D. Smoke Reveals Why He Turned Down DJ Khaled Deal: “I Wanted More Freedom”
Written by b87fm on 10/08/2025
D. Smoke is moving to the beat of his own drum — even when major labels come knocking.
The Grammy-nominated rapper recently opened up on Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast about why he passed on signing with DJ Khaled’s We The Best Music after his breakout moment on Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow.
“Khaled is an incredible executive and producer, and he’s still supportive,” D. Smoke told host Reginald Calixte. “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 Inglewood lyricist compared the music industry to an unpredictable ocean:
“There are sharks and all of this stuff. 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 expressed pride in being part of Death Row’s new chapter under Snoop Dogg’s leadership.
“I do believe I’m the right person to carry the legacy of Death Row,” he said. “October London, Jane Hancock — 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.”
Outside the booth, D. Smoke has been flexing his acting skills on the Paramount+ thriller Mayor of Kingstown. He reflected on working alongside Jeremy Renner as the actor recovered from his near-fatal accident.
“They had to do reconstructive surgery all over his chest,” he said. “To now be doing his own stunts and have a trailer set up for fitness, while still being the lead — it’s incredible.”
The production team made special accommodations to ease Renner’s comeback, spacing out filming to give him time to heal.
Between his music independence, Death Row affiliation, and acting career, D. Smoke is proving he’s playing the long game — on his own terms.
