By: Nic Abelian
Silas Pollard, professionally known as Smigg Dirtee, has carved a unique path in the music industry, not just as a hip hop artist and influencer, but also as a founder and innovator. Born on September 11, 1984, to an African-American father and a Guamanian mother, Smigg’s early life involved numerous relocations between San Diego and South Sacramento. It was the family’s move to the infamous South Sacramento neighborhood, known as The Gardens, that profoundly shaped his character and career.
From a young age, Smigg Dirtee’s lyrics reflected the harsh realities of life in The Gardens, offering both entertainment and a therapeutic outlet. He started recording rap performances on cassette tapes for his friends and neighbors, and his name quickly gained recognition on the streets. Despite his musical talent, Smigg’s high school years were marked by a deep involvement in street life, which eventually led to his expulsion from school. In a bid to provide a fresh start, his mother relocated the family back to San Diego.
In San Diego, Smigg quickly immersed himself in the local hip hop scene, networking, performing, and collaborating with prominent local artists. In 2005, he released his debut solo album, “God Made Dirt,” featuring acclaimed artists like The Game, Yukmouth, and Mistah Fab. The album’s success earned him a nomination for Best Underground Artist at the B.A.R.S. Awards, solidifying his position in the rap scene.
Over his extensive career, Smigg has made significant strides, establishing his own label, Teamwork Music, in 2009, and signing a label distribution deal with Empire Distribution in 2012. He has released over 45 projects, collaborating with notable artists such as Nipsey Hussle, Ginuwine, and Mobb Deep. After taking a brief hiatus to work with incarcerated artists and co-found Mainline Music Distribution, a digital music distribution company, Smigg Dirtee made a triumphant return. His last three albums debuted on the Top 200 iTunes Charts, including his latest release, “Blacc Friday 2: Friday the 13th.”
What sets Smigg Dirtee apart from his competition is his dedication to more than just making music. Teamwork Music, his label, is heavily involved in prison reform, working with inmates who are musicians and podcasters to help them develop their talents and provide them with a platform for their voices. Smigg recently signed his first currently incarcerated artist, LOE, a talented and intelligent individual who has been in prison since the age of 16. Despite his circumstances, LOE organizes charity events and donates back-to-school supplies and food for the homeless from prison. His music, recorded over the phone and expertly mixed by Smigg’s partner Dwalls, tells his powerful story.
Smigg Dirtee is also a partner in MOTIVE (Music Opportunities to Incarcerated Voices Everywhere), a program started by their engineer Dwalls. This program not only gets incarcerated artists’ music heard on digital platforms but also makes their music available for purchase within correctional facilities. Through these initiatives, Smigg hopes to inspire more inmates with talents and voices to realize that it is possible to be heard and to succeed.
As Smigg continues to release music, his impact remains significant. Despite taking a break from releasing albums to focus on his other endeavors, his first three comeback albums each debuted on iTunes, proving his enduring influence and solid following. His latest project, an album featuring high-profile artists like Jack Harlow, Roddy Ricch, Blueface and Young Thug, is set to be his biggest yet.
Quotes from Smigg Dirtee reveal his passion and vision: “Look out for new music from Teamwork Music’s original artists Young Rebz, the President of the label, and FirstStreet Frost this year or early 2025.”
Smigg Dirtee’s journey is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the art of hip hop and his community. His work extends beyond music, making a meaningful impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals and offering them hope and a chance at a better future.
For more information about Smigg Dirtee and his initiatives, follow him on Instagram, visit Mainline Music Distribution, and explore his music on Apple Music.
Published by: Holy Minoza
