Smoothe Da Hustler and Trigga da gambler.
- Thread starter Hutch
- Start date
I haven't heard about Smoothe or Trigga in a minute. As far as I know Trigga never a released album, Smoothe's album is a classic though.
DV Alias Christ is on Bang 'Em and Domination's new album "God Giveth, God Taketh Away" which is a dope fucking album IMO.
Swoop it up if you haven't already...
Nuttkace
DV Alias Christ is on Bang 'Em and Domination's new album "God Giveth, God Taketh Away" which is a dope fucking album IMO.
Swoop it up if you haven't already...
Nuttkace
Yeah, that`s them.
Check out this link: http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=2820
This is news from 2004, but it might help you out.
Their producer DR Period is still active too, he has produced for a bunch of people.
DV Alias Christ released a single called "The attack is on" back in the days. It was dope, but I think a whole album by him would be a tiring experience.
Check out this link: http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=2820
This is news from 2004, but it might help you out.
Their producer DR Period is still active too, he has produced for a bunch of people.
DV Alias Christ released a single called "The attack is on" back in the days. It was dope, but I think a whole album by him would be a tiring experience.
broken language is one of the best all time rap songs ever. i remember back in 97, their crew put out this amazing track called "don't sleep". the label they started was called rock boy and the song was basically an anthem to it but nothing really came out of that label after that. anyone remember that hit squad vs def squad track? shit was amazing when i hear DV's voice.
Nexx Level Recordings was the shit. Trigga had an album called "Life's a 50-50 Gamble" that came out in '99 I think? I'm not sure if it was ever released 'cause it's hella hard to find for sale anywhere or even for download. Broken Language Pt.2 was on that, I miss that Brooklyn hardcore boom bap shit.
Here is a new interview with Smoothe Da Hustler, from ballerstatus.net. He speak about upcoming releases from him and Trigga, among other things.
Link:http://www.ballerstatus.net/features/read/id/58182782
Smoothe Da Hustler: Language Still Broken
Wednesday - November 30, 2005
— by Charles "CZA" Sweet II
Smoothe Da Hustler has been waiting patiently for his moment a la "8 Mile" and knows that it's drawing closer every day. The streets have been clamoring for the return of some of the gritty, real hip-hop that has been absent for so long from the New York scene. Smoothe came with a vengeance on Broken Language. Alongside Trigga Da Gambler, this was an album heralded as classic by many because of the lack of the glitzy, radio-friendly choruses and straight spit with no other ingredients added.
In 1996, Smoothe dropped his solo debut, Once Upon A Time In America, that, though wildly popular in the streets, kept him just underneath the national radar.
Now, fast forward to 2005, he's returned and is ready and willing to dish out more of that real talk many have been longing for. BallerStatus checked in with Smoothe Da Hustler, as he weaves the tale of what being a hustler truly is about by speaking on his life thus far, his connection with the legendary West Coast advocate Ice-T, and even his genre-jumping exploration.
BallerStatus.net: What was your mind state going into Broken Language?
Smoothe Da Hustler: It was just a free for all. It was just all out lyrical war. We were hungry lyrical cats. Me and Trig (Trigga Da Gambler) was going at it, which is kinda how we do in real life, being brothers. It was just a braggadocios type of flow; something we just did, and coincidentally, it became our claim to fame. I didn't have to get shot; I didn't have to get my jaws wired, and glorify jail. It was just something that we just started doing.
BallerStatus.net: Once Upon A Time in America was an impressive jump off. Do you think it did as well as it possibly could have? Why or why not?
Smoothe Da Hustler: Thanks for the compliment. Nah, because the company was going through a distribution phase. It was unfortunate at the time, but my album got caught up in the political antics. It did have its good points; such as exposure on an international scale. The label got their money back quick off of my album.
They put out $60,000, but you know that a lot of rappers are wearing that on they arms. The label recouped quick and I got paid from it, but honestly, it still could have done a little better if it had been promoted properly. The exposure allowed me to do this interview and for people to recognize me, and know who I am today. I went from only being known on the block to be known over the world, so I guess, that was a good look.
BallerStatus.net: You and Ice T had a project. How did you two hook up?
