10 Things You Didn’t Know about Smoove L
Brooklyn-based rapper Smoove’L has really been doing his thing for the last several years. Although he hasn’t achieved a lot of commercial success yet, he has been working hard to build a solid fan base, and that work is paying off. Smoove’L is part of the rapidly growing Brooklyn drill movement, and listeners really love his aggressive style and raw lyrics. Unfortunately, however, Smoove’L has been getting in his own way. Trouble with the law has been threatening to derail his career. In 2021, he was arrested after a loaded gun was allegedly found in his car. Despite the obstacles he’s facing, Smoove’L is still dedicated to his craft. Continue reading to learn 10 things you didn’t know about Smoove’L.
1. He Started Recording At 13
Music has always been a major part of Smoove’L’s life and by the time he was 13, he decided that he wanted to start making some of his own. Around that time, he started going to the studio with his brother, Joey, and recording his raps. At the time, it was just something he did for fun but eventually he decided he wanted to take it seriously.
2. He’s Signed To Interscope
These days, artists don’t need to have a record deal in order to be successful. In fact, there are lots of artists who prefer to go the independent route. That being said, some people will be surprised to know that Smoove’L is signed to a major label. He inked a deal with Interscope early in 2020.
3. He Doesn’t Think Of Himself As A Drill Rapper
If people were asked to describe what kind of artist Smoove’L is, most people would probably say that he’s a drill rapper. However, that isn’t how he sees himself. During an interview with Complex, he said, “I’m not a drill rapper. I would never want to be labeled that. I’m an artist. Before I jumped on a drill beat, I made other songs, other types of songs. I just started trying to get to what my city wanted. Then I brought my own style to it.”
4. He Peaced It Up With Pop Smoke Before His Death
Although Smoove’L and Pop Smoke never officially had beef, there was some tension between the two after an exchange on social media. Thankfully, they were able to clear the air right before Pop Smoke’s passing in 2020. Smoove’L told HotNewHipHop that he actually texted Pop Smoke on the night he was killed. He also added that he would’ve loved to get the chance to work with him.
5. He’s A Private Person
Once some people get a taste of what it’s like to be in the spotlight, they can’t help but share their every move with the world. That isn’t the case with Smoove’L. So far in his career, he has been very private when it comes to his personal life. He seems to prefer keeping all of the focus on his music.
6. He Isn’t Really Influenced By Anyone
Some people may try to compare Smoove’L to other artists, but he insists that he isn’t influenced by anyone. Smoove’L told Revolt, “I really don’t have no influences. I used to listen to A Boogie, he’s around my time that I came out. NBA Youngboy too, but the older I get I’m doing my own stuff now, so like when I do music and I listen to myself…”
7. He Started Rapping With a Different Stage Name
Having a solid stage name is an important part of the entertainment industry. Smoove’L was born Left Sanders, so it’s easy to see where the L in his stage name comes from. When he first started rapping, he was using the name Smoove’L Da Finnesser but he ultimately decided to drop the last part.
8. He Knew “Apollo” Was Going To Be A Hit
There are plenty of artists out there who have expressed that they’ve been surprised by how well some of their songs have done. Smoove’L, however, has been very calculated in every move he’s made so far. To date, his single “Apollo” is one of his biggest songs and he knew that it was going to blow up before he even released it.
9. He Likes To Be Versatile
In the music industry, artists typically get known for having a certain kind of sound and most of them are perfectly fine sticking to it. Smoove’L, on the other hand, takes pride in his ability to switch things up and he likes to consider himself a very versatile rapper. Being able to move between styles could either help him or hurt him throughout his career.
10. He Sets High Expectations For Himself
Once a person starts to achieve a little bit of success, it can be very easy to get comfortable, but Smoove’L has no intention of ever getting complacent. He enjoys setting goals for himself and surpassing his own expectations. Something he really wants to accomplish is earning a number 1 on the Billboard charts.
