Smiler's making waves in UK Music with his record 'Clarity' being shown every 5 minutes on the music channels. He has also been a controversial figure in UK Hip Hop due to his Destroy and Rebuild record, in which he talks about older UK rappers not making the waves they should have- check it out below.
His new record is called 'Enza' and is hypnotically catchy.
I caught up with the charismatic SMILER to find out about the man behind the smiles..
NIKKI: How did you get the name SMILER or is it obvious :) ?
SMILER: Well the name Smiler's been with me from when I was like 12. One of my older friends gave it to me because, no matter what my situation or what I was going through at the time I always seemed to have a smile on my face.. And the name just happened to stick!
NIKKI: Tell me about your new single ENZA, what is it about?
SMILER: Enza is an aura, something atmospheric that cannot be described only experienced.. an x-factor. I decided to name my new single Enza because this was the feeling that ran through me when I first heard the instrumental.
The song is about a night out, from getting ready to interacting with females on an intense level.
NIKKI: Who did you listen to growing up? Were you always into Hip Hop, who are your other musical influences?
SMILER: I listened to a range of different artists growing up, from Lionel Richie and Otis Redding to Big Daddy Kane and Luke. I went through a faze between the ages of 12-16 where it was strictly tupac and biggie for me. From the age of 16 I was listening to and gaining influence from east coast rappers such as AZ, Nas, Cormega, Mobb Deep, Noreaga, etc...
NIKKI: When & How did you make your first tune?
SMILER: I've always been into hip-hop but also always loved and appreciated other genres. I wrote my first track at the age of 15... (lol if u heard it) everybody's gotta start somewhere!
NIKKI: Give me 5 words to describe Smiler?
SMILER: Hardworking, loyal, ambitious, handsome & beautiful! You sure 5's enough, or you want more?! Haha
NIKKI: LMFAO! So SMILER, what's next for you in 2010?
SMILER: Well as you know, the 'clarity' lp and video are already out. My new single Enza is bullying its way through the clubs and the airwaves !!
I have 2 more video's from the lp already shot and in the archive... I'll be doing shows all over the country, got my next 2 singles lined-up already, clothing line launching, and other forms of merchandise.. Some High profile collabs...
Who knows, maybe later in the year I'll fly 2 the states and run for presidency!! Haha
Here is SMILER's New Video 'ENZA'
SMILER talking on Destroy and Rebuild on DJ 279's Radio Show, London- on his opinions about other UK Rappers. 279 makes some very valid points, it was allot harder 10 or 15 yrs ago for rappers. Pre- Video Channels, Blogs, You- Tube- if you wanted to get tracks out to people you had to press up records and hand them out and there were so many doors shut to Hip Hop artists- and Hip Hop Dj's too! But I also understand Smiler's opinions and I like his directness. I think the way forward now would be for all these guys to work together....
Here is the Destroy and Rebuild track...
