Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hb Smooth. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

HB, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My mom played a huge role in nurturing my creativity. She would sign me up for various programs like basketball and art, and that’s when I first learned about charcoal drawing. I remember getting kinda good at it and even sketching things for fun. My mom would take me to the Art Institute for a summer program—I don’t remember the details, but I just know she took me there, and it was such a cool experience. They had a lot of kids’ programs back then, and I think she chose them, but honestly, it didn’t matter because I had a blast.

I also had my first experience with an old-school film projector at the Art Institute, which was pretty amazing. But the one memory that really sticks with me is when my mom enrolled me in a summer camp at Columbia College when I was around 12. That was when I truly realized how much I loved creative work. We shot skits, and that’s when I learned about video editing. It was such a great experience, and honestly, it probably planted the seed for me to chase my creative passions later on.

Then there’s the story of my first tape recorder. My mom got me one along with a boombox, and I held on to that tape recorder throughout high school. I would pretend to be a radio host and even had my ex-girlfriends on my “show” (lol). I’d make these little radio shows, then record my “mixes” on the tape player. I bought tapes with my allowance, and I remember feeling like a DJ every time I hit “record.”

When I was in high school, my mom enrolled me in another program at Columbia College, and we ended up making a radio show project on CD. I even included some of my “juke tracks” on it, which makes me laugh now, but it was all part of the journey. I really loved that school, and looking back, I see how much my mom encouraged me to keep my creativity alive.

On the other hand, my dad was a huge support in his own way. He would tell me not to worry about not having friends or what people thought, especially when he’d pick me up and we’d hang out. I’d let him hear my juke tracks, and he’d let me play them in his car. His support meant the world to me, and I still carry his words with me every day. The last piece of advice he left me with was to live my life, and it took me a long time to truly understand that. But now, it makes perfect sense, and I realize how valuable that lesson was.

So, when I think about what my parents did right, it was really about fostering my creativity and always encouraging me to keep going. Whether it was signing me up for programs or sharing advice, they helped me find my path, and their support continues to inspire me today.

HB, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I go by DJ HB Smooth, and I’m more than just a DJ—I consider myself a creative force in the music and entertainment space. My journey started in Chicago, where I fell in love with music and culture at an early age. I made history as the first verified DJ in Chicago, building a platform that’s grown to over 1 million Facebook followers.

I specialize in blending genres like rap, reggaeton, melodic vibes, juke, R&B, and Afrobeats to create unforgettable experiences. Whether I’m spinning tracks, producing beats, or crafting mixtapes, my goal is to innovate and elevate every project I touch. My most notable mixtape series, College Freak, consistently hit over 100,000 plays per release on Audiomack, breaking new songs and introducing fresh talent to a global audience.

What sets me apart is my ability to see beyond the music. I’ve been fortunate to help launch the careers of incredible talents like R&B sensation Sonta and even work with comedians to grow their online presence. I love helping other creatives unlock their potential and find their voice.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has had, whether it’s giving someone their big break, setting trends, or sharing Chicago’s sound across different cities while on tour. My work is driven by a passion for innovation, connection, and authenticity.

For fans, followers, and clients, I want them to know that DJ HB Smooth is about more than entertainment—I’m about creating moments, inspiring others, and pushing the culture forward. Whether you’re here for the music, my lifestyle YouTube channel, or to collaborate creatively, I promise to bring my unique touch and energy to everything I do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is really driven by the desire to express myself in ways that connect with others and share experiences. Growing up, I was always surrounded by creativity—whether it was through drawing, making radio shows, or producing music. My goal has always been to channel that creativity into something that resonates with people on a deeper level.

One of the main things I aim for in my work is authenticity. I want to create content—whether it’s music, art, or anything else—that is a true reflection of who I am and the experiences I’ve gone through. The things I create aren’t just for the sake of creating—they’re a way for me to communicate, to tell stories that people can relate to, and hopefully, inspire others to tap into their own creative potential.

Another mission behind my creative journey is to continue learning and evolving. Just like my mom enrolled me in those summer programs, I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and grow as a creator. I want to keep pushing the boundaries of what I’m capable of, and I hope that my work continues to inspire others to do the same in their own lives.

Ultimately, I see my creative journey as a process of self-expression, growth, and connection. I want to keep creating in ways that feel true to who I am while also sharing experiences and stories that speak to others.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most memorable moments of resilience for me came during the time I was promoting my mixtape, College Freak. At the time, I didn’t have a lot of resources, and my computer was slow, which made everything even more challenging. I didn’t know much about computers back then, but I quickly learned the importance of doing research when it comes to the tools you use—especially when it’s something you depend on to bring your creative vision to life.

Even though I had these obstacles, I didn’t let that stop me. I got creative with how I promoted my mixtape. Every day, I’d spend hours on Twitter, coming up with 200 different ways to write a post promoting College Freak. I made sure to connect with people personally, using language that felt genuine and engaging—because I realized that people don’t want to feel like they’re talking to a robot. They want to feel like they’re part of something. I ended up creating a formula that really worked, and people started to take notice.

I also used Facebook events to spread the word to my friends list. I maxed out my personal page to the 5,000-friend limit, and I even had two Facebook pages at one point just to reach more people. Promoting my mixtape became my mission. I was hustling, leaving comments on my friends’ pages with links to my mixtape, and a lot of them would like the posts and check it out. On top of that, I was getting phone numbers like crazy during that time, and people would constantly ask me when the next mixtape was dropping. It felt like I was building a community around my music, and that was such a rewarding feeling.

As a broke college student, I would also promote my mixtape in person on campus, handing out CDs and talking to anyone who’d listen. Sometimes, people would come back and ask when the next copy would be available. Those small wins, those moments of connection with others, kept me going and motivated me to keep pushing, even when it felt like the journey was tough.

Looking back, it was a combination of resilience and creative hustle that kept me going. Even when resources were limited, I found ways to make things work. I’ve carried that same resilience with me in every step of my journey since.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/djhbsmooth
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/hbsmooth
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/djhbsmooth
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhb-smooth