Smoke DZA on His Unparalleled Mixtape Run, the Origins of His Polo-Rugby Style, Battle Rapping in Harlem, and the Formation of the Smoker’s Club

Legendary rapper Smoke DZA joins Talib Kweli at The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City for a deep conversation about the arc of his multi-faceted career. The duo dive into the intricacies of Harlem battle rap, the origins of the Smoker’s Club, and more.

“If you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going,” Smoke DZA says.

He talks about linking up with Mac Miller, and making Full Court Press with Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, and Big K.R.I.T., and then shares insights into his incredible run of mixtapes. Plus: why he made the Polo-Rugby style his signature look.

For fans of New York rap and hip-hop in general, this is a must-listen.