Smiley is showing no signs of slowing down. Following the drop of his most recent creation, titled “I Did What I Did,” the artist based in Toronto is driven by a sense of unfinished business. In the past, the rapper introduced his inaugural project on a major label, “Buy or Bye 2,” in 2021 through OVO Sound/Warner. Even though his recognition was mainly confined to Toronto, the co-founder of OVO, Drake, joined forces on the track “Over The Top,” securing Smiley his inaugural placement on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In the present time, Smiley has transitioned away from Warner Music’s major label umbrella and is now exclusively signed with OVO Sound. Despite this change, he continues to benefit from the mentorship of one of the world’s most prominent artists. The success they achieved together with “Over The Top” has fueled Smiley’s determination to push himself even harder. He places considerable focus on his personal fitness journey, regularly highlighting his progress in motivational posts tagged with #MondayMotivation. Furthermore, he openly shared that he has recently completed a month of sobriety.
Expressing his ambitions, Smiley emphasized his desire to create a song that matches or surpasses the success of “Over The Top,” this time as a solo effort without any other featured artists. He conveyed the importance of his well-being in achieving his goals, acknowledging that a significant part of his accomplishments hinges on maintaining his health. He envisions maintaining consistency, artistic growth, and versatility in his music, aspiring to create tracks akin to his song “You Went Ghost.” His ultimate goal is to see his work ethic continue to flourish while progressing in his weight loss journey.
While Smiley initially aimed to satisfy the appetite of the streets with the release of “I Did What I Did,” he now has his sights set on the launch of his debut album. Although the specific release date remains uncertain, he hinted at a lineup of collaborations, strongly suggesting a possible reunion with Drake on a track. In a recent interview conducted after the release of “I Did What I Did,” Smiley delved into topics such as his sobriety, his use of Drake’s Virgil Abloh-designed Maybach in the “Eternals” music video, and his upcoming project’s debut.
Smiley: Honestly, you know, the inspiration for “I Did What I Did” came when I was searching for a title for the EP. After selecting all the songs that would be on it, I listened to each one from start to finish, jotting down memorable lines from each track. Once I reached the end and had this list, I started considering potential names. “I Did What I Did” stood out to me. When I shared it with my team, we collectively felt it was the most relatable choice, something that resonated with me and could connect with the audience.
Just recently, for instance, I had plans for a release party, but I made the decision to cancel it. My rationale was that I didn’t want to risk relapsing; I preferred channeling my energy into creating more music. Some people were disappointed and puzzled by the cancellation. They anticipated a party and were surprised when I was in the studio instead. But to me, that’s the essence of “I Did What I Did.” I’ve reached a point where I’m unapologetically doing what’s right for me, without concerning myself with others’ opinions or expectations. It’s about embracing a mindset of doing what feels right for myself, no longer seeking to please everyone else. So, “I Did What I Did” is essentially a declaration of my personal autonomy.
What are your immediate goals for the near future? What are you aiming to achieve at this stage of your career?
My next goal is to create a song that’s as successful, if not more, than “Over The Top,” all on my own. I envision my next project without relying on any other features. Consistency is key for me; I want to continue growing as an artist. I’m inspired by tracks like “You Went Ghost,” and I aspire to explore a diverse range of musical styles. Developing my work ethic is crucial too; I want it to evolve alongside my artistry. Additionally, I’m determined to align my progress in music with my journey towards better health. My aim is to experience both accomplishments simultaneously – hitting new heights in my career while also shedding weight. These two pursuits intertwine and will benefit each other. Enhancing my stage presence, appearance on camera, and overall well-being are essential aspects of this pursuit.
What has been the most significant change in your life since the release of “Buy or Bye 2”?
Since that release, I’ve undergone substantial personal growth. I’ve delved deeper into refining my craft and understanding myself as an artist. I’ve expanded my collaborations with various producers, creating a vast array of sounds and beats that I can explore. I find myself in a much better place now, both artistically and personally. Currently, I’m fully immersed in the OVO Sound family, which provides me the freedom to release music on my own terms. This shift has allowed me to embrace my creative expression and release music more seamlessly.
Speaking of your association with OVO, has your experience changed after becoming a part of the label?
