Brodie Smooth is one of the most talented young men in hiphop. His punchlines and creativity make him a force to be reckoned with, Deriving his inspiration from Lil Wayne, Jcole and so many other new aged rapper, he strives for originality and is taking over the Atlanta area.
Social Media: many.link/brodie
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
Music has always been a big influence in my life/therapy for me. I’ve always wanted to be a positive influence on the world. Whether it’s motivation, education, advice, or relationships. Music is one of the world’s largest influences in today’s world. I wanted to use my musical platform to connect & inspire others. My role models were: Lil Wayne, Kobe Bryant, T.D Jakes, & Steve Harvey. The heroes in my life were: God, my father, my siblings & Denzel Washington.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I do my best not to compare myself with other people, but if I had to, I would say, “Lil Wayne & No Cap.” Both are very lyrical, and have impeccable wordplay. Lil Wayne is also a creator. He out grew his circumstances, created his own label, & helped others do the same. He has changed people lives.
Mostly what connects me with No Cap is that our lifestyle is similar. We came from the bottom with real struggles/pain/failures. We use music to tell our stories or to release the pain & guilt we still hold within.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
Every song I write has to do with something that either happened in my life, went through, or affected someone very close to me. Believing in myself when no one does, never giving up when everything in your world is telling you to, & actually experiencing my family/love ones doubt my dreams & goals.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
Every song I write has to do with something that either happened in my life, went through, or affected someone very close to me. Believing in myself when no one does, never giving up when everything in your world is telling you to, & actually experiencing my family/love ones doubt or become nonbelievers toward my dreams & goals.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
l plan on staying independent. I know I’ll stand out not only because of my uniqueness but also my work ethic. If someone’s grinding twice as hard then I’m grinding 3 times harder than that. I want to influence the world that you don’t need a label, friends, money, or whatever the world tries to persuade why you can’t make it. All you need is God, faith, believe in yourself, & your work as much as you believe that you’re breathing. I don’t think the traditional music industry is dead. I think it’s just a generation of copycats. Not many have the courage to be a leader. They’re afraid of being judged, alone, being different, or creating their own path.
6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
At the moment I’m not able to make a living from my music. I make money but I can’t live off my earnings. I have different hustles where I grind daily to gain revenue so I could invest it into my music. You have to be all the way in not “one foot in, one foot out”. Believe in yourself no matter what, never give up, know why you’re doing what you’re doing, & remember to always put God first.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
You need social media period! This is how your brand/music/marketing is done. Also how your fan base is cultivated. People don’t just wake up knowing you’re an artist. Social media is the way music is introduced to “THE WORLD.” Won’t be able to make it without social media.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
I just say that’s just their way of making it out the struggle. I definitely wouldn’t sell out though. I believe in my cause, my dream, & my influences too much. If you really grind and invest into yourself, you won’t have to sell out. Your music would definitely gain revenue.
9.) What are the positives and negatives of the music industry? What is it about the music industry that makes some artists push forward? What do you think makes some artists quit?
The best part of the music industry is that people will always be evolving, so you never know what to expect. The worst part is that people have and will always want to fit in the box. Determination is what makes people push forward and lack of recognition along with immense amounts of pressure will cause you to give up.
10.) What trends do you see staying or going?
I think we’re seeing a trend in which we’re uplifting people based on talent and not so much as looks, which I pray is here to stay. I don’t think the trend of “mumble rap” will be around forever, eventually people want to hear lyrics.
11.) With so many people online who are expressing their opinions on any and everything under the sun, how do you know when to take something as constructive criticism or when to see it as trolling?
Constructive criticism is always done in a respectful manner and pertains to music. Trolling is shallow garbage thrown at you by the insecure and is usually based around nothing but someone’s desire to be the loudest in the room.
12.) If you were to advise an up and coming musician on how to get more fans, what advice would you give them?
Don’t buy fans, grow your following from scratch, perception isn’t reality.
13.) There are multiple ways of attaining fans and building up your fan base, so what are some ways you acquire fans?
I hired a social media management team because I am solely focused on my music. I let the experts do that work. If you have time and no money, take the time and research how to build a brand.
14.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
5 years from now I see myself as one of the worlds successful artist, influencer, role model, motivator, business man & father.