Smoothvega
Five months in, and 2020 has already been a year. Perhaps two of the biggest events so far — the death of Kobe Bryant and the COVID-19 pandemic.
But tragedy has a way of sparking inspiration. Fort Worth rapper Smoothvega reflects on both in his recent release, “Legends Never Die,” a collaboration with Houston rappers Lil Keke and Paul Wall. The song — which went live on all platforms Friday — is a reflection on life and legacy, Smoothvega says.
“I really wanted to create a record that can be played when I’m no longer here,” he says. “The idea of ‘Legends Never Die’ was very COVID-19-inspired. This whole ordeal has made me rethink my mortality.”
Smoothvega’s verse on the track also includes a nod to his hometown: “I gave my city all of me / I laid it all on the line / ‘Cause heroes get remembered / But a legend never dies.”
And, paying tribute to one of Smoothvega’s favorite athletes, the track closes with an audio clip from Bryant’s farewell speech after his final game.
“There’s not any other professional athlete that I owned more attire from than Kobe Bryant,” Smoothvega says. “His passing affected me like it did the millions of his fans. The incorporation of him on the art and on the track was just my way of paying homage to how much he inspired me. His Mamba Mentality is something I live by.”
Even during isolation, Smoothvega is continuing his online talk show, Nothing Beats Experience, which has hosted big-name guests like Ginuwine and James Garretson of “Tiger King.” Upcoming guests include Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs N Harmony (May 12) and Sisqo of Dru Hill (May 14). The show is available on Spotify and YouTube.
Listen to “Legends Never Die” here.
