By: Todd “DG” Davis
Rapindustry.com
This is an exclusive deep dive with Steele, one half of the legendary duo Smif-N-Wessun. Last year, they celebrated 30 years since their iconic debut Dah Shinin’ and dropped their eighth studio LP, Infinity. Now, Steele gets real about the journey, the struggles, and what keeps him rooted in the game. From the gritty streets of Brooklyn’s Bucktown to global stages, he’s seen it all—fame, setbacks, and the relentless grind that never stops. With the upcoming BlackSmif-N-Wessun project produced by Da Beatminerz, he speaks on the long wait, the unbreakable bond of family over rap, and how he draws strength from life, loss, and everything in between. Armed with wisdom, raw honesty, and an unshakable passion for the culture, Steele’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and staying true to the roots that made him a legend. Buckle up—this is raw, real talk from a pioneer built on authenticity and hustle.
Let’s hop right into this forthcoming – not to mention super exciting sounding – Da Beatminerz laced BlackSmif-N-Wessun project — let’s talk about it…
Q: Also, why so long? It seems like a no brainer that this would’ve been happened already…
I would have to say it’s just the politics of life. It’s a little premature to discuss The BlackSmif-N-Wessun project, but what I will say is that it is produced totally by Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, founders of Da Beatminerz and curators of our infamous underground sound.
Q: Aside from the obvious, how then does BlackSmif-N-Wessun compare to or differ from your previous efforts?
I am a fan of this hip-hop culture, and I am in love with what it produces. As a fan, it would be dope to hear what a BSNW album could sound like. We have an interesting relationship that has rarely been expanded on to give content to our true bond. It’s a lot deeper than rap, it’s family for real…and aside from the obvious, there is no aside, sometimes we just want what we want, as fans and curators of music and art. And if we can manifest in real time, hopefully it exceeds our expectations.
Q: As a lyricist, where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from life and death; all things in between and surrounding.
Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?
I was infatuated with hip-hop as soon as I was exposed to it. As I seen myself represented in the art, we formed a symbiotic relationship and my journey began to find my purpose and position and not just as a rapper. Eventually, my interest lead me to becoming an artist with a respectable body of work. It’s in hindsight that I understand my journey began long before I can comprehend.
Q: Growing up in ‘Bucktown,’ who were some of your biggest influences?
Close to heart, my biggest influence was my family, My father and mother were incredible on many levels. Both my grandmothers were dope, my uncle, Jocko, used to play professional basketball and he always gave back to the ‘hood till he transitioned. My uncle, Guy, introduced me to Guru and Gang Starr, and all the dancehall sh*t. My uncle, Ruler, was the intelligent gangster. My uncle, Ali, was the fly one; he had all the brands, and he was about his paper and his family. These are just a handful of the characters that inspired my fuel to create.
Q: How do you define your style?
I don’t have a definition for my style. I don’t really know how to classify it, but I know what it is not.
Q: What do you hope people take away from your music?
Music is meant to inspire and entertain, be inspired and entertained.
Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be?
That’s way too vague for me. I tend to keep an open mind to what the universe tells me. There are so many great artists; some of which I wonder what it would sound like, but mostly I just enjoy it for what it is.
Q: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be?
Wow, that’s mega! There are so many wonderful stages across the world. I’m from New York, so I would start there at Madison Square Garden.
Q: How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop?
Hip-hop has taken a beating, but it always has; it’s tough like that. Currently there are more opportunities to make more money, but perhaps this affects the quality and / or even the intent of the culture as a whole. Opulence and violence has been over-popularized creating a dangerous divide, particularly amongst younger people who live in impoverished situations and those who misinterpret art and reality. People deserve a balance. Music as a whole offers a bevy of useful components. The frequency of music can affect your being, so to have a healthy balance is needed, but the industry is “The Industry.” Let the creators create.
Q: What’s the key to your longevity?
God is the key to my longevity. When it’s time for me to go, I too will transition. I owe gratitude to the like minds who have tapped in along this journey and continue to support artists like Smif-N-Wessun.
Q: Beyond music, what else, if anything, do you want to do?
I want to write a few books and perhaps go back to school and sharpen my psychology blade. Maybe I can apply my art to help people there.
Q: Biggest career moments thus far?
The day Tek and I signed up for this journey, making a commitment to ourselves not knowing where we would land. Faith and work go hand in hand, and I am grateful for every blessing granted no matter how small.
Q: What’s an average day like for you?
I love my alone time. I like to read, exercise, eat healthy and do creative shit. I might write a rap or work on my book, take a call or two; I’m something like a life coach, I really be helping people get through some sh*t sometimes. I’m not too different, I’m human; I just got a cool job, lol. I like to keep it simple.
Q: How do you interact with your fans?
I like to kick it with fans, take pics, whatever. As long as they’re not too goofy, I don’t have many reservations. Besides, that’s great feedback. I don’t like the abundant adulation, I just keep it normal and down to earth, ’cause that’s where we at anyway.
Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?
The greed and opulence destroys the fabric of most industry. There are people who purposely and knowingly take advantage of others on many levels. There are many horror tales of artists going through turmoil and often sabotage. It’s only now that we are exposed to some of the dark aspects and dealings in real time. A lot of damage has been done, and it appears to be a cycle where few artists allude. On the other hand, this culture, just as other cultures, bring people together. This can be positive and beneficial. I enjoy being part of the solution to an idle mind and destructive tendencies. Hip-hop has transformed so many times, and it started from a mustard seed. We are all creators to some degree. Hip-hop gave us a wide platform to explore that. It gave us an out, gave us and in, gave us jobs and opportunities, which would otherwise be impossible to attain.
Q: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?
Get knowledge of self and things, have real conversations. If people don’t want to talk about real issues or build on solutions, you don’t need to spend too much time there, be intentional. You have to cultivate your alone time to sharpen your will and your skill. Listen to others, but be original; find your strengths. Know what you get into, have patience, respect the process, listen intentionally, be courageous yet considerate, and CREATE FREE.
Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I wanna be right with God and close to family with all my business affairs in order.
Q: What’s next for you, Steele?
I have a few projects I am working on aside from BSNW. I currently have a project with Es-K, which is our third installment of the Building Bridges series. This one is Building Bridges Volume 3, which features Tek, Rockness Monsta, Ruste Juxx, Rim Da Villian and Bernadette Price. We also showcase a cast of fresh artists; like Deray and Shadow on a song called “Children Of The World.” I also have a song featuring my little cousin, Kay Pesos, alongside my two sons, Genesis. and Massai. This is a special project about transparency and healing and mental awareness. It reveals a lot. Other artists are Yountie Strickland, Sister Dee, Louie Skaggs, who has appeared on all three volumes, and Stormey Coleman, as well as soul crooners, Lomel and Ebony Winter. I have a few other things I’m constructing in regards to music, but I am working on my second and third book simultaneously. One is a follow up to the first book, ‘By My Own Hands,’ which is yet to be titled, and the other is autobiographical. In addition to that, Tek and I are working on the next music project, as well as increasing our involvement and presence within the community.
Q: Any parting words for our readers?
Stay healthy, enjoy yourself, friends and family. Practice forgiveness of self and others. Music is our universal connection, stay in tune with the frequency that moves you. Always give thanks.
