Daily Inspiration: Meet Smoktagous77

Today we’d like to introduce you to Smoktagous77.

Hi Smoktagous77, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure. My story began at the young age of 7 when I began playing drums at church. Playing drums in church exposed me to being on a platform/stage; seeing hundreds of people reacting to the grooves God implemented in me to play. For me, playing in church wasn’t just about a religious or spiritual aspect, although you do experience that, it was more about sharing being a blessing and sharing the blessings with Gods people. The beat of a certain drum pattern, mixed with musical chords and how the two can influence the audience to dance and enjoy Gods presence.
Not knowing what all they had going on, but for that entire Sunday, it was all about enjoying the energy from the music I helped provide. That was my life from 7 years old to this present day.
What started in church has blossomed into international stages, tv appearances, & records. From a couple hundred people in church to 10’s & 100’s of thousands in a multitude of venues. Having been blessed to work with some amazing artist throughout my career & hearing all kinds of testimonies from fans who were facing some serious challenges, but after hearing or watching a show I was blessed to be apart of, their lives changed!
Now, imagine hearing these stories multiple times. To realize that you unknowingly saved someone’s life just by doing what God created you to do is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling feelings ever.
Today, this still exist. I know that my gift of music is to inspire, motivate, uplift, encourage, etc. I understand that its, “My Life, Your Inspiration” & I am perfectly fine with that. This type of calling isn’t for the weak. I’ve faced the most hardest challenges recently and even if I wanted to give up, I couldn’t because I have people depending on my Light. God doesn’t put you in the fire for you to parish. God puts you in the fire to toughen your skin, to make you stronger, to make you wiser, to make you better. Today I continue to share my Light through music. I continue to produce nothing but positive frequencies that heal, protect & inspire.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not!! A calling like this, you will face all kinds of adversities from lies, decent, heartbreak, grief, failure, brokenness, loneliness & depression. You will get tested (which is why I said this isn’t for the weak) However you will also overcome it all. Listen, I put my entire trust in God! God is my source and I know that these test will produce my greatest breakthrough. All I have to do is be still and allow God to do what God said God will do. When you overstand that, you develop a “No Worries” type of attitude. You walk much differently. You achieve a much higher level of peace. You enjoy nature, You enjoy your alone time. The struggles become petty. What tried to have power over you has now become deceased…

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional drummer, band leader, producer, beat maker, music writer, artist, and business owner. I own a production company called Tis I…Entertainment LLC & Smoks Woodshed Drum School. I sow back back into my community offering drum lessons, & beat production lessons to individuals from ages 3 & up. I am also a Student of Life.
I play multiple genres of music. I primary write Hip Hop beats however with the help of my production partner, James Shelton, we create it all. From Funk to Jazz. Soul to Rock. We have been writing and arranging for artist as well as our own ventures for over 25 years. Our creativity can be heard in the Bahamas, throughout the states and overseas.
I have also partnered with singer/songwriter & promoter, Talisha Cousin aka “Misunderstood” (check her music out on all streaming platforms). We do an artist showcase monthly called, Epic Encounters, in the metro Atlanta area. The goal is to support local independent artist of all genres giving them a platform to be heard and seen. Please feel free to email misunderstoodsmok@gmail.com for a chance to be apart of our artist showcase.

I am originally from Detroit, Michigan and relocated to Atlanta, GA in 2006. Since moving to Atlanta, I’ve worked with many local talent from many genres but my most notable success was becoming apart of Arrested Development in 2012. That job wasn’t a “drummer for the band” type situation. That job was a band member situation. The perks were much different lol.
Those were amazing times filled with long flights and constant jet lag lol. AD is still my family and they continue to tour the globe.
I chose a different route and went back to school in 2018 to earn my degree in Audio Production and focus on may artistry.

My entire career is what I am most proud of because I didn’t have to lose my integrity nor my character for any gig I got. The road is a little longer however it’s rewarding! I know my worth and will not settle for less.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I enjoy reading spiritual manifestation & self-help books. I am currently reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Once I am done with it I have Working with The Law by Raymond Holliwell on standby.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoktagous77/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smoktagous77
• Other: https://linktr.ee/smoktagous77

Image Credits
Tis I…Entertainment LLC