In 1997, the legendary Chicago anthem, "Walk With Me" hit the streets. Now making a comeback, DA Smart is choosing to walk with the same foot forward. Growing up in the Robert Taylor Homes and Altgeld Gardens in the Southside of Chicago, DA Smart first began his quest at a young age to be a figure in Chicago's hip-hop as a break-dancer. Although always known to rap, it was until the year 1997 when DA Smart first released the street single, "Walk With Me." During his 2 days of research, writing and recording the song, DA was warned not to release that type of song because it could get him killed, but regardless of the advice, DA chose to release the single anyway, and it became to be his best hit yet. Although mostly known for his first single, DA admits after his initial music release, both his music and life had to be put on hold after experiencing legal problems for 7 years. Eager to continue his music aspirations, DA happily says that even though in the long time he was away, the world had changed so dramatically due to the internet, but "the streets are still with me!" Giving back to the same audience he initially catered to, his current "street album" titled, "Nation Business" is an extended, versatile music compilation aimed at Chicago's common folk. Categorizing his music as "reality music," songs like "New Pussy" and "Cryin' Herself to Sleep" address subjects like why men cheat in relationships to abused women. After years of having tested markets, DA Smart now knows what his listeners mostly like, which he admits has always been "just for the streets-none of that commercial shit." Although his next album should be expecting collaborations with producers, The Legendary Traxster, No I.D, and rap group Crucial Conflict, "Nation Business" was a street album solely collaborating with DA's own artists, Trae 8 and Hoozier Boyz of Terror Records. Other than promoting his not mixtape, but street album, "Nation Business" and working on his next album, DA helps give back to the Chicago Public Schools by participating in "The Hip Hop Detoxx" established by his manager, Enoch Muhammad. "Hip Hop Detoxx is a program formed to educate the younger generation about what hip hop really is while ridding the music from its poisons," says Smart, has been circulating high schools and colleges for nearly 2 years. He is now giving back to the schools where he once developed his love for the hip hop music and the audience that spoke back to him. For the many DA Smart fans wondering about where the man who brought Chicago's forever "hood anthem" has gone, this Windy City native has never gone afar and is continuing his quest to be a true Chicago icon.*
Read more...