Smoothe Da Hustler: Ice had been feeling me as an ill lyricist, and he expressed that while on the top radio station in NY about '96. When they asked him who he was feeling lyrically, and he said me, my crew and I jumped in the car, headed up to the station, and the rest is history. We've been kicking it ever since. That's my man. I love that dude for all the love he's shown us. He's like part of the family; our big brother.
BallerStatus.net: Tell us about the S.M.G. joint.
Smoothe Da Hustler: It was actually my neighborhood crew that was with me growing up in the hood. If people hear Once upon a Time in America, they'll hear me say that. So, SMG is something that we started on the block (that was the name of our local crew), before we actually hooked up with Ice. Us being on the road with Ice, we just decided to do a group, since that was the set we had been reppin'. We brought him (Ice) aboard, and we performed some songs that we recorded already...and that was it. Just to expose our name even further, we used Ice's credibility and knowledge of the game, as well as his legendary status, and that really brought us a whole new audience.
BallerStatus.net: What kind of doors did it open up for you?
Smoothe Da Hustler: It created new friendships, partnerships, and working relationships with people from all walks of business -- people that we would not have otherwise have met or connected with. It allowed us to go across country again because we had done that with Broken Language, but was able to do it again more recently. We also did a live DVD as SMG with Ice, so that was cool.
BallerStatus.net: After that you moved from the spotlight for a few years. What were you doing and why?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I've always been in the studio. I have so much material, it's crazy. I still have a love for rhymin', but aside from that, I became a single parent having full custody of my son after his moms passed. I take fatherhood seriously. Some cats don't and I couldn't see my son having to go live with no other relative but me. I was also cutting old business ties and developing new ones. By understanding the game, I accepted that in order to own and control everything that I do, I would have to start from the ground up again, and I'm not afraid of the hard work man. I'm still a hustler.
BallerStatus.net: A lot of cats coming out now sound like you did in '96. What do you think of that?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I think that it's wonderful. It shows that I had a big influence on the game, and that even now I'm still respected whether they want to admit that the sound was started by me or not. Those that know hip-hop, know what type of contribution I made to it, and I made that contribution with just one album, so you know that's something to be proud of. I don't hate on people. I've never been a hater, so I'm just really appreciative that I made a name and a mark, but that don't mean that I'm not out to reclaim sh-- and show who the originator is.
BallerStatus.net: What is S.M.G. up to?
Smoothe Da Hustler: S.M.G. is a label too, so we're really working that right now; more of SMG the label, than SMG the group. We are currently working the new single "Even Da Odds," which is featuring myself and Trigger tha Gambler. Solo-wise, Ice-[T] finished his album and I just finished working on my next album entitled Violent Times Day. It was pushed back a lot, but I will be releasing it soon with a lot of new heat for all of those who have been supporting me. Trigga is also coming out with a solo album called Win Lose or Draw. So, we're still in the game.
BallerStatus.net: What made you want to start your own imprint?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I feel that there is a gap in the game. Plus all of the things that I went through with Broken Language -- all of the politics, everybody said it was too hard. They said that it wouldn't be able to play on radio because of no hooks. They said it wasn't marketable or radio friendly, but we managed to break barriers and the streets certified it, so the radio had no choice but to play it. I'm just trying to avoid the politics, and not sell my soul to the devil, because I still get offers from labels till this day, but they still don't understand me. Now-a-days it's the total opposite, and it's a play list that the radio go by. It ain't for the streets to decide no more. So that's the 1 percent of hip-hop that we want to cater to -- the streets. We're still for the streets, mane.
BallerStatus.net: What else do you have in the works?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I have a documentary in the works on me and my come up from showcases with Foxy Brown, to autograph signings with Jay-Z and Boot Camp, to traveling around the world. It's a first class ticket behind the scenes of the life of Smoothe Da Hustler.
BallerStatus.net: There's interesting talk of a rock group also. Care to elaborate?
Smoothe Da Hustler: Kilowatts is the name of the group. I always liked certain rock beats, and then listening to some of Ice's sh-- -- if you can catch the flow -- they talk about some of the same sh-- that we talk about in hip-hop. It's a mixed group consisting of one girl, and a 4 guys. They're dope, so be on the lookout for them. The name of the album is Break Away. It's straight dope.
