We were recently afforded the opportunity to grab a Q&A with arguably the best producer out of Chicago in Smoko Ono. He’s preparing his upcoming project which will feature some premier talent from all around the country. Read on and get to know the buzzing board slapper below!
Tell us a little about yourself.
Smoko Ono is the name born and raised in Chicago. 21 years old music producer/ DJ. Just trying to do what I love and make great music with my friends.
What or who first inspired you to start producing? Did you initially model your style after anyone specifically when you first started out or just kinda played around?
Well I was always into music cause my parents kept a very diverse rotation at the crib. One Minute it would be Ramsey Lewis on at the crib or Sade then to Metallica then some tribe called quest. I would say when I first A tribe Called Quest is when I fell in love with hip hop/ rap music. I was taught how to produce from one of my older heads his name is John John. He taught me how to build a beat and work the program. John would take out a lot of his time to teach me how to make beats very grateful and blessed for him. Then My parents bought me a little start up like a keyboard and the maschine for Christmas from there it was history.
I don’t really even know I tried and take something from each of my favorite producers such as Kanye West, Timbaland, and Clams Casino. For the most part I just tried to do my own shit.
From Dally Auston’s “W$GTM” to Vic Mensa’s “Feel That”, you’re a pretty eclectic dude sonically. What has it been like creating all these different types of records and seeing them do as well as they have?
It’s been crazy how those songs have been received by everyone I just really make what I’m feeling that day. Its an awesome feeling tho to make these records with my friends. Im excited for y’all to hear what we have been making.
What can you tell us about your new track with Vic Mensa and Kanye West, “U Mad”?
Unfortunately I can’t really say much other then Vic project Traffic is gonna be a game changer, and its gonna be a global takeover. The world isn’t ready for what we have been cooking up.
As a native Chicagoan, how awesome was it to be able to work with someone who’s as important to the city as Kanye?
Its insane that Kanye even heard some of my production. I have looked up to him side College Dropout. Its a crazy surreal feeling that I’m just blessed to get to experience some dope shit in my life. I never met him or been in the studio, but hopefully soon. I remember last year Vic, Cody (Vics Manager), and myself were driving to Coachella and we were bumping all Kanye the whole way and talking about how much of a musical genius is, and how crazy it would be to work with him. Now Vic is out here finessin with Ye. Life is so crazy (Shoutout the TRAFFIC GANG).
I peeped awhile back that you and Denzel Curry were working on something, when can we expect that?
Yeah Denzel is the homie love his music and his shows are so damn lit reminds me of like a punk show kids just go crazzzzzzy. I have a song on his upcoming album should be dropping soon, but its definitely a banger can’t wait for it to drop.
You also recently linked up with an amazing singer in Njomza, are you trying to work with any more artists outside of hip hop?
Hellllll Yeahhh! I would love to work with this singer Kelela or Beach House.
Who else have you been working with behind the scenes? Who would you like to work with?
I have been working on a lot of music with Vic just started working with Dram. Dram and i have one of the hottest songs thats on my project. I can’t not wait for y’all to hear it. Im working on my project its called “Memories From The Future” its gonna have some dope ass features and some crazy instrumentals. Very excited for it should hopefully be done before the summer. I have been working with my brother Jarred AG(FDC) be on the lookout for him very soon, and of course the squad SAVEMONEY Dally Auston, Brian Fresco, Sterling Hayes, Kami.
I would like to work with more producers, I’m really fucking with the whole Soulection movement they have a great thing going on over there. (Shoutout Gravez and Tek) and i want to just keep building on the relationships with artist i have met recently a lot of stuff is brewing up behind the scenes so I’m really excited.
What’s your favorite record that you’ve produced so far in your career?
They are all about to drop soon so i can’t even say but the stuff I got with Vic is pretty insane. The Dram record is stupid hot, my project is coming out stupid dumb hot is gonna be a great year I feel it. Thank you for the interview I feel blessed and grateful for all the love and support. It’s gonna be a big year. Also everyone needs to just live life and have a more loving positive life. Creating a environment that will better your situation and well being in life and always give back. We all need to work together to make this fucked up world a better place. All you need is love. Shoutout my Mom and Pops, the whole Savemoney Army, FDC/HBB SQUAD, LPZ studios Squad, Tripp Nasty, Pat da Manager, Sean CK, KG. Chicago TAKE OVAAA.
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