Full Name: Christopher Smith Jr.
Stage Name: Smino
Date of Birth: October 2, 1991
Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Genres: Hip hop, neo-soul, R&B
Occupation: Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer
Years Active: 2009–present
Labels: Zero Fatigue, Motown
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in North St. Louis, Missouri, Smino grew up in a musically enriched environment. Raised by his mother, father, and four older sisters, his formative years were steeped in the sounds of gospel, funk, and soul. The family resided in Ferguson, a city marked by its history of racial tension and segregation, which deeply influenced Smino’s worldview and artistic expression. He often spent time at his grandfather’s house, absorbing the cultural nuances of the community.
Smino attended Columbia College Chicago after high school but soon dropped out to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant music scene.
He worked tirelessly, often sleeping in recording studios, to hone his craft and build connections that would later prove pivotal in his career .
Musical Career
2009–2015: Early Beginnings
Smino’s musical journey began in 2009 under the moniker “C. Smi,” forming a rap duo named Young Dumb and Outta Control (YDOC) with his friend Bari Allen. The duo released three mixtapes, including Retail. In 2012, Smino released his first solo mixtape, Smeezy Dot Com, before relocating to Chicago. There, he met engineer Chris “Classick” Inumerable, who became his manager and helped shape his early sound .
2016–2017: blkswn and Breakthrough
In 2016, Smino released his debut studio album, blkswn, on March 14, a date significant to him as it corresponds to the area code of his hometown, 314. The album featured collaborations with artists like Ravyn Lenae, Noname, and Bari, and was produced by Monte Booker, THEMpeople, Sango, Phoelix, and J. Bird. Following its release, Smino embarked on the Swanita Tour, headlined by himself, and also supported SZA on her CTRL Tour and T-Pain on his Acoustic Tour .
2018–2019: NØIR and Expanding Horizons
Smino’s second album, NØIR, released in 2018, delved into themes of love and relationships, drawing inspiration from classic black films. The album showcased his versatility, blending elements of hip hop, R&B, and neo-soul. In 2019, he announced the formation of the supergroup Ghetto Sage with Saba and Noname, releasing the single “Häagen Dazs” .
2020–2022: She Already Decided and Luv 4 Rent
In 2020, Smino released the mixtape She Already Decided, featuring collaborations with Sevyn Streeter, T-Pain, and Bari. The mixtape explored themes of love and introspection. His third studio album, Luv 4 Rent, released in 2022, delved into themes of love and intimacy across romantic, platonic, self, and familial realms. The album featured collaborations with artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Ravyn Lenae, and J. Cole, and was noted for its sultry falsettos, funk-inspired productions, and witty wordplay .
2024–Present: Maybe in Nirvana
On December 6, 2024, Smino released his fourth studio album, Maybe in Nirvana, marking his first independently released project. The album, consisting of ten tracks, was written and recorded during the COVID-19 lockdowns and features guest appearances from Bun B, Ravyn Lenae, Thundercat, and Reggie. The lead single, “Dear Fren,” was released the same day, accompanied by a music video .
Artistic Evolution and Influences
Smino’s music is characterized by its fusion of hip hop, neo-soul, and R&B, drawing influences from artists like Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, and gospel music. His versatile vocal performances, including sultry falsettos and witty wordplay, have garnered critical acclaim. He is known for his authenticity and rejection of conventional love songs, opting instead for genuine depictions of relationships and daily life .
Contributions to the Music and Entertainment Industry
- Zero Fatigue Collective: Smino co-founded the Zero Fatigue collective, a musical group and record label that includes artists like Monte Booker, Bari, Ravyn Lenae, and engineer L10MixedIt. The collective has been instrumental in shaping the sound of contemporary hip hop and R&B.
- Kribmas: Since 2016, Smino has hosted Kribmas, an annual Christmas concert and community outreach event in St. Louis. The event provides school supplies and experiences for local youth and has featured surprise performances from artists like Nelly .
- Fashion Ventures: In 2018, Smino launched a line of satin-lined hoodies called “Silk Pillows,” designed to protect
