Before he was Ill Smith, he was E. Pimp – one third of the underground trio EWP (Earth Wind and Pimpin’), spitting rhymes as a kid with big dreams. That early group dynamic shaped the artist he’d become: a raw, detail-oriented lyricist who treats hip-hop as both art and craft. “Real raw hip-hop. Ice cold raps,” Smith describes his sound. “I’m genuinely an artist who cares about the detail of the results.” This meticulous approach has earned him a loyal following, particularly for his standout project Negative 1000 Degrees, which he calls his proudest work to date.
Smith’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. In an oversaturated market, his biggest challenge is simple yet daunting: getting heard. “We have great art,” he acknowledges. “It’s just getting heard that’s the issue.” Yet he’s persisted, connecting with fans through digital platforms while waiting for the right opportunities to hit the stage. His advice to up-and-comers mirrors his own grind: “Always stay working on music consistently.”
Now, Smith is preparing to drop his next statement: Could Kill Everything, an album he reveals is already complete. The title alone suggests the confidence of an artist ready to make noise. While he keeps details close, one thing’s clear – Smith sees this as another step in his evolution. “Continuing to record great music” remains his north star, with ambitions that go beyond fleeting virality.
To fans eagerly awaiting Could Kill Everything, Smith offers a tantalizing tease: “Coming soon.” Two words that promise more of the uncompromising lyricism that’s defined his career. From those early EWP days to now, Ill Smith’s path proves real hip-hop never dies – it just gets sharper with time.
**The underground king is ready for his close-up.
