Smif-N-Wessun, an American hip-hop duo hailing from the Brooklyn borough of New York City, has significantly impacted the rap scene. Comprised of rappers Tekomin “Tek” Williams and Darrell “Steele” Yates, the pair effectively represent their respective neighborhoods, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville. They first appeared in the early ’90s, contributing their rhyming prowess to tracks on Black Moon’s debut album Enta Da Stage.
Emerging during hip-hop’s golden era, Smif-N-Wessun became a vital component of the Brooklyn supergroup Boot Camp Clik, joining forces with Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah, and others. This alliance brought their dancehall-informed verses to even greater prominence within the industry. Throughout the years, they have released numerous chart-topping hits, including “Bucktown,” “Wontime,” “Wrekonize,” and “Sound Bwoy Bureill.”
This duo’s impressive career showcases their undeniable talent and ability to navigate hip-hop’s ever-changing landscape, cementing their status as one of Brooklyn’s finest rap groups. Their solid performances and meaningful lyrics continue to captivate and inspire listeners.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Tek and Steele
Tek and Steele, the duo that would come to be known as Smif-N-Wessun, are both from the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. They first gained attention for their distinctive incorporation of Jamaican Patois in their raps, particularly during the early stages of their career.
Brooklyn Hip-Hop Scene
As part of the Brooklyn hip-hop scene in the 1990s, Tek and Steele associated themselves with other local talents, such as Black Moon and the larger collective, Boot Camp Clik. Their unique sound and lyrical style set them apart from other artists in this vibrant hip-hop community.
Boot Camp Clik
Smif-N-Wessun became one-fourth of the Brownsville, Brooklyn supergroup Boot Camp Clik, which also consisted of Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah, and O.G.C. This collective emphasized a gritty, streetwise sensibility in their music and visuals.
Black Moon
Smif-N-Wessun first appeared on Black Moon’s 1993 debut album Enta Da Stage, contributing to the tracks “U Da Man” and “Black Smif-N-Wessun.” This collaboration helped pave the way for the formation of the Brooklyn supergroup Boot Camp Clik, adding to their growing reputation in the hip-hop scene. The duo then released their own single, “Bucktown” b/w “Let’s Git It On,” in early 1994, which became an underground hit and garnered significant buzz for their debut album, Dah Shinin’.
Dah Shinin’ and Rise to Fame
Debut Album Success
In 1995, East Coast hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun released their debut studio album, Dah Shinin’, which marked their rise to fame. The album was recorded at D&D Studios in New York City, with production handled by Da Beatminerz. Its release came during what is often referred to as Hip-Hop’s Golden Era.
Dah Shinin’ featured their hit single, “Bucktown,” which gained widespread recognition and became an anthem for their hometown of Brownsville, Brooklyn. The success of “Bucktown” and the album helped establish Smif-N-Wessun as prominent figures in the hip-hop scene and paved the way for future collaborations.
Collaborations
Smif-N-Wessun demonstrated their collaborative prowess by working with various other artists and groups within the hip-hop community. One notable collaboration was with Black Moon on the track “U Da Man” from Black Moon’s debut album, Enta Da Stage. This collaboration further cemented their status within the hip-hop community and contributed to their continued success.
Recognition
The duo’s debut album, Dah Shinin’, was widely recognized for its raw and gritty sound, reflecting their Brownsville roots and staying true to the essence of hip-hop during the Golden Era. Smif-N-Wessun’s lyrical prowess, combined with Da Beatminerz’s distinctive production style, made the album a quintessential piece of East Coast hip-hop history.
As a result of the album’s success and the pair’s undeniable talent, Smif-N-Wessun earned a well-deserved place among the ranks of prominent figures within the hip-hop scene of the 1990s.
Name Change and the Cocoa Brovaz Era
The Rude Awakening Album
Under the name Cocoa Brovaz, rappers Tek and Steele of Smif-N-Wessun released their second studio album, The Rude Awakening. This album came out on March 31, 1998, via Priority Records. It features a more mature sound compared to their debut album, Dah Shinin’, and includes tracks like “Relentless Rhymes” and a Super Mario Bros-inspired song called “Super Brooklyn”.
Cease and Desist Letter
The duo’s name change to Cocoa Brovaz occurred due to legal threats from the Smith & Wesson firearms company. The duo originally went by Smif-N-Wessun, which closely resembled the name of the well-known firearm brand. Smith & Wesson issued a cease and desist letter, forcing Tek and Steele to change their name to Cocoa Brovaz. Despite this change, they remained an essential part of the Brooklyn hip-hop scene and continued to produce music together.
Return to Smif-N-Wessun and Subsequent Albums
Monumental Collaboration with Pete Rock
In 2011, Smif-N-Wessun collaborated with hip-hop legend Pete Rock to release the album “Monumental.” The project saw the duo working with a variety of high-profile artists from the hip-hop scene, such as Styles P, Memphis Bleek, Bun B, and others. This collaboration showcased the duo’s ability to effectively work with other artists in the industry and maintain a strong presence in the hip-hop community.
Born and Raised and Reggae Influences
Exploring a new sound, Smif-N-Wessun ventured into the world of reggae with their album “Born and Raised.” Released in 2013, the project showcased the duo’s versatility and newfound interest in reggae music, featuring collaborations with popular reggae artists Junior Reid and Jahdan Blakkamoore. The album is a testament to Smif-N-Wessun’s ability to evolve their sound and keep fans engaged through experimentation and blending genres.
