Shmo-Kii, "NO TEARZ"
Shmo-Kii (pronounced Smokey) is a young rising rapper from the lively city of Newark, New Jersey. This iconic music powerhouse has produced some of the East Coast’s greatest and most influential creatives like Lauryn Hill, Redman, and Queen Latifah. Shmo-Kii, real name Jayden, plans to add his name onto this list of Newark legends and solidify his stance as a lyrical musician.
Taking inspiration from mainstream poetic rappers like Kendrick, J. Cole, and JID, while also paying heavy tribute to the underground, motivated by the local “battle rap” scene with greats like Loaded Lux, Nu Jerzey Twork, B-Magic, Real Sikh, Illmac, and B Dot, Shmo-Kii is inspired to push the limits of his writing abilities and grow on each track.
His sonic influences span a wide range, from growing up with Hip-Hop and R&B on the radio with his mother, to being a fan of country, radio pop, and harsh metal, and his first true songwriting experience being a break-up track in the modern vein of Juice WRLD. Shmo-Kii takes aspects from all areas of his life experience to culminate in his unique artwork. Beginning with creating tracks on his iPod in the 5th grade, it has been clear from the start that music would act as his emotional release and preferred method of soul expression.
He aims to bridge the gap in today’s music scene by bridging the gap between modern sounds while maintaining the lyrical aspect of rap that built its foundation as a poetic and thought-provoking art form. He aspires to “make a jersey bop song one day with a soul sample”, melding the two worlds of his childhood favorites with the recent soundscape of his city.
In an exclusive interview with RSO Underground, Shmo-Kii dives into his personal motivations for success in the music industry, creative and artistic inspirations from throughout his life, and shares his appreciation to fans and overall loving & positive personality. Show Shmo-Kii your love and support. RUN HIM UP!
RSO Underground Interview with Shmo-Kii
Who are you?
I'm Jayden Santana, better known as the rapper/artist "Shmo-Kii", just tryna make a living off making music I love.
Where are you from? (How is the music scene there?)
I'm originally from Newark (Pronounced NORK), New Jersey, where the music scene as of right now mainly consists of Jersey bop and Jersey club, which I would consider myself a huge fan of. People such as Lauryn Hill, Redman, and even Queen Latifah come from here so to see how the music scene has evolved from their old style of RnB and Hip-Hop to now is hella cool to see. I take more influence from their era than the modern one but still got an appreciation for both. Random but I'd love to make a jersey bop song one day with a soul sample, kinda like Brandon Nembheard makes his drill music.
Why did you get into music?
In all honesty, I can't pinpoint an EXACT reason as to why I did but I'll try my best. To try and put it simply though, I really just want to make money for me and my family to improve our financial/living situation while doing something that I've been inspired to begin since writing raps on my iPod in 5th grade. I also wanted to get into this to prove to the people around me that older sounds can still be modernized in a way that is fresh but also makes you think about what you're hearing. Music/writing have also been the only method of emotional release for me for the past 6 years or so. Whether that be listening to art or creating it, it's one of the reasons I'm here today and it has truly changed my life.
Who and what inspires you?
People my mom used to play on the radio, such as The Notorious B.I.G, Nas, Outkast, Kanye, and many old soul/RnB groups tend to inspire most of the music I make nowadays. But as I go on in my career, I'd like to take influence from popular jazz acts such as Miles Davis as well as unique producers such as SOPHIE and JPEGMAFIA. The writing style of battle rappers such as Loaded Lux, Nu Jerzey Twork, B-Magic, Real Sikh, Illmac, and B Dot inspire me to step up my lyricism on every track I write.
Do you have any stories of your artistic journey to share?
Well the first time I ever tried to write a song, I had just listened to "Lucid Dreams" by Juice WRLD after being rejected (I think it's obvious to see where this goes from here). I had written the corniest "break-up" song imaginable over a famous dex type beat, back when I barely knew how to even rhyme well. Although this is incredibly cringe to look back on today, this experience is what kick-started my love for writing and music in general.
What song/project are you currently promoting and what is the story behind it?
As of right now I'm currently promoting my latest single named "NO TEARZ", which I had written quite some time ago about my struggles with being emotionally vulnerable, feeling a lack of care about multiple aspects in my life, and feeling like I'll never find solace. Although things have gotten much better for me since originally writing this song, I thought it'd still be a great single that some may relate to and find comfort in. Also the beat is too good to waste, shout-out The Tin Crown for making it and Nameidentitycrisis for tweaking it a bit.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I feel like people would be surprised to know how many genres I'd like to explore and the types of artists I listen to behind closed doors. I listen to everything from Three 6 Mafia to Country Music, to radio pop, and harsh metal, mainly because no matter the genre there's always gonna be some good ideas to take inspiration from.
Where can we find your music and art?
On all types of platforms! Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, YouTube Music, if you can think of it I'm there! Any love shown on any platform is hella appreciated!
What is your message to the world?
Don't let how others perceive you dictate your path in life. If you have a vision then go for it without hesitation and don't let anyone judge you for simply TRYING. Love every1.
Check out Shmo-Kii Everywhere!