BallerStatus.net: If you could sum up what Smoothe Da Hustler is in two words, what would they be and why?
Smoothe Da Hustler: The first and last name of my moniker says it all. I'm a smooth hustler [laughs]. Nah, but seriously, I'm not afraid of the hustle and the grind, but I'm still smooth with whatever I do.
BallerStatus.net: In parting, is there anything that you want your fans and the rest of the world know about the S.M.G. movement?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I would like our fans to keep supporting real hip-hop, and we're going to continue to keep it street and represent for the true lyrical, true hip-hop heads that need the representation. I ain't changing for nobody, and I will never sell my soul. I just can't do it.
Thanks to everyone who has stayed with us, and wondered about where I been. I been around, I'm still around, and I see each of you and hear what y'all say about me to show support. I appreciate that. It's all love. Thanks for the opportunity to let cats know that I'm back, so they need to be on the lookout for my new joints, as well as my crew's joints too.
Link:http://www.ballerstatus.net/features/read/id/58182782
Smoothe Da Hustler: Language Still Broken
Wednesday - November 30, 2005
— by Charles "CZA" Sweet II
Smoothe Da Hustler has been waiting patiently for his moment a la "8 Mile" and knows that it's drawing closer every day. The streets have been clamoring for the return of some of the gritty, real hip-hop that has been absent for so long from the New York scene. Smoothe came with a vengeance on Broken Language. Alongside Trigga Da Gambler, this was an album heralded as classic by many because of the lack of the glitzy, radio-friendly choruses and straight spit with no other ingredients added.
In 1996, Smoothe dropped his solo debut, Once Upon A Time In America, that, though wildly popular in the streets, kept him just underneath the national radar.
Now, fast forward to 2005, he's returned and is ready and willing to dish out more of that real talk many have been longing for. BallerStatus checked in with Smoothe Da Hustler, as he weaves the tale of what being a hustler truly is about by speaking on his life thus far, his connection with the legendary West Coast advocate Ice-T, and even his genre-jumping exploration.
BallerStatus.net: What was your mind state going into Broken Language?
Smoothe Da Hustler: It was just a free for all. It was just all out lyrical war. We were hungry lyrical cats. Me and Trig (Trigga Da Gambler) was going at it, which is kinda how we do in real life, being brothers. It was just a braggadocios type of flow; something we just did, and coincidentally, it became our claim to fame. I didn't have to get shot; I didn't have to get my jaws wired, and glorify jail. It was just something that we just started doing.
BallerStatus.net: Once Upon A Time in America was an impressive jump off. Do you think it did as well as it possibly could have? Why or why not?
Smoothe Da Hustler: Thanks for the compliment. Nah, because the company was going through a distribution phase. It was unfortunate at the time, but my album got caught up in the political antics. It did have its good points; such as exposure on an international scale. The label got their money back quick off of my album.
They put out $60,000, but you know that a lot of rappers are wearing that on they arms. The label recouped quick and I got paid from it, but honestly, it still could have done a little better if it had been promoted properly. The exposure allowed me to do this interview and for people to recognize me, and know who I am today. I went from only being known on the block to be known over the world, so I guess, that was a good look.
BallerStatus.net: You and Ice T had a project. How did you two hook up?
Smoothe Da Hustler: Ice had been feeling me as an ill lyricist, and he expressed that while on the top radio station in NY about '96. When they asked him who he was feeling lyrically, and he said me, my crew and I jumped in the car, headed up to the station, and the rest is history. We've been kicking it ever since. That's my man. I love that dude for all the love he's shown us. He's like part of the family; our big brother.
BallerStatus.net: Tell us about the S.M.G. joint.
Smoothe Da Hustler: It was actually my neighborhood crew that was with me growing up in the hood. If people hear Once upon a Time in America, they'll hear me say that. So, SMG is something that we started on the block (that was the name of our local crew), before we actually hooked up with Ice. Us being on the road with Ice, we just decided to do a group, since that was the set we had been reppin'. We brought him (Ice) aboard, and we performed some songs that we recorded already...and that was it. Just to expose our name even further, we used Ice's credibility and knowledge of the game, as well as his legendary status, and that really brought us a whole new audience.
BallerStatus.net: What kind of doors did it open up for you?
