"Once Upon A Time In America"

I want mo' money, mo' money
my last name ain't Wayans
but my first name is Damon
so gamin' is somethin' I gained

For Smoothe Da Hustler, the line "my everyday lifestyle ain't nothin' but a hustle" is far from just a catch phrase - it's the story of his life. Smoothe, the gifted product of Brownsville, Brooklyn street, combines raw street poetry in the style of seventies writer Donald Goines with an inventive view of ghetto life to get his point across: Before the glamour and fancy cars, money is survival.

"I gotta struggle for the dough
doin' my thing to buy me gear and a coat
and boots before it snows..."

It all started for Smoothe Da Hustler when his crew, M.O.P., were recording their debut album with producer DR Period at Nexxt Level Studios. Smoothe and DR immediately realized their styles complimented each other perfectly, and began working on material. As Smoother remembers,

"I was getting locked up for things I had done in my past....and DR Period had me come in and do two songs, and told me he'd spread the word while I was inside. When I came back, I was shocked 'cause the word was out about the song."

The first outcome of this creative team was the street anthem "Hustlin'" with the hook, "my everyday lifestyle ain't nothin but a hustle," making it an instant local anthem for all those who were struggling and hustling in Smoothe's neighborhood.

The song is a life story of sorts for Smoothe, who knows the harsh reality of life behind bars, the song is not intended just for the criminal element. Smoothe wants to make this point clear: "I'm letting the public know that everything is a hustle...whether it's a nine to five or a heist, it's the same game. My song is for everybody who strives for money...'cause nobody gets it easy."
Nexxt Level Entertainment, DR Period's production company, pressed the song on 12" and cassette in February, 1995. It sold out in local record stores and gained Smoothe recognition in New York on local underground circles. An album deal with Profile and a new updated mix for "Hustlin" soon followed. Smoothe, however, wasn't satisfied with just coming with a new mix of an old song. A second track was recorded for the single's b-side; a track that contained no hook, simply rapid fire lyrics ... and history was made.

That b-side, "Broken Language" made all of hip-hop take notice this past winter with the introduction of a new 'word association' style created by Smoothe and his brother, Trigger Da Gambler, who is featured on the song. Now firmly entrenched as an underground classic, the track is just a hint of what's to come on the album. "The new style in 'Broken Language',' says Smoothe, "is one of many you can expect from me ... it's not all 'Broken Language'.'

Indeed, check the album ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA and you can see for yourself. Like the same titled Robert De Niro flick, Smoothe's album leads you from story to story and scene to scene giving headz an insiders view of Smoothe's lifestyle and experiences coming up. The movies motif of togetherness always rings true at the Nexxt Level camp remains tight, working on newly signed Def Jam artist, Triggers upcoming project.
Smoothe maintains his street credibility with no excuses while moving his life in new directions. "Only Human", a liquid smooth groove from his album gives you a look into how Smoothe got involved in the streets.

...peep the stee-lo if you don't know me...slowly
you'll begin to hold me accountable for criminal acts...
...I mix the llmatic with baking soda,
been ringing bells ever since Regina,
the struggle to keep the family from wantin'
..the fast money...
To keep me & my peoples flauntin'
me not sellin' only if hell froze
so tell Melrose that rap is my place,
I sell those...

Even though Smoothe turns to the streets, he's never alone and knows that there are those who have his back - particularly his brother, Trigger Da Gambler, his mother, and his Nexxt Level family. They are prominently featured on his album on cuts such as "My Brother My Ace" (where Smoothe and Trigger reprise their "Broken Language" form of trading rhymes back and forth,-like a pendulum) and "Dollar Bill". Smoothe's mother makes a show stealing cameo in the intro to the aforementioned "Only Human"

Overall, Smoothe wants the public to have no illusions, "My name says it all, 'cause that's who I am." Now watch Smoothe Da Hustler blow up the spot with his debut album, ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA.

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