Smokey - Mariner Lane (Single) + 10 Questions
Emerging Dublin rapper Smokey channels his upbringing, personal struggles and community roots into his powerful new single ‘Mariner Lane’, offering an unflinching glimpse into a turbulent chapter of his life.
Raised between Inagh Court and Cromlech Fields, Smokey grew up surrounded by a strong DIY community spirit, with early influences ranging from French hip hop and old school MC culture to Eminem and Nas. Developing a passion for lyricism from an early age, he quickly discovered a talent for documenting the realities around him, from addiction and petty crime to the challenges facing young people in suburban Dublin.
Having spent time working across artist management, record labels and event curation, Smokey now steps firmly into the spotlight with ‘Mariner Lane’. Revisiting a chaotic period marked by addiction, paranoia and a notorious house that became a local gathering point, the track showcases his vivid, uncompromising storytelling. Rather than glorifying the experience, Smokey offers an honest reflection on a difficult past, delivering a deeply personal introduction to an artist with plenty to say.
Smokey sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I didn’t really have a hope, both my parents were products of the 80’s/90’s so I was exposed to an eclectic mix of music from young. From The Smiths, to Underworlds to Bustah Rhymes, the introduction to genres was never- ending. Being from Ballybrack (where I grew up in Dublin) though, Hip Hop and Dance music were the two main things that blared out of council house windows. That mixed with my dad’s kind of weird obsession with French rap (fully Irish btw), I grew to love Hip Hop in particular. The subject matter was very close in terms of where I lived, and its power to fuse samples to create a foundation in the form of a beat was mesmerising to me. Positive representation in a tracksuit was essentially non-existent, until I saw Working Class Records (Dublin rap record label) doing their thing, and since I put that pen to paper, I’ve had a deep love and appreciation for the craft ever since.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’ve got a lot of influences all over, for a multitude of reasons. But if i was to whittle it down to a couple of names I’d love to work with Sloucho or Crutch, they’re two unique and talented artists in Ireland who are so versatile in the work they do. UK situations, I’d love to lay down some work with Kibo, Lord Apex or JayaHadADream. I’ve worked with Kibo and AP in many capacities before and I'm lucky enough to be friends with both, but to cook something with them would be killer. I think JayaHadADream is an incredible MC, her production is peak, and she blesses every verse she drops, and I would love to link up with her on a track. If we’re chatting ALL TIME though? Vince Staples is my all- time favourite rapper; the man can absolutely do no wrong artistically. Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) blows my mind with any record he touches. Chuck Strangers is also somebody I take some inspiration from, between his lyrics and production, that dude really manages to draw me in.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I’ve got a couple of singles in the pipeline now, my newest being dropped on the 15th of October “Mariner Lane”. I’ve been sitting on it for over a year so getting it out finally is a weight off the shoulders. Got a couple more on the way, but most excitingly I’ll have one dropping with one of the artists I mentioned previously, the hood won’t know what hit it when it drops, I promise.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is a bit all over the place. In terms of production, I don't tend to stick to one style, I’m not a Boom Bap or Stoner rap artist, or on a trap or drill ting. I’m Smokey and I'm just gonna drop whatever I’m feeling that day. But I mean, if you're to look at my last couple of singles, and even the one I’m dropping this month, They're all very different.
They're cocky, but honest and relatable, and that's how I intend to keep it for the time being.
5. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I’ve been going crazy for cdubz’s last couple of singles, I think he’s a killer artist. Also, my boy Gomie from Galway, I think he’s such an honest artist and he deserves the world. Jimmi Jambons deserves the shout as well, insane rapper and producer from Cork. My brudder Halfpipe from London dropped a tape recently and its HOT. My man Taran is also releasing some singles that are colder than a winters morning waiting on the 7A (bus). Also just shouts to my boy Crutch, been brothers since the early days and the man can do no wrong artistically.
6. What albums are on heavy rotation on your playlist currently?
That new Isaiah Rashad “It’s Been Awful” has been spun a good bit. I love how he’s taking a different direction with production. Also, that Vince Staples “Crybaby” album is consistently in rotation since it came out, its so good even MY DAD’S spinning it. Apart from that I don’t really do albums, I’m more of a man for singles, and my listening is incredibly sporadic, could be The Stones Roses one minute, and Roni Size the next, and follow that with some Salimata or some Earl.
7. Whats your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
For sure it’d either have to be supporting my man Lord Apex at his Dublin gig last November or playing Electirc Picnic this year, Ireland’s biggest festival. Both were great events for sure, but it kinda put me in check and made me appreciate how far I’d come as an artist. Not many get these opportunities with three singles on their back, so it really solidified that I was indeed doing the right thing to those doubtful voices in my head.
8. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to get into music?
Drop the track and be nice. Had a bloke on the bus years ago call me greedy cuz I was sitting on so many demos and didn’t have the confidence to release them. After so many shitshows going on, I literally dropped my first single cuz I’d nothin left to lose, and its taken me places far beyond what I imagined. You be nice to everybody because you honestly never know who you’re talking to, but on top of that it really costs nothing to be cool with everybody. Ego only gets you so far and if you keep acting up everybodies eventually gonna get sick of you. Put that on the aul one (my beautiful mother).
9. What do you like to do when youre not making music?
I like going to gigs and supporting local music, honestly, it’s what got us all to where we’re at. I’m a firm believer of paying it forward so I try to get out as much as I can (f*** the guestlist unless you broke, we all tryna hustle out here). When I’m not doing that, me and my beautiful partner like to go out and find interesting things to do, exhibitions n dat. I’m also just mad for doing things with my hands, so I’ve really gotten into building Gundam models recently, its tough work but the result is always a KILLER robot, so what’s not to love? (Shouts Ray at Forbidden Planet)
10. Name three things you cant live without when in the studio?
I need my room, a clear mind with no pressure on it, and a beat I can really get inspired from. I don’t really have rituals, or a routine (which I should probably get). I’m as disorganised as they come. But when I have the combination of those three things there’s no rapper in this universe that has a patch on me (FACTS).
