Christopher Smith Jr., known professionally as Smino, is a renowned American rapper, singer, and songwriter born on October 2, 1991, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the founder of the Zero Fatigue collective and a member of the supergroup Ghetto Sage alongside Saba and Noname. Smino is celebrated for his unique fusion of soulful rap and futuristic funk, which has garnered him widespread acclaim and recognition.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Christopher Smith Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Labels | Downtown Records, Interscope |
| Net Worth | $72,100 – $433,000 |
Early Life and Education
Smino grew up in a family deeply rooted in music. His father played keyboards, his mother sang, and his grandfather was a bassist for the legendary blues musician Muddy Waters.
This musical environment inspired Smino to start playing drums at the age of seven in his church band and later to begin singing.
After graduating from Hazelwood Central High School in 2010, he moved to Chicago for college, where he was mentored by his cousin, singer Drea Smith.
Career
Smino initially performed under the stage name C. Smi as part of the rap duo YDOC (Young Dumb and Outta Control) with Bari Allen.
The duo released three mixtapes before Smino embarked on a solo career with his debut mixtape Smeezy Dot Com (2012).
After relocating to Chicago, he met engineer Chris “Classick” Inumerable, who became his manager and helped refine his sound. In 2015, Smino released two EPs: S!Ck S!Ck S!Ck and blkjuptr.
Smino gained broader recognition with his debut studio album blkswn (2017), featuring hits like “Anita” and “Netflix & Dusse.” The album’s release date (March 14) was a nod to St. Louis’ 314 area code. Following its success, he embarked on the Swanita Tour and opened for artists like SZA and T-Pain.
His sophomore album, NØIR (2018), showcased a more experimental sound with tracks like “L.M.F.” and “Klink.” In 2020, he released the mixtape She Already Decided, followed by numerous collaborations with artists such as JID, Ari Lennox, and Thundercat.
His third studio album, Luv 4 Rent (2022), featured collaborations with J. Cole, Doechii, and Lucky Daye.
In December 2024, Smino released his fourth studio album Maybe in Nirvana, marking his first independent release. The project included introspective tracks written during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Personal Life
In January 2021, Smino discovered a familial connection to fellow rapper Denzel Curry through a shared uncle. He describes his music as “ratchet romance,” blending influences from jazz, gospel, hip-hop, and soul. Artists like Kanye West, André 3000, and Lil Wayne have significantly influenced his artistry.
Net Worth
As of recent reports, Smino’s estimated net worth ranges between $72,100 and $433,000. His income primarily comes from music sales, tours, merchandise, and other ventures.
Discography
Studio Albums
- blkswn (2017)
- NØIR (2018)
- Luv 4 Rent (2022)
- Maybe in Nirvana (2024)
EPs
- S!Ck S!Ck S!Ck (2015)
- blkjuptr (2015)
- 4sport (2018)
- High 4 Da Highladays (2019)
Mixtapes
- Smeezy Dot Com (2012)
- She Already Decided (2020)
Notable Singles
- “Anita” (2017)
- “Klink” (2018)
- “90 Proof” feat. J. Cole (2022).
Awards and Nominations
In 2022, Smino received a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album for his contributions to music production.
He has also been recognized for his innovative artistry by publications such as Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.
Smino continues to innovate while maintaining strong ties to his roots in St. Louis and Chicago through music and community initiatives like his annual Kribmas concert series.