No, the core of my experience remains consistent. While I was previously associated with Warner Records, I’ve now become a integral part of OVO. This transition hasn’t altered my essence or approach. Instead, it’s reinforced my artistic freedom. Being part of OVO enables me to share a substantial volume of music. Interestingly, much of the music from “I Did What I Did” was created some time ago, showcasing my artistic evolution since then.
Looking back at your initial “Buy Or Bye” project, what has been the most significant lesson you’ve gained as an artist since then?
Reflecting on the first “Buy Or Bye” tape, the most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of taking more time and making the most of the moment. It’s about crafting a better rollout strategy, promoting myself more effectively, and staying engaged with my audience as I release my music. In the past, I would sometimes release a project and then step back, but now I understand the importance of staying present and continuously working. I used to think that after dropping a tape, I could take a break, but now I’ve realized that consistency is key. Back then, music wasn’t my sole focus, but I’ve since recognized the need to fully commit myself to my craft.
This time around, there are no featured artists on your latest project, unlike “Buy Or Bye 2” and its deluxe version. Could you shed light on the reasoning behind this decision?
There are a few reasons for that. One of them is that I’m still working on my album, and this mixtape was a way for me to quickly connect with my audience and provide them with a taste of my solo artistry. The album will definitely feature collaborations, but for this tape, I wanted to demonstrate that I can hold my own without any features. It’s about showcasing my individual capabilities. Of course, the upcoming album will have its share of featured artists.
While Drake isn’t featured on this project, it’s easy to imagine his influence in its creation. Can you share which song from the mixtape surprised him the most when you played it for him in its entirety?
To be honest, “Long Nights” caught his attention. However, for this specific project, I didn’t send him a substantial amount of music, mainly because I knew he was on tour and occupied with his own commitments. Most of the work for this tape was done in collaboration with OVO co-founder Oliver El-Khatib. I often share my music with him, and occasionally, I like to surprise Drake with the final product. Oli plays an executive role in my music, providing valuable feedback. As for the album, I definitely plan to involve Drake more in the process and seek his input. He’ll be part of the project as well.
Which songs took Oliver El-Khatib by surprise?
“Nicky Nine Doors” and “You Went Ghost” were the ones that really stood out to him. Initially, he had heard tracks like “Fast Route” and “How Far,” which had a certain Hollywood-esque sound. As we were in the process of selecting songs for the EP, Oliver gave me a serious call. He emphasized the importance of showcasing the authentic and raw Smiley that initially caught their attention. He described it as bringing out the real horror movie essence in my music, akin to the vibes of “Nicky Nine Doors,” “Eternals,” and “Moderation.” Following that conversation, we delved into creating a set of songs that captured that essence, and “Nicky Nine Doors” and a few others like “You Went Ghost” really resonated with him.
Speaking of “Nicky Nine Doors,” did you play that game as a child?
Absolutely, I did. Although, I was often the cautious one since I was worried about getting caught. My friends were incredibly fast, so I had my doubts about escaping swiftly.
Did you ever get caught during one of those games?
Funny enough, yes, we did get caught once. It’s quite ironic because we were playing “Nicky Nine Doors” near a trap house. Chaos erupted when we rang the doorbell and ran through the neighborhood. The residents, who were under the influence, stumbled out of the house and chased after us. It was like a scene out of a movie. They were high and determined to catch us, and I was lagging behind as we tried to climb over a large fence. I was almost caught, and I genuinely thought they might harm me. Thankfully, one of my friends helped me over the fence, narrowly escaping a potentially risky situation.
How do you perceive the evolution of the Toronto music scene?
I find it quite remarkable, to be honest. The music scene in Toronto is still going strong, with many local artists putting in a lot of effort and dedication into honing their craft. There’s a noticeable level of consistency among artists nowadays, which is promising to see. Something I recently realized was during a live stream with Akademiks on Twitch, where he interacted with various people from the city. It struck me how one of the participants, Bundog, mentioned the challenges they face and the need for support. He predicted that within a year, we would see that some individuals would either be in jail or no longer with us due to the circumstances they were facing. As I reflected on that statement, I sadly saw that his prediction had come true for some. It’s a somber reminder of the realities some artists are up against. I genuinely hope everyone can find a way out of those situations.
Do you think the social media drama and controversies surrounding the Toronto rap scene have a positive or negative impact?
