We were lucky to catch up with Word Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Word, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
I worked as a government contractor for 13 years while I was building my music career. I knew it would be impossible for me to become a full time musician without having a foundation and being realistic about my chances. Similar to sports; everybody doesn’t make it to the pros and in musical terms that would be a major record deal. I had security, a regular paycheck and even a 401K so leaving the cushion of a government job wouldn’t make sense to most. In my mind I wasn’t living out my passion as a government contractor; I was just doing what’s needed to support my family.
By 2017, my music income leveled out and I could actually start thinking about leaving my job. I was willing to take a pay cut and take a leap of faith at this moment in time. I officially left my government job January 2017 and could now focus on my music career 7 days a week. My passion for music, helping my community and working with the youth spurred on a non profit I call “Rise with a Purpose” and an for profit business titled “NU Revolution Entertainment.” Both have provided jobs to musicians based in Baltimore City, Delaware and Virginia. Cultural programs with the Department of State have allowed me to perform and teach music in 11 different countries since 2017. Furthemore, I became an artistic partner with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and routinely write music for TV, Films and Games. Some of these things were in the fold while I was working for the government, but most of them came to fruition when I trusted the process and followed my true passion in life.
Taking a risk can be a scary thought, but I feel in my case it was a calculated risk over a 13 year period. Patience and perseverance prepared me to be successful entrepreneur in the music business.!
Word, 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?
My name is Wordsmith and I’m a songwriter, recording artist, performer, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist from Baltimore, MD.
I earned a full athletic scholarship to play football at Morgan State University, but my transfer to Salisbury University shifted my focus to entertainment. Studying radio & TV at Morgan State University, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts at Salisbury University in 2002.
Opening my independent label NU Revolution Entertainment in 2009; distribution and licensing deals with Ingrooves, United Masters, Redeye, and APM Music helped my company flourish!
I’ve released 8 albums during my career, earned winner of Best Rap/Hip Album for Perspective Jukebox at the 16th Independent Music Awards and joined the Grammy Voting committee in 2017. My music has been featured on prominent networks and shows like Russian Doll (Netflix), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix), Preacher (AMC), Skam France (UK TV) and NBA 2K21 Next Gen and more!
Continuing to expand my reach, I partnered with the US Department of State to fund performances and workshops in Azerbaijan, Haiti, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Angola, Ukraine, Namibia, Cote D’ Ivoire, Panama, Tunisia and Tanzania over the years.
My career took a new direction in 2018 when I was hired to write new narration for Carnival of the Animals with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. A second opportunity came when I was asked to host the 2018 BSO Gala with special guest Cynthia Erivo. Officially becoming an Artistic Partner with the BSO in September 2020, monumental projects are underway!
On Juneteenth, 2021, James Lee III and I debuted a piece called “Destined Words” for the BSO Gala Celebration in honor of Marin Alsop. Reinterpretations of Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale” and “Beethoven Ninth” are landmark performances for me in 2022.
I officially opened my nonprofit “Rise with a Purpose, Inc.” and delivered my first TED Talk via John Hopkins University in 2021.
Always looking to expand my horizons, Icollaborated with composer/pianist Kory Caudill for a project called “Progressions” and an event dubbed “Concert for the Human Family” sponsored by the Episcopal Church.
Still, with Hip Hop being my first love, I’ve collaborated with notable acts like Chubb Rock, Skyzoo, Camp Lo, Sadat X, Jaz-O, Ruste Juxx, Grand Daddy I.U. & his cousin Roc Marciano over the years.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
My advice for building a social media fanbase is build real relationships with fans who take the time to not just like a post, but more importantly comment. When someone takes the time to write you a message they have real interest in your music or brand. It might sound like a logical thing, but social media can detach us from human interaction and we may forget an exchange of messages is no different than a fan wanting to take a pic or express their love for your brand in person.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I’m all about quality from a music and business standpoint. My reputation musically is built on music with a message. People know when I release music there’s a bigger purpose; maybe something tragic happened in the world or a positive development has moved society forward.
The things I stand for as a man, father and a productive member of society directly reflect the reputation I want the world to see.
Contact Info:
- Website: Wordsmithmusic.com
- Instagram: @Wordsmithmusic
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Wordsmith
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/wordsmithmusic
- Twitter: @Wordsmith
- Youtube: Youtube.com/Wordsmith
Image Credits
Mike Morgan