Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyree Smith.
Hi Tyree, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
This all started with my love for music as a child. I’ve always been inclined to produce, not just my own songs but my own events… even to the point, when I’d visit my uncle’s trailer park, I’d find random plywood, 2x4s, & nails to build a stage to perform for the whole neighborhood in the cul-de-sac. I made a name for myself for those 2-3 people who’d always show up (aka my cousins).
I later pursued a career as an independent faith-based music artist. As I began to tour, I noticed that I lacked opportunities to perform in my own city, Atlanta.
From there, I dreamt of ways to host my own events in the city. My wife & I threw our first event in the Spring of 2019. We saw so much beauty in the diverse community that the event unified, not just in the music genre, but in race, age, etc. The inspiration we gained from that opened up our eyes to limitless opportunities & the rest was history.
Since then, we’ve put on several smaller events and our first music festival at the top of summer 2022. It was amazing. Our heart is not to shove our beliefs down people’s throats but to attract the community, faith-based or not, to experience the undefeated love of Jesus.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggles I had were financial. Trying to raise funds for a vision that not everyone can see is tough. But I learned that not everyone will see the vision that God gave to you. But that’s why he gave it to you. Because he called YOU to accomplish it. & everything that comes with it…. blessings and burdens alike are a part of your journey. And the same challenges that seemingly press you down or meant to press us into his presence, to strengthen us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Christian Hip Hop artist, clothing brand owner, & event curator. All of my creative ventures fall under the umbrella of “No Rival Nation.”
I’m most proud of the ecosystem we’ve built. If you get introduced to one facet of it, by design, you’ll probably get introduced to the rest of it.
What sets me apart from other creatives is the “No Rival Nation” branding operation itself. You have many people who have a singular operative, as to where we have a whole machine being built.
“They wouldn’t let me have a seat at the table, so I went & built my own table.” – Tyler Perry.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Community grounded in the glory of God matters to me more than anything. When a group of people rally behind a common purpose, the world can’t help but to stop and pay attention. We want Jesus to be known because he is the answer to every societal ill. A community that stands behind that mission will literally change the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: norivalnation.com
- Instagram: @tee.smith (personal page) // @norivalnation (business page)
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZtYkZTJS8dRNE4lc2nzKFw
Image Credits:
Trey Martinez
