Loud Magazine: How did you get started in the music industry?
Smartzee: It all started when I sent a song to a friend who co-hosted a late-night radio show. He played it on air, and somehow, that record made its way to Nâdiya, a renowned French R&B artist. The next thing I knew, her team at the label called me, asking if I’d collaborate with her on a track. We recorded Et C’est Parti in 2004. The song took off—it topped the charts for weeks and remains iconic, still playing on TV shows, radio, and at concerts today. That moment was the spark that ignited everything.
Loud Magazine: What's the best advice you've received about the music industry?
Smartzee: The best advice? "You might come into the industry for the love of music, but remember, it’s a business. Stay focused, and don’t let yourself get swept away by the fairytales." It’s a lesson that keeps you grounded while navigating the highs and lows.
Loud Magazine: What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your career so far?
Smartzee: Two major challenges stand out.
First, the company you keep matters. Early on, I had a few of the wrong people around me, and it taught me the value of surrounding yourself with individuals who share your principles. I am glad today to have kept alive the connections with the people whom I shared the same values with.
Second, I was rapping in English while living in France—a unique position at the time. People appreciated my performances, but I didn’t fully fit into the local music landscape. It was hard to carve out my space, but times have changed for the better, and I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.
First, the company you keep matters. Early on, I had a few of the wrong people around me, and it taught me the value of surrounding yourself with individuals who share your principles. I am glad today to have kept alive the connections with the people whom I shared the same values with.
Second, I was rapping in English while living in France—a unique position at the time. People appreciated my performances, but I didn’t fully fit into the local music landscape. It was hard to carve out my space, but times have changed for the better, and I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.
Loud Magazine: Have you ever been influenced by a particular era of music (e.g. 80s, 90s)?
Smartzee: Absolutely. The hip-hop scene of the 80s and 90s was pivotal for me. The lyrical skills and storytelling were magnetic. As a Black boy growing up, history wasn’t something I saw reflected in school unless it was through a negative lens, like slavery. Artists like Public Enemy, Nas, Ice Cube, Tupac, and KRS-One became my history teachers. They gave me pride, knowledge, and a sense of belonging. Their music was, and still is, a blueprint for empowerment.
Loud Magazine: Do you have a favorite instrument or instrument family (e.g. guitar, piano)?
Smartzee: I compose my music using Logic Pro and play a bit of piano, though my son has far surpassed me in skill! It’s amazing to see him take that passion further than I ever did.
Loud Magazine: What inspires your songwriting? Do you draw from personal experiences or fictional stories?
Smartzee: My inspiration comes from both personal and indirect experiences. Life is the greatest muse, and I try to distill it into compelling lyrics, vocal styles, and rhythms. When I first started, I mimicked my favorite rappers, but over time, my music matured. Now, my songs tell my life story; raw, real, and unapologetically me.
Loud Magazine: Who is your dream collaborator or artist to work with?
Smartzee: India Arie, without a doubt. The way she intertwines spirituality, values, purpose, and life lessons with her graceful voice is nothing short of extraordinary. Her music is a life masterclass, one you can return to for wisdom at any moment.
Loud Magazine: Can you tell us about a particularly memorable fan interaction or story that stands out in your mind?
Smartzee: On tour with Nâdiya, a young boy approached me for an autograph after a show. I was exhausted, but the spark in his eyes stopped me. He told me how much my verse inspired him. Though he didn’t know English, he recited my verse perfectly and said singing it out loud every day made him more confident, even helping him dream big. His mom stood proudly beside him, and in that moment, I was reminded of why we do this—to inspire others to see their potential and believe in themselves.
Loud Magazine: What's the most inspiring thing that's happened to you in your music career?
Smartzee: Early in my career, I recorded a song called It’s On, which was raw and intense, filled with storytelling and emotion. Romuald Boulanger introduced me to Gilles Luka, one of the most talented artists I’ve ever met. Gilles saw potential in the song but wanted to rework the beat. At first, I was skeptical—his style leaned toward pop and melodic influences like Sting and Peter Gabriel, while I was rooted in hip-hop. But he transformed the song, adding his melodic genius to it, and the result was mind-blowing. That collaboration taught me the power of merging different worlds. Gilles remains one of my closest friends in the industry, and that experience was a turning point for me.
Loud Magazine: Can you tell us about a particularly challenging time in your personal life, and how music helped you cope?
Smartzee: At the start of the COVID crisis, my son caught the virus and had to isolate in our basement. Someone needed to stay with him, so I spent a week in that room, nursing him and confronting my own fears. It was a dark time—watching him struggle with symptoms and worrying about what might happen. That room also doubles as my music studio, so after a few days, I channeled my emotions into writing and recording a song called Thankful. It was a moment of gratitude, hope, and love. That track became part of my album LEGACY, and it will always hold a special place in my heart for what it represents.
