SMILES OFFICIAL GEARS UP FOR THE RELEASE OF "TAX SEASON" +COLLABORATES WITH TORY LANEZ
BANDS IN THE TRAP
In a world of fake, Smiles Official of Miami, Florida chooses to keep it real. The rapper-entrepreneur uses music to share his come-up story. He recently collaborated with Grammy-nominated artist Tory Smiles Official is a young entrepreneur. He launched a tax business two
Lanez on a track titled “Bands in
years ago. Smiles studies the careers of industry moguls like Rick Ross who have successfully diversified their business portfolio.
the Trap.” The single is the first to be released from his “Tax Season” album project debuting this summer.
“People kept asking to hear this record,” says Smiles Official, referring to the overwhelming response he received when he announced the collaboration. “Tory is very talented. He’s a superstar and an entertainer.”
He often travels to network and promote his music. Here he poses with T-Pain (middle) and Supa Cindy (far right), a TV and radio personality.
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CONTINUED Tory Lanez recorded the hook for the record and sent it back to Smiles. Smiles recorded at Circle House Studios, a premier recording studio. “Bands in the Trap” was mastered by Chris Athens who has engineered for Drake and Rick Ross. It was mixed by MixByTrip and Better Call Sal who engineered Popp Hunna’s “Adderall (Corvette Corvette)” record. Better Call Sal has also worked with YNW Melly and City Girls.
THERE’S A LOT OF ARTISTS THAT PUT ON THEIR RAP COSTUMES AND LIE IN THEIR MUSIC.
Smiles Official and friend Travis Wright launched Streets Enterprise Entertainment. He describes them as yin and yang-street and business saavy.
YFN Lucci (right) and Smiles Official hang out at a club venue. Smiles enjoys performing as it gives him an opportunity to connect with fans.
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WE PUT A LOT INTO THE RECORD TO MAKE SURE WE GOT IT RIGHT
“We put a lot into the
each other since their
rubbed elbows with a
record to make sure we
middle school years.
number of rap moguls
got it right,” said Smiles.
including T-Pain, Trick Back then Smiles was a
Daddy and Rick Ross. He
Travis Wright, co-
sponge listening to
studies Ross’ business
founder of Streets
artists like Jay Z and
acumen.
Enterprise
“Trap Era” artists like T.I.,
Entertainment, says
Jeezy, and Gucci Mane
“Smiles is an artist but he
that he and Smiles
who he felt understood
also understands the
focus on the quality of
his humble beginnings.
business side of the music
the music they release.
Since pursuing a music
industry,” says Wright, a
The two have known
career, Smiles has
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songwriter and producer whose background also includes work with MTV. “Because he understands it, he realizes the money has to make sense. It's music-business.”
TURNING DOWN DEALS Smiles Official (third from the left) and Travis Wright (second from the left) often
About 4 years ago Streets
travel to meet with record labels and music affiliates. Wright says Smiles has impeccable knowledge of the music industry-something that isn't common for
Enterprise made a difficult decision to decline a
many aspiring artists. Here, they pose with Bob Celestin (far right). Bob is a powerful entertainment lawyer based in New York. His clients include Tekashi 69, Pusha T and Desiigner to name a few.
recording contract offered to Smiles after his “I Got a Bag” track went national, pushing him to mainstream markets. Wright and Smiles both agreed that the numbers were not where they should have been.
“Any record deal we take has to be life changing,” says Smiles who knows a thing or two about numbers.
Smiles has invested countless dollars into creating music, promotion and travels to garner exposure for his artistry. He 99JAMZ has supported Smiles' music and have added it to their rotations. Smiles
owns a tax company he
says connecting with radio is vital to getting your music out to fans.
launched just two years
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CONTINUED
ago. The success from this entrepreneurial venture has helped to support his music career. He has no regrets about not accepting label offers. But he is hopeful the right deal will come.
The tax CEO’s “Tax Season” music project, pun intended, will help him reach new fans. He
Miami's own Trick Daddy poses with Smiles Official. Smiles and Travis Wright are inspired by Slip-n-Slide Records, founded by Ted Lucas. SNS signed Trick Daddy in
says his material is
the mid-90's.
gimmick-free.
“There’s a lot of artists that put on their rap costumes and lie in their music,” says Smiles. “But I have a city that supports me. I have no choice but to stay true to who I am.”
“I sell authenticity. If you’re interested in real, then it gets no realer,” he added.
As Smiles Official grows as an artist, so does his music. His content reflects that. Some radio outlets including Shade 45, have already premiered his single with Tory Lanez.
“I’m proud of this new album and can’t wait for everyone to hear it,” says Smiles.
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