Behind the Music: A Conversation with Lil Smizzy

By Vicky Marie

When stepping into the studio with No Mercy Empire (NME) founder, CEO, and recording artist Lil Smizzy, the atmosphere was inviting. A relaxed smoke session provided the backdrop for an insightful conversation. Smizzy was remarkably candid about his artistic journey, from his musical influences and creative process to his vision for and structure of his label, NME. Lil Smizzy has proven to be more than just a rapper; This candid exchange offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a talented and driven creative individual.

Lil Smizzy

Born and raised between the streets of Queens, NY, and North Jersey, Lil Smizzy's story is deeply intertwined with his experiences. The name, a tribute to his older brother Ant, was bestowed upon him by a neighborhood friend. Smizzy gradually embraced it, fully adopting it into his identity around the age of 14.

Smizzy's artistic journey is a testament to the strength found within adversity. Recognizing that his upbringing, with its unique blend of triumphs and challenges, shaped him–and his music–into the resilient being he is today. Witnessing the setbacks of his peers fueled his ambition, driving him to find ways to succeed where others might falter. 

“If you're not learning from your failures, that's when it becomes a loss. I don't believe in losses, I believe in lessons. You can't go back in time so make the best out of what you have now and move forward.”

A Creative Visionary

Smizzy's creative process is deeply rooted in a focused vision. He meticulously constructs his sound, carefully laying the desired landscape. When asked about a night in the studio, he emphasized the importance of staying focused, stating, “You have to maintain [and sustain] focus while being open-minded to what you’re creating. If you can vividly depict what you’re working towards, then use your mind to see it through.”

Smizzy added, “To me, the studio is a canvas so if you’re an artist, start painting.” His musical influences are a blend of raw talent and unwavering discipline. Nas, 50 Cent, and G-Unit, with their militant structure and unwavering discipline, are a few artists who have profoundly impacted Smizzy’s artistic vision.

Elaborating on  his thought process for his own music Smizzy added, “I make music for me. If people fuck with it, they fuck with it. But if they don’t, then that’s okay too. Life is built off of perspective.” Smizzy shared how he’s never been one to get caught up in the opinions of others–a valuable mindset to adopt. 

“Not everyone will like what you do nor respect it, but I promise you, they’re tuning in. You have to listen to form your opinion. In the words of Eazy-E, ‘they had to buy it before they burned it,” said Smizzy. His level of self-belief and resilience adds to the protective exterior that most artists will say is needed in a creative field like such. 

No Mercy Empire 

Lil Smizzy is the Founder and CEO of record label, No Mercy Empire, NME for short. In his own words Smizzy said, “The world gave me no mercy and I’m just trying to give it back; but I want to build an empire while doing it.” His vision stemmed from hitting rock bottom, which fueled his ambition to make it to the top. Smizzy said, “I felt like I deserved [everything] as long as I could work hard for it.”

NME is bigger than music, it represents growth and perseverance in every aspect. Smizzy shared that when he first started doing music, he struggled with recording correctly. He recalled, “I was off beat, overthinking it, and stressing. But the process helped me find patience, a lot of patience.” 

While collaborating with other artists, Smizzy observed a shared need for guidance. As his own knowledge grew, he readily shared it with his peers, discovering that many simply needed someone to believe in their potential. He added, “That’s mainly what it is, if you can just get people to understand that you believe in them, it’s up from there.” 

“Who’s to tell you no, besides yourself? Even if it’s yourself, tell yourself to go fuck itself and keep on [going].”

Smizzy believes that everyone has a purpose and an integral role at his label. He firmly added, “You don't have to be the head of the table to keep the table going, but you have to contribute—especially if you’re going to sit here.” As mentioned before NME is based on growth and he believes that a part of growth is helping your peers evolve as well. 

Final Thoughts

Before wrapping up, Smizzy shared his approach to life. He emphasized the importance of staying authentic to yourself. Doubling down on authenticity, he declared, “It’s easier to just be you. You literally can’t be somebody else, so just be yourself.” The message: In today’s world of social media and viral trends, it can be difficult to carve out a lane for yourself, but your selling point is uniqueness. 

When asked what Lil Smizzy wanted to say to anyone tuning in he answered, “Let the music speak for itself. Gotta listen, hear it out, give it a chance—that’s it. If you like it, thanks. If you don’t–welp, see you the next time around.”

“I smile at anybody who tells me I can’t do it, I roll up and I get over it. If it ain’t getting me paid, I don’t care.”