SMD, is an emcee, producer, engineer, and our CEO. His influences include MF DOOM, Madlib, Wu Tang Clan, El-P, and Dilla. He has dabbled in Drum and Bass production and also MC’s Drum and Bass parties on occasion. He has been working to lift up the Rochester Hip-Hop scene with his Smokin’ Buta monthlies. He has vowed to kick it up a notch this year with his series of Villainy mixtapes, which is him saying “no more Mr. Nice Guy” to the world. He has taken inspiration from Griselda Records’ rise to prominence with Westside Gunn and Conway making a mark for the region by signing their deal with Eminem’s Shady Records. He sees a lane for Rochester to continue the tradition of head nodding grimey hip-hop for the “heads”. His recent Villainy EP while mostly produced by himself also includes production from one of WestsideGunn’s producers Camoflauge Monk. Part of the “Beat Lounge” which also includes other Rochester producers such as Hassaan Mackey, Chup the Producer, The Shogun Warriors, KZA, D Rock and TC Beats; you can catch him dropping new hard shit every month in the basement at Tapas 177. Speaking of tapas, much like Raekwon, or Action Bronson, he also dabbles in chef shit, and may pop up with a cooking video to provide more flavor for the fam. One thing’s for sure, he is a man on the move with something to prove and we’re all extremely excited to see what he has for us to listen to.