Winner of Netflix's Rhythm + Flow Season 1, D Smoke, went from teaching Spanish at Inglewood High School to signing with Death Row Records in 2024.
After winning $250,000 in 2019, the artist maximized his visibility through three studio albums and two Grammy nominations. His 659,000+ monthly Spotify listeners and social media growth from 7,000 to 1.8 million Instagram followers showcase his expanded reach.
Rhythm + Flow star currently appears Mayor of Kingstown on Paramount+ while maintaining music collaborations with Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short. His 2020 album "Black Habits" earned Best Rap Album and Best New Artist nominations at the 63rd Grammy Awards. He continues local work in Inglewood through youth programs and a boxing gym restoration project.
D Smoke maintains Inglewood roots after Rhythm + Flow success
After Rhythm + Flow season 1, D Smoke's career took flight with his debut EP "Inglewood High" in October 2019, which reached number four on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The project featured collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, SiR, and BJ the Chicago Kid, showcasing his musical range.
His 2020 release "Black Habits" marked a turning point, bringing Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best New Artist at the 63rd Annual Awards ceremony.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rhythm + Flow winner recorded a memorable NPR Tiny Desk concert from home, highlighting his piano skills and gathering over 250,000 YouTube views. His musical output continued with "War & Wonders" in September 2021, his fourth studio album.
The project helped boost his streaming numbers on Spotify. His recent signing to Death Row Records solidifies his position in the West Coast music scene.
Acting career development
D Smoke's television presence grew significantly since his Rhythm + Flow victory. He secured a role in Mayor of Kingstown as Raphael, with his character gaining more screen time according to October 2023 social media updates. His performance in Peacock's Bel-Air reboot added another credit to his expanding acting portfolio.
These opportunities mark a return to acting for D Smoke, who previously appeared in television shows during the early 2000s, including roles in CSI and Boston Public.
His acting work runs parallel to his music career, with both sectors showing steady growth. Recent social media posts indicate upcoming developments for his character Raphael in Mayor of Kingstown, suggesting an expanded role in future episodes.
Notable collaborations
D Smoke's musical partnerships show his versatility as an artist. His mother Jackie B's background as a backup singer for Tina Turner influenced his musical connections. Recent work includes tracks with Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short. His partnerships extend to rising artists like Kamaiyah, Jay Rock, and G Perico.
A significant collaboration emerged with Anderson .Paak during the pandemic period. Together, they created music that led to Grammy recognition.
The Death Row Records deal in 2024 opened doors to additional high-profile projects. His family ties remain strong in his music, working frequently with his brother SiR, an established R&B artist.
Community impact
D Smoke maintains strong ties to Inglewood High School, where he taught Spanish and music theory before his television success. His academic background includes a first-class degree in Spanish and Africana Studies from California State University, Northridge.
His current community work focuses on local youth development. A key project involves restoring a neighborhood boxing gym to provide recreational space for young people. D Smoke created a scholarship program at Inglewood High School, offering grants to support student education and innovative learning experiences.
Recent social media activity shows his involvement in the NovaMen campaign alongside Love Island USA's Korde1ll, demonstrating his expanding influence beyond music and acting.
Rhythm + Flow star's monthly performance statistics remain strong, with streaming numbers consistently above 659,000 listeners. His music continues to blend English and Spanish lyrics, reflecting his background as a language teacher and his commitment to cultural representation in hip-hop.
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Rhythm + Flow Season 2 is streaming on Netflix.
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