In the short term, it might generate some buzz and attention, which can be beneficial. However, in the long run, it can have negative repercussions. The drama tends to have a lasting effect, and it’s not always conducive to a healthy and sustainable career. But everyone has their own approach and hustles in their own way.
Returning to Montreal for the “It’s All A Blur” tour, how did that feel?
It was a great experience. I was thrilled to have some of my family at the show since I don’t get to see them often. Montreal holds a special place for me because I have a lot of family there. Connecting with them and performing in front of my hometown crowd was a rewarding experience. I hadn’t seen Drake in a while either, so catching up with him was a vibe. I had several shows there, and it felt good to be back and connect with the team. Meeting up with Oli and being on the big screen during a Drake performance was surreal. Seeing Drake in action and performing for a couple of hours straight was truly impressive. He’s a real force in the game.
You mentioned embarking on a journey to sobriety. What prompted you to make that decision?
Several factors contributed to my decision to pursue sobriety. Knowing that I had my own tour coming up, I remembered how amazing I felt during my previous period of sobriety. I lost weight and felt great overall. I wanted to recapture that feeling. I tend to drink more when I’m in the studio to fuel my creativity, but I realized it was time to stop and focus on my goals without relying on substances. Sobriety offers numerous benefits that align with my aspirations. I’ve now completed one month of sobriety and I feel incredible – more present and available. Being sober also enhances my ability to engage in activities like this interview.
Navigating through industry events and parties, especially during the summer, while maintaining sobriety – how do you handle that?
Getting through the initial week was the toughest part for me. In the beginning, the temptation to indulge was stronger, especially within the first few days. However, as I’ve progressed and reached a month of sobriety, the perspective has shifted. I’ve set a streak that I don’t want to break. The first week is crucial; once you get past it, the resolve becomes stronger. Recently, I attended a boat party, and while I found it a bit challenging when I was bored and wanted to leave, I reminded myself of my commitment to sobriety. It’s much easier now, and I’m aiming to beat my personal record of three months of sobriety. As time goes on, maintaining sobriety becomes more manageable, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on my journey.
Thank you, it’s a significant accomplishment for me.
Oh, and I actually stopped vaping as well. I used to vape a lot, even with nicotine. Sometimes I have these moments where I just want to quit everything cold turkey – it’s a quirk of mine. I remember one time I had bought an ounce of weed, and the next day, I just gave it to a friend like, “Do you want this? I’m done smoking.”
Regarding Drake’s Maybach, yes, I returned it in perfect condition. It was the Virgil-designed one, and I couldn’t treat something like that carelessly.
When he let me borrow it, I was genuinely blown away. It was a last-minute request, and I thought it might not work out due to various protocols. But he made it happen, and it just showed what a great guy he is. He didn’t even give me any specific instructions – I could have done whatever. But I treated it with respect, and I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t feature the car more in the video.
Let’s talk about “You Went Ghost” before I wrap up. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the project, and it showcases a vulnerable side of you. What was the inspiration behind that song?
The beat itself inspired me to create that type of song, one of those heartbreak tracks – even though I don’t really care anymore! Sometimes, I’ll rap about vulnerability, making it seem like I’m deeply affected, but in reality, I’m just messed up. I enjoy exploring that side of things. The beat set the mood, and I was probably on Adderall, totally locked into the process [laughs]. I finished it, went all out, and shot the video at the studio yesterday. I’m excited to see how it turns out; I captured numerous scenes. My sobriety is another factor here – shooting the video, I maximized every location and opportunity because I’m sober and making the most of it.
A particular line that caught my attention was, “All these nights in the studio is why I lost her.” Have you managed to find a balance between your personal life and your music career?
With that line, it referred to a situation from before I started rapping. Going forward, if I’m involved with someone, it’s clear what this lifestyle entails. No one can ever tell me anything different – that would be insane. But for someone who was with me before I started rapping, it’s a bit different, and I understand their perspective. So, it’s a unique situation, but they also need to understand where I’m coming from.
Lastly, can you give us some insight into your upcoming debut album?
Absolutely, my debut album will be a deep dive into my life. I’m putting my all into this project and aiming to help you really understand who I am. It’s going to be more personal, exploring different aspects of my life. I’m dedicated to working even harder than before to deliver great music to all of you.