This time last year, Daniel Anthony Farris, better known as D Smoke was getting ready to participate in Netflix’s first-ever Hip-Hop competition, Rhythm + Flow. Rhythm + Flow would eventually change the life of the Inglewood, California native as he would be crowned the winner of the hit show. Within months of winning the title, D Smoke inked a record deal with EMPIRE, released his EP, Inglewood Highand his newest album, Black Habits.

We recently hung out with the talented MC for our latest episode of Welcome To My Neighborhood on Civil TV. In this episode, D Smoke took us around his beloved city as we visited several significant spots.

We Visited:

• Emma’s Snack Corner on Manchester and Market Street, a place D Smoke frequently visit growing up as a kid.

• Sip and Sounder, a black-owned coffee shop and while it’s one of Inglewood’s newest spots, it’s one of D Smoke’s favorite places to grab a Chai Tea Latte.

• Inglewood Marketplace, a landmark in Inglewood, Smoke recalls going to the marketplace with his brothers throughout high school to buy clothes and hang out with friends.
“I bought a lot of shoes here. This is where I always bought Chucks. I developed my Chuck Taylor collection right here,” D Smoke said.

• WoodWorks Records, his first-ever brick and mortar business. WoodWorks Records was the place where Top Dawg Entertainment’s Inglewood SiR (his brother), Davion Farris, Tiffany Gouche, and D Smoke sold their first tapes and hosted events.

• Inglewood High School, “My favorite part about coming up in Inglewood was coming to Inglewood High School,” D Smoke said. “I think that kind of solidified my pride in the city.”

As someone who’s seen success, D Smoke says he tells his fans and those that aspire to be great to give themselves time. “Some people don’t realize they got a 15-year-old goal in their mind and they want to do it that year. Extend that runway, but start now and it will add up within that time frame,” he says.

Credited writer: Lupe Llerenas