Collaborations and Projects
Work with 9th Wonder and The Soul Council
Smif-N-Wessun collaborated with renowned producer 9th Wonder and his production team The Soul Council for their album “The All.” This partnership brought together talented producers such as Khrysis, Nottz, and Eric G from The Soul Council, combining their unique sounds to create a cohesive project. The album features notable collaborations with artists like Raekwon and Rick Ross, showcasing Smif-N-Wessun’s versatility and ability to connect with various hip-hop icons.
“The All” showcases the duo’s strong East Coast influence, with hard-hitting beats and gritty lyrics that resonate with listeners. Working with 9th Wonder and The Soul Council allowed Smif-N-Wessun to achieve a polished and impactful sound, highlighting their skills as both lyricists and performers.
Lyricist Lounge Shows
Smif-N-Wessun have also participated in the iconic Lyricist Lounge shows, events that promote the art of lyricism in hip-hop and bring together talented artists to perform. As part of these shows, they have rubbed shoulders and shared the stage with other influential names in the East Coast hip-hop scene.
Participating in Lyricist Lounge events not only allowed Smif-N-Wessun to showcase their lyrical prowess but also solidified their presence in the hip-hop community. These shows cemented their status as noteworthy artists and provided opportunities to collaborate with other prominent names.
In their extensive career, Smif-N-Wessun have navigated the evolving landscape of hip-hop, establishing themselves as a consistent and reliable force in the genre. Their partnerships with producers like 9th Wonder and The Soul Council, as well as involvement in events such as Lyricist Lounge, demonstrate their commitment to their craft and their ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive industry.
Influence and Legacy
Impact on Hip-Hop Culture
Smif-N-Wessun, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, had a significant impact on hip-hop culture during their rise in the 1990s. As part of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Super-Posse known as Boot Camp Clik, their aggressive and militaristic imagery coupled with their gritty style left a lasting mark on the rap scene. Furthermore, their incorporation of Jamaican culture into their music served to bridge the gap between hip-hop and dancehall genres.
Their debut album, Dah Shinin’, released in 1995, boasted gluttonous beats crafted by the Beatminerz Production Squad and was signed to the independent label Nervous Wreck Records. Smif-N-Wessun’s integration of Jamaican influences, such as dancehall, with traditional hip-hop beats contributed to the unique sound found on this album.
One notable aspect of their music is the use of an illegal sample from the Super Mario Bros. video game theme music. This sampling gained them much attention and solidified their status as innovative and daring artists within the genre.
Emcees Tek and Steele
Tek and Steele, the dynamic duo behind Smif-N-Wessun, have continued to contribute to hip-hop culture through a variety of avenues. Beyond their work as a duo, they have been involved in the popular Lyricist Lounge Series, showcasing their prowess as skilled lyricists and performers.
In 2013, Smif-N-Wessun released the Born and Raised mixtape, which further explored their connection to Jamaican culture through the incorporation of dancehall-style production and hooks. This project served as their fifth proper Smif-N-Wessun album, indicating their dedication and longevity in the ever-evolving world of hip-hop.
Their work with Duck Down Music, the label founded by Boot Camp Clik, has allowed Tek and Steele to collaborate with various producers and artists throughout their careers. These collaborations often feature a focus on the city, streets, and team-oriented themes. A signature component of their music is the inclusion of hooks and verses that frequently mention smoke, kill, or sounds related to weaponry.
In conclusion, the influence and legacy of Smif-N-Wessun, led by emcees Tek and Steele, have left a lasting impression on hip-hop culture through their unique fusion of dancehall and hip-hop, aggressive thematic content, and collaborations within the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Super-Posse and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is their net worth?
The net worth of Smif-N-Wessun is not publicly disclosed. It is important to note that the duo has had a long career in the hip-hop industry and has seen some success as part of the supergroup Boot Camp Clik.
Who is Tek?
Tekomin “Tek” Williams, born June 3, 1973, is a rapper from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and is one half of the hip-hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. He first appeared on Black Moon’s debut album Enta Da Stage in 1993, and has since been an active member of the Boot Camp Clik collective alongside his partner Steele.
Are they Jamaican?
Smif-N-Wessun’s background is not explicitly Jamaican, but they incorporate dancehall-informed lyrics into their music. This influence can be heard in their songs, and it adds a unique flavor to their already gritty and raw sound coming out of Brooklyn’s hip-hop scene.
What’s their Instagram?
Smif-N-Wessun’s official Instagram account can be found at @smifnwessun. Be sure to follow them for updates on their music, performances, and other activities.
Who is Steel?
Darrell “Steele” Yates, born December 18, 1974, is a rapper from Brownsville, Brooklyn, and makes up the other half of the duo Smif-N-Wessun. Alongside Tek, he has contributed to the Brooklyn Supergroup Boot Camp Clik, and has made a significant impact on the New York City hip-hop scene.
Unreleased Rawkus album?
In 1998, Smif-N-Wessun released an album titled “Rude Awakening” under the name Cocoa Brovaz, which was their response to a legal threat from the Smith & Wesson firearms company. During their time with Rawkus Records, they started working on another album, but it was never officially released. The details of this unreleased Rawkus album remain largely unknown and a topic of interest for many fans.