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D Smoke says he once had an opportunity to sign with DJ Khaled, but didn't take it for one specific reason.
On Friday, October, the California native sat down with Reg Calixte for the second episode of his Won of One podcast. During their conversation, D Smoke spoke about the business side of the music industry and was asked how he navigates it. Reg also mentioned that the Grammy-nominated artist once turned down a chance to sign with DJ Khaled. D Smoke revealed why he didn't sign with Khaled and what he learned from that experience.
“Khaled is an incredible executive and producer, and he’s still supportive," he explained. "For me, I didn’t feel like my artistry and what he does matched at that time. I wanted a lot more creative freedom. The music industry is like the ocean. Your business that you build is a quality ship, your vehicle. I focus on my nucleus and core to make sure that’s tight.”
D Smoke also spoke about his new album Wake Up Suga, which is his debut release through his new deal with Death Row Records. The album holds 14 tracks and features new collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Lucky Daye, LaRussell, Miles Minnick, BJ The Chicago Kid, Mike & Keys, plus others. Smoke said he finished the album before he signed the deal, yet he claimed he's the perfect artist to carry the iconic label's legacy.
“I do believe I’m the right person to carry the legacy of Death Row, as it relates to rap," he said. "There are brilliant artists already on Death Row — October London, Jane Hancock — but they’re soul artists. I’m a bridge between what Snoop’s vision is for the label, with the soul and gospel coming out of it and rap.”
Watch the entire interview below.