Smoothe Da Hustler: It created new friendships, partnerships, and working relationships with people from all walks of business -- people that we would not have otherwise have met or connected with. It allowed us to go across country again because we had done that with Broken Language, but was able to do it again more recently. We also did a live DVD as SMG with Ice, so that was cool.
BallerStatus.net: After that you moved from the spotlight for a few years. What were you doing and why?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I've always been in the studio. I have so much material, it's crazy. I still have a love for rhymin', but aside from that, I became a single parent having full custody of my son after his moms passed. I take fatherhood seriously. Some cats don't and I couldn't see my son having to go live with no other relative but me. I was also cutting old business ties and developing new ones. By understanding the game, I accepted that in order to own and control everything that I do, I would have to start from the ground up again, and I'm not afraid of the hard work man. I'm still a hustler.
BallerStatus.net: A lot of cats coming out now sound like you did in '96. What do you think of that?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I think that it's wonderful. It shows that I had a big influence on the game, and that even now I'm still respected whether they want to admit that the sound was started by me or not. Those that know hip-hop, know what type of contribution I made to it, and I made that contribution with just one album, so you know that's something to be proud of. I don't hate on people. I've never been a hater, so I'm just really appreciative that I made a name and a mark, but that don't mean that I'm not out to reclaim sh-- and show who the originator is.
BallerStatus.net: What is S.M.G. up to?
Smoothe Da Hustler: S.M.G. is a label too, so we're really working that right now; more of SMG the label, than SMG the group. We are currently working the new single "Even Da Odds," which is featuring myself and Trigger tha Gambler. Solo-wise, Ice-[T] finished his album and I just finished working on my next album entitled Violent Times Day. It was pushed back a lot, but I will be releasing it soon with a lot of new heat for all of those who have been supporting me. Trigga is also coming out with a solo album called Win Lose or Draw. So, we're still in the game.
BallerStatus.net: What made you want to start your own imprint?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I feel that there is a gap in the game. Plus all of the things that I went through with Broken Language -- all of the politics, everybody said it was too hard. They said that it wouldn't be able to play on radio because of no hooks. They said it wasn't marketable or radio friendly, but we managed to break barriers and the streets certified it, so the radio had no choice but to play it. I'm just trying to avoid the politics, and not sell my soul to the devil, because I still get offers from labels till this day, but they still don't understand me. Now-a-days it's the total opposite, and it's a play list that the radio go by. It ain't for the streets to decide no more. So that's the 1 percent of hip-hop that we want to cater to -- the streets. We're still for the streets, mane.
BallerStatus.net: What else do you have in the works?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I have a documentary in the works on me and my come up from showcases with Foxy Brown, to autograph signings with Jay-Z and Boot Camp, to traveling around the world. It's a first class ticket behind the scenes of the life of Smoothe Da Hustler.
BallerStatus.net: There's interesting talk of a rock group also. Care to elaborate?
Smoothe Da Hustler: Kilowatts is the name of the group. I always liked certain rock beats, and then listening to some of Ice's sh-- -- if you can catch the flow -- they talk about some of the same sh-- that we talk about in hip-hop. It's a mixed group consisting of one girl, and a 4 guys. They're dope, so be on the lookout for them. The name of the album is Break Away. It's straight dope.
BallerStatus.net: If you could sum up what Smoothe Da Hustler is in two words, what would they be and why?
Smoothe Da Hustler: The first and last name of my moniker says it all. I'm a smooth hustler [laughs]. Nah, but seriously, I'm not afraid of the hustle and the grind, but I'm still smooth with whatever I do.
BallerStatus.net: In parting, is there anything that you want your fans and the rest of the world know about the S.M.G. movement?
Smoothe Da Hustler: I would like our fans to keep supporting real hip-hop, and we're going to continue to keep it street and represent for the true lyrical, true hip-hop heads that need the representation. I ain't changing for nobody, and I will never sell my soul. I just can't do it.
Thanks to everyone who has stayed with us, and wondered about where I been. I been around, I'm still around, and I see each of you and hear what y'all say about me to show support. I appreciate that. It's all love. Thanks for the opportunity to let cats know that I'm back, so they need to be on the lookout for my new joints, as well as my crew's joints too.
