Generally, the scarcely used title of “Wordsmith” is reserved solely to identify the most prolific, and expert of writers. They are individuals who most fluently bond the verbal and cerebral aspects of the written word, true professionals and masters of their art.

I recently got the chance to have a chat with Wordsmith™ (note the trademark), a local hip-hop artist that more than lives up to the name. Although some conservative purists might scoff at the prospect of having someone outside the literary world carry that title, a quick listen to his latest release, “Overdue & Underrated” swiftly puts any doubts aside.

Much like the title suggests the mixtape is a not too subtle declaration of where Wordsmith sees himself in the game. “I put out consistently good music, and for whatever reason I feel like there’s people in front of me, who maybe don’t work as hard as me or have as much going on but they’re put in a better light than me… It was just really a statement mixtape to show that pretty much my mixtape’s sound like somebody’s album that you would find in a store.” That assertion is confirmed by the strength of the tapes all original production, from an array of talented beat makers like the DMV’s own Judah, and Wordsmith’s Nu Revolution Ent. affiliates, Strada and Professa. It’s also a refreshing step back from the feature heavy era of hip-hop, where one is not bombarded by forced combinations and makeshift attempts to appeal to all demographics. Wordsmith seems to make a genuine effort at presenting capable lyricists, and is witnessing the payoffs. “It went over 300,000 downloads in the first ten days so it’s doing great, it’s really getting out there.”

The success of the latest mixtape bodes well for a career that has been on a rising trajectory for years now. Wordsmith has become well known in the industry, and with the releases of his U.S. and UK singles, “Hook-up Hotline” and “Tour Guide to New Bride” he is slated to move into the mainstream consciousness with the release of his upcoming album, “Vintage Experience.” Fans can expect a universal, cinematic experience, “… I put together a movie on wax, I even have scores on there that transition to the next chapter of the album, so when people listen to it I want them to literally sit down in a chair, lay down on the floor and listen to this album because it’s an experience when you listen to it.”

Garnering attention and support from highly regarded hip-hop blogs, publications, and insiders alike, it’s hard for anyone to question Wordsmith as he has proven to be one of the more knowledgeable and enterprising rising artists. “You got to be a businessman first. If I didn’t know how to do business I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career, I wouldn’t have some of the marketing deals I have, the relationships I have with different people in this game if I didn’t know how to conduct business, and not just to conduct, but be able to offer some of these people and organizations something from my end.”

Wordsmith is constantly promoting his music, and expanding his brand into other markets and businesses. He has recently launched Nu Revolution Entertainment, and has cross-marketed his music into deals to be featured on the Platinum Games/Sega hit “Mad World” as well as a deal with Puma Fragrances among countless others. Just like his name suggests, he is a true professional.

I recommend for all readers to listen to the full (15min) interview embedded below, to get a better sense of just how focused and knowledgeable Wordsmith genuinely is about the industry.

Not convinced? Here is an out of context quote:

“…labels like to sign dumb artists…”

Wordsmith Interview 12.17.09

Capital Noise Podcast

RELATED LINKS:

Download “Overdue & Underrated” Mixtape

Wordsmith Website

MySpace

Twitter