star
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Before winning Rhythm + Flow, D Smoke managed a job as a music theory and Spanish teacher at Inglewood High School while expanding his craft. His early music career included a publishing deal alongside his family, contributing music for artists like Jaheim.
However, his victory on Rhythm + Flow brought him broader recognition for his bilingual lyricism, seamlessly blending English and Spanish in his verses. Following his win, D Smoke released his debut EP, Inglewood High, in 2019, showcasing his storytelling and lyrical abilities.
His momentum continued with his 2020 debut album, Black Habits, which earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best New Artist.
Growing up in a musical family
Music was a part of D Smoke’s life from an early age, influenced by his mother, a backup singer for Tina Turner, and his uncle, who played bass for artists like Chaka Khan. His family connections exposed him to professional music environments, allowing him to explore his passion.
He created his first beat at just eight years old. Growing up in Inglewood, he drew inspiration from the mix of beauty and hardship in his neighborhood, which shaped his musical perspective.
Early this year, D Smoke lost his mother, a figure who had a lasting impact on his life and music. To honor her memory, he and his brothers shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on August 31. In the post, the three brothers gathered, singing A Song For You, a piece that held deep meaning for them. Captioning the video, D Smoke wrote:
"This was our connection. Me and my momma sat at the piano and sang, and it filled my heart with joy. One more time my love, A Song For You."
Grammy nomination
D Smoke’s Black Habits album received significant recognition for its storytelling and garnered critical acclaim in the industry. At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, Black Habits earned him nominations for Best Rap Album and Best New Artist, placing him alongside established names like Nas.
D Smoke welcomed the acknowledgment, expressing admiration for his fellow nominees and reflecting on his journey as an emerging artist.
Later, his contributions extended to another Grammy nod, as he was recognized at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, for Black Radio III.
Acting and community projects
In addition to music, D Smoke has pursued acting, returning to a field he explored in the early 2000s with guest roles on shows like CSI and Boston Public. He recently appeared in Mayor of Kingstown and portrayed himself in the Bel-Air reboot.
Beyond entertainment, he remains dedicated to his community and is working to restore a local boxing gym, providing a space for local youth in Inglewood.
From the point of signing into Death Row Records, D Smoke went on to create his further career in music, acting, and social work. His projects, therefore, are his explorations of creative ventures while continuing to be faithful to his roots in Inglewood.
Recent Instagram updates
D Smoke frequently shares updates with his followers on Instagram. On November 2, he announced taking part in the NovaMen campaign along with Love Island USA's Korde1ll.
On October 23, he posted about his role on Mayor of Kingstown, hinting at developments for his character Raphael, captioned,
"Not the outcome Raphael expected during this break in."
Rhythm + Flow season 2 premieres on November 20 only on Netflix. Tune in and witness an in-depth look at D Smoke’s journey from competitor to winner in Rhythm + Flow.
