In this exclusive interview, Smartzee opens up about his new album, LEGACY, a deeply personal and unfiltered project that marks a bold departure from industry trends and gimmicks. Drawing from his journey of wins, losses, and growth, Smartzee shares how he crafted hip-hop from a grown man’s perspective-focusing on timeless beats and honest storytelling rather than chasing clout. Smartzee also reveals the inspiration behind the album’s centerpiece, “Build Your Legacy,” a powerful track about hard work, self-respect, and honoring his African roots. Join us as Smartzee discusses the making of LEGACY, a body of work designed to stand the test of time and leave a meaningful story for his children and fans alike.
LEGACY feels like a deeply personal and unfiltered album. What moment or realization sparked the need to create this project?
LEGACY was born from a moment of reflection. I looked back at my journey ;the wins, the losses, the battles and realized it was time to tell my story without filters. No image to protect, no industry games. Just the raw truth. I wanted to leave something real behind, something that stands the test of time. Especially something my kids could listen to, and understand their father’s story a bit. Some people write books. I write rhymes.
You describe LEGACY as hip-hop from a grown man’s perspective — no gimmicks, no chasing clout. How did that mentality shape the way you approached the writing and production?
It changed everything. Every beat, every bar had to mean something. I wasn’t trying to fit into any current trend, I was building a sound that reflects where I am now as a man and as an artist. I chose beats that felt timeless and I wrote from a place of honesty, not ego. I wasn’t chasing viral moments. I was chasing something lasting.
Can you walk us through the story behind “Build Your Legacy”? It sounds almost like a mission statement for the entire album.
“Build Your Legacy” is the heartbeat of the album. It’s about the idea that nobody hands you a legacy. You have to build it brick by brick. For me, it’s about hard work, self-respect, and inspiring others to do the same. It’s also a love letter to Africa, to my roots, and a reminder that our stories matter. That song came to me like 3 weeks before the Go live ! i was sitting on the lyrics and couldn’t find the way to turn it. I connected with an unknown but talented artist from Ghana, Avino. He created this beautiful rendition. It closes the album perfectly.
You’ve collaborated with talents like Blayne, Lorena G., Lee M., and Michelle Hansson on LEGACY. What do you look for in a collaborator?
Authenticity. I like to work with artists who are not necessary doing it for the fame. People who don’t just “feature” on a track but bring their heart into it. Blayne ,Lorena Yanez, Lee Mous-Zounon, and Michelle Hansson are amazing on their respective tracks. They didn’t just add vocals; they added soul.
You mentioned plans to release music videos for “Uptown” and “All of Me.” What can fans expect visually from these tracks?
“Uptown” is all about that energy as well. It’s the unapologetic rise of the inner city child into some high class world and bringing that street-smart, enticing vibe and energy. It’s going to feel alive, stylish, full of movement. Big city vibes, ambition, dreams in motion.
“All of Me” will be more intimate, more emotional. It’s a song dedicated to my kids and probably my favourite song of the album with “Mama made it”. Can’t wait to show the final work to you guys.
If you could describe the “legacy” you’re building in one sentence, what would it be?
A legacy built on truth, resilience, and inspiring others to believe in their own power.
What artists—past or present—do you feel share the same “no filter” storytelling spirit you brought into LEGACY?
Definitely the late greats Tupac, DMX, Nipsey Hussle. Artists like Scarface and Nas, Dead Prez, Ice Cube, Jay-z and Snoop are my biggest influences. They helped me growing up somehow. They weren’t just making music, they were painting their lives in verses. That’s the energy I tapped into for LEGACY.
How do you stay creatively fueled and inspired when facing the inevitable ups and downs of the music industry?
I remember why I started. I remind myself that the art comes first; before the numbers, the politics, the pressure. Also, staying connected to real life — traveling, spending time with my people, living — that’s where the real inspiration comes from. I have multiple hats ; i am a soccer coach, a music artist, a corporate senior Leader, a father, a son. All of these are my fuel! When i write, create, I create from the streets, from he Boardroom, from the football field, from the soul.
