Loke
Larry Smith or “Loke” is not just your run of the mill rapper. His diversity spans from being a rapper, to producer, to co-founder of Nut House Productions Inc. He is not your average artist; he is the ultimate artist.
Born on March, 3 1979 He had aspirations of rapping when he was a pre-teen but didn’t become serious until he first stepped into a recording studio in 1995. His productions skills were discovered in 1997 when he and long time friend (and co founder of Nut House Productions Inc.) Paul Montoya made the group Alias Platoon. They made a three song demo tape in 1998 that showed promise. He was introduced in 2000 to William Serrano (Mr. Mutt). They created a group called The Nut House. He then continually worked on producing, by himself and with Paul Montoya, until the two parted ways in late 2005. (Smith and Serrano are still working on a Mr. Mutt solo album) This Chicago native has not just worked on his own music but has produced various Rap, R & B, and Alternative artists.
Loke has many different influences when dealing with music. His influences as an artist span tremendously. Rap groups like N.W.A., B.D.P., Eric B. and Rakim, and 2 Pac inspired him to rap. Groups like Parliament, Marvin Gaye, The Eagles, Jimmy Hendrix, Prince, and early House music had him appreciate music at an early age.
He developed his talent as a performer from a young age. He started rapping at the age of eight in the grammar school lunchroom and carried that through to freestyle battles in high school parties. His first time in front of a large crowd was in 1998 at The Ebony Room with Alias Platoon. Since then he has been performing as a group and as a solo act throughout the Chicago land area. One bright spot was in November 2002 he and his group The Nut House came in first place at the B & W talent contest at South Suburban College. He also throughout the 2006-2007 NFL season had a Chicago Bears song entitled “Bear 2 Step” play on 103.5 Kiss FM. Some of his performances include opening up for artists like Young Guns, Dem Franchise Boys, Cap 1, Lil Flip and in July 2005 had the opportunity to open for Crucial Conflict at the Urban Music Festival. He has been featured on televisions shows like Walla Cam and Wicked Entertainment Television. He has also been working on acting and will be in the independent film Lyric.
He also has been dabbling in promoting. For his first show/concert that he helped collaborate on was “Network Konnection” (a conglomerate of artists and companies including Check In Ent., Pluto Ent., D.R.I. as well as others) had national artist Cappadonna. He is continually creating and promoting events like this to not just promote him but to bring talent together. His goal is to continue to grow in the music industry.
Loke is a hard working artist. He has released from his company one group album, one single, an E.P., two solo attempts, and a mix tape. The group album entitled “Welcome To The Nut House” moved over 500 copies. His solo album entitled “I57” moved over 500 copies. The single for “Dope/ The Greatest” had 100 copies given away and the E.P. entitled “Nut House Productions Presents Radio Edits Vol. 1” had over 400 copies given away, all accomplished through hand-to- hand street sale. He is currently pushing his second album entitled “Violence, Drugs, Sex, & Hip Hop (A Love Story)”, a mix tape entitled “Mix Tape $h!t” and a second radio edit E.P. He has worked with other Chicago artists like First Team, Crook County Clique, Souljah Hustlaz, Killa Klan, Sent 1, Black Eclipse, Soldiers At War as well as others.
His flow and wordplay with his topic and subject matter can make you have many emotions, combined with his tracks and production makes him a real talent. He is currently working on his second solo project, a compilation, as well as being featured on other artist’s albums and mix tapes. This artist has talent and a body of work (past, present, and future) that will continue to grow.
For information please contact @ nuthouseproductionsincorporated@yahoo.com, myspace/lokenhp or (773) 716-7910
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