Meet Smiley, OVO’s New Secret Weapon
– Smiley Rapper –
Smiley, a 24-year-old rapper, is the subject of this article. Keep reading to learn more about his musical journey.
Smiley the Rapper
Smiley is a talented Canadian rapper who has a number of hit songs to his credit. A quick glance at the rapper reveals only tattoos on his face and hands.
His music, on the other hand, is a far cry from the gangster image portrayed in his image.
Smiley’s Early Years in Music
Smiley has performed at a number of festivals and venues throughout Europe and Aruba.
He has also performed as a support act for reggae artist Ziggi Recado on his ‘In Transit’ tour in the Netherlands and Germany.
Smiley traveled to Jamaica in 2008 to collaborate with Barry ‘o Hare and Altafaan Records. Smiley has also worked with Junior Kelly.
Reggae Entertainment Television, Tempo TV, and TMF Pure have all aired the video for the song “Dem a Wonder.”
It was also played on Jamaican reggae radio station Irie FM.
Smiley’s song “Distance” was released on the Tek “a” Train riddim selection of the German reggae label Rootdown Records on November 20, 2009.
The video peaked at number one on the Reggaefrance video charts.
The video was also broadcast on Tempo TV and TMF Pure.
Smiley and Drake
Smiley first gained attention in his hometown due to his distinct vocal delivery, which makes him stand out on any song he touches.
Then he piqued Drake’s interest.
“I noticed he started supporting me, and he followed me on Instagram,” Smiley recalls of his first encounter with Drake in 2017.
“From there, we just started communicating.” The following year, he released his debut album Buy. of. Bye., and things have only gotten better from there.
Their First Song Together
Smiley and Drake released their first collaboration, “Over the Top,” in July.
The aggressive rap record earned him his first Billboard Hot 100 entry, peaking at No. 57, and helped him gain exposure to a wider audience shortly after signing with OVO Sound.
Smiley tells Complex that the deal happened in the same way that his rise to fame did.
“That’s family,” he says, referring to his new label.
“I don’t think I’d choose it any other way.” It’s my hometown, I’m the biggest artist, and it’s how we’re all connected.
It’s a good feeling. It was the responsible thing to do.”
Smiley’s First Interview
Smiley spoke to Complex in his first interview since publicly signing to OVO and collaborating with Drake about his collaboration with the Toronto superstar, his upcoming album, and where he wants to take his career in the future.
How did you First Become Interested in Rapping?
I’ve always been interested in music. I never wanted to do it until many of my friends began to do it.
Then, one day, I simply asked one of my sons if we could go to the studio.
He set it up for me, and there I wrote my first song with my boys. We worked as a team and released it two weeks later. However, we made a music video and got a lot of attention as a result.
We made a lot of noise in the city, which only fueled my desire to keep going.
How did Growing up in Toronto Influence your Sound?
The everyday situations I had to deal with, as well as the ups and downs, fueled my music’s rage. Even progressing and improving in my career distinguishes my music.
A lot of things that happened to me shaped my music into what it is today.
Sometimes I’ll talk about the bad stuff, and sometimes I’ll talk about the good stuff.
What Words would you use to Describe your Sound?
It has a laid-back, slow sound to it, in my opinion. Now that I’m trying to speed it up, it’s kind of slow, laid back, and aggressive.
When did you First Realize you were on Drake’s Radar?
In 2017, I was aware that I was on Drake’s radar. I noticed he began to support me, and he began to follow me on Instagram.
Then we just started talking from there.
I would send him music, and he would always provide feedback. We formed a bond as a result of that, and it was genuine the entire time.
It was always about love.
What Kind of Early Feedback did you get from Drake?
The first time I heard from him was when he commented on a social media post about a blog that had posted my song.
That was his first comment, and it was the first time I realized he was paying attention.
Why did you Decide to Work with OVO?
What about the team convinced you that it was the right decision? That’s what family is. I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way.
It’s my hometown, I’m the biggest artist, and it’s how we’re all connected. It’s a good feeling. It was the responsible thing to do.
How has OVO Aided you in your Career Thus Far?
They all told me to keep doing what I’m doing, but to push harder. I need to push myself harder now and keep honing my craft.
[Mr.] Morgan, Oli [Oliver El-Khatib], and 40 [Noah Shebib] were always there to help. It was enjoyable.
How did “Over the Top” and Drake Come Together?
“Oh, this is hard,” I thought when Drake sent me the Tay Keith beat. It struck a chord with me.
When I was listening to the beat in my car, there was already a hook on it.
“Prada and Gucci don’t go together,” I said from the beginning.
That was the only thing that came to mind at first, so I went to the studio and recorded it.
It took me a long time to find the right verse for me. I probably wrote three different verses for it, but I had to sit down and find the perfect one because going against the clock is a lot of pressure.
You want to make certain that everything is in order.
Who Would be your Ideal Collaborators?
There are many, but my favorites are Kodak Black, Lil Baby, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj.
What do you Think of Toronto’s Current Rap Scene?
It appeals to me. I have the impression that all the artists in the city are working extremely hard.
It’s unfortunate that many of them have died or are in prison, but they’re extremely talented.
I listen to a lot of Toronto music, so I’m a big fan of our rap scene. They only need to stay focused and do their musical thing.
What is the Best Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Received?
It was probably to stay the same and keep the music going hard. Because of where I am now, I never feel like I have time to take a break.
I need to push myself more right now. Also, I was so eager to get to this level, or even higher, but I was told that you’ll miss these moments.
Right now, I need to push myself 1,000 times harder.
What is the Most Important Fact About you that Fans Should Know Right now?
Right now, I’m just trying to make the best music for you guys, and there’s so much more on the way.
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FAQs on Smiley Rapper
1. Who is Smiley?
He is a Canadian rapper
2. What is the Title of the First Song Smiley and Drake Released Together?
”Over the Top” is the title
3. Where did Smiley Grow up in?
He grew up in Toronto
4. How Old is Smiley?
He is 24 years old
5. Which Year was Smiley’s Song Titled ”Distance” was Released?
It was released in the year 2009
6. Which Year did Smiley Travel to Jamaica?
He traveled in the year 2008
7. What Took Smiley to Jamaica?
He traveled to Jamaica in order to collaborate with Barry ‘o Hare and Altafaan Records
8. Which Year did he get into Drake’s Rader?
2017
9. Is Smiley on Instagram?
Yes, he is
10. Are his Tatto Real?
Yes, they are real
Smiley, a rapper, developed an interest in music at a young age. He is from Toronto, has been heavily supported by the OVO team, and is one of Drake’s favorite Toronto rappers.
He is always there for him, posting his pictures and promoting his music.
