No Mercy Empire: The Next Chapter

"It’s more to No Mercy Empire than just music; It’s about growth in every aspect," Lil Smizzy stated during our candid interview earlier this year; A statement that resonated with the raw ambition and unapologetic drive that defines the label. He spoke of coming out with a vengeance, sharing dreams of NME's global presence, having emphatically stated, "It’s no limits!" 

Now, that vision takes on a tangible form as we reconnect, this time with the voices of No Mercy Empire's artists: Jojo, 223Kinji, and DM Baby. Their arrival signals not just a musical debut, but a continuation of NME's core philosophy—dedication to growth and the refusal to stop. 

Jojo 

Jojo's story is one of transformation as his journey began in the Bronx and found its rhythm in the suburbs of Edison, New Jersey. Unlike many who dive headfirst into performance, Jojo's entry into the world of music was initially stunted by a scarcity of experience. However, under the guidance of Lil Smizzy, that very obstacle became the catalyst for his artistic evolution. 

"He pushed me to put myself out there a little more," Jojo reflected. "As I started to do that, I finally got connected with the music side itself.” Jojo continued, “To me, every time I hear a beat, I just vibe and go from there." This intuitive approach, combined with a dedication to understanding the foundational elements of music, allowed Jojo to develop a holistic perspective–learning the background components before fully embracing his role as an artist.

Jojo's vision for his music career is grounded in authenticity and growth. "It's about getting my name and my face out there," he stated, acknowledging the importance of visibility in today's music landscape. Despite not being very active on social media, Jojo aims to forge genuine connections with his audience through the power of his music.

While his current catalog is still expanding, his focus extends beyond personal success. Jojo shared that he is deeply invested in the collective growth of NME. He sees his journey as intertwined with the label's, aiming to contribute to its branding and expansion.
 
Looking ahead, Jojo's career aspirations reveal a desire to empower others. "I could see myself being an engineer," he shared, envisioning a future where he can "give individuals the help that they need to accomplish their musical visions." His commitment to sharing resources and knowledge underscores his collaborative spirit, a trait that defines his approach to music.

223Kinji

Harmony. A word that resonates deeply when considering the artistic vision of 223Kinji. More than just a musical aesthetic, it's a guiding principle, woven into the very fabric of his creative outputs. 
Hailing from Passaic, New Jersey, Kinji's journey is one fueled by genuine human connection and a profound appreciation for the world around him. His inspiration is cultivated through the everyday interactions that shape our lives, coupled with the shared experiences that bind us. His deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness of all beings drives his unwavering aspiration: to contribute, in his own unique way, to a more positive and harmonious world. 

At the core of his vision lies a commitment to a multifaceted artistry, stemming from not only his passion of creating music, but his love for poetry, directing and acting alike. This diverse skill set isn't merely a collection of talents; Kinji sees beyond the surface, a perspective that infuses his art with a sense of unity and purpose. 

This ambition extends beyond personal success. Kinji sees his artistic journey as a collaborative ascent. "My vision is to be one with the label as well so that we can elevate together. Once I elevate I want to keep bringing others up with me," he explained; Understanding that true success lies in shared progress.
Kinji strives to be a “go-to collaborator” who can lend his talents to any project, regardless of genre. "I see myself being a multi-genre artist: rock, country, r&b, rap, most of them. I don’t want to limit myself," he declares. This refusal to be confined by labels reflects his drive for creativity and his desire to connect with a diverse audience.

DM baby 

Although we didn’t get a chance to catch up with DM Baby, NME CEO Lil Smizzy shared the value that he brings to No Mercy Empire—as an artist, an inspiration and system of support.
 
"He brought value in a lot of ways," Lil Smizzy began, recounting a pivotal moment when his own musical aspirations were flickering out. Having no place to record and no one to help figure things out, Smizzy was on the verge of throwing in the towel. “I remember heading home from work, mad as hell. Then some skinny kid ran towards me asking for a lighter; the rest was history.”

That "skinny kid" was DM Baby, then known as Danny. Their chance encounter ignited a creative partnership when DM Baby shared with Smizzy that he made music. Eventually, the two would begin vibing out to a mixture of beats. Smizzy recalled, “His wordplay was insane to me.  I’ve never seen someone at his age and caliber do what he did and it amazed the shit out of me.”

Beyond his raw talent, DM Baby became an emotional anchor for Smizzy. "I didn't have anybody to be like ‘Yo bro we’ll be alright,’ before anyone else stepped in,” Smizzy said, recalling the early days of NME. Dealing with the pressures of maintaining the label, his artists and himself as both a CEO and an artist, Smizzy mentioned how DM Baby’s mere presence calmed the chaos of it all. “Nobody gave me credit, they just gave me the bullshit, but Danny gave me both."

Lil Smizzy's initial approach to managing DM Baby was rooted in a tough-love mentality. He recalled, "I thought I had to be a tough boss to get a tough artist. I’ve seen Danny crash out [because of that] and it showed me that sometimes I have to stop being an ass.” Smizzy continued, “I felt like in order to get a fire verse, I had to light that flame under him. Once that flame is lit, he will burn everything in his path, he’s unstoppable."

The relationship evolved from a perceived competition to a brotherhood built on mutual respect and learning. "I always felt like I met my match when it came down to him. There were some days when I was like, ‘damn you could be competition.’ Then I realized, we’re just two brothers learning from each other. Everything that I lacked he had and vice-versa,” Smizzy recalled. 

DM Baby's impact extends beyond artistic collaboration. He was instrumental in revitalizing Lil Smizzy's passion and providing him with the resources to succeed. "When I didn’t have a studio, he introduced me to the spot that I record at till this day. He’s the one that bought Smizzy back when everything was fucked up for Mike Smith; when I didn’t have that drive."

He continued, " I didn't believe I could produce anybody at that time, let alone make it sound that good, but Danny always made me believe.” Lil Smizzy finished, his words resonating with heartfelt honesty, “He brought me back to who I am now because I wouldn't be the person that I am without Danny. I can say that genuinely." 

What’s next for NME?

At NME, everybody has their purpose: Kinji brings the creativity to mold the vision; Jojo spits impeccable freestyles and puts his focus on the pen; DM Baby acts a visionary, he always thinks one step ahead of the game.

The future of No Mercy Empire burns bright, with a collaborative mixtape set to drop soon and highly anticipated solo projects from Jojo, 223Kinji, and DM Baby on the horizon. 

Keep your ears to the Streets—No Mercy Empire is about to Drop Some Serious Heat.