Paper Chaser

Despite any misgivings, he continues to make a go of it in the industry. And no matter how far his career takes him from the Magic City, Smitty says he will always remain connected to Miami by his family: "I have family everywhere — Overtown, North Miami, all over." His fans are also all over the city. He once thought they were only on the streets, until waiters in five-star restaurants began asking for his autograph. "That surprised me," he says.

In addition, women no longer "feel sorry" for Smitty. His rising-star status has created a female following, which he seems flattered by but also wary of. "It's not about using you. They just want to be around you. They just want to be able to say they're with such-and-such, they were in such-and-such's house. That's more important to them than money, and since rappers are the lowest on the celebrity totem pole, they see it as the easiest way for them to get into that lifestyle," Smitty remarks. "I would be perfect for someone like that to try to latch on to, because I'm not that big yet, so they could say they were with me from the beginning." He ponders this statement for a moment and then adds, "Hopefully I'll get to marry the woman I'm with now."

Colby Katz

Miami's new rap superstar on money, women, and life in Little Haiti

Details

Smitty's new single, "Up in Little Haiti," is scheduled for release this week.

Related Content

• Diddy's a Has-Been, Still Worth $580 Million
  March 28, 2013
• Kate Upton, Diddy Caught Sucking Face on South Beach
  April 10, 2013
• Sandy Hook Forces Politicians to Deal With Assault Rifles That Have Plagued Black Communities for Decades
  December 27, 2012
• Dress in Heat Gear, Get a Free Smashburger
  April 18, 2013
• Let Them Eat Cupcakes
  April 18, 2013

More About

• Dr. Dre
• Varick Smith
• Sean Combs
• Charlie Mack
• Hip-Hop and Rap