NaVon Smith

Last Friday, shortly after 8:00 p.m., more people were still at the Howard Theater’s main bar than on the dancefloor. But just because people weren’t on the dancefloor didn’t mean they weren’t getting into the groove. Spotted in the balcony seats and in the dimly lit booths, plenty of bobbing heads, waving arms, and even a few better fans started rapping along to kick off a night of rhymes that was distinct from the hip-hop we hear getting radio-play.

Enter NaVon Smith. That’s when the floor filled up. This D.C.-native took the stage with spit-fire energy, ready to “inspire the world.” Who else can rhyme medulla oblongata with avocada, and next literally take his audiences breathe away (yes, that was an audible gasp we heard) when he started freestyling between songs.

A lot of his rhymes were built around the struggles with self-identity and family issues, but each time these challenges were no match for the fuel of his perseverance and motivation to work toward a much bigger goal.

“You can make it rain, n***a, or you can make a change, n***a,” he repeated.

Other songs included themes around loss of innocence at too early of an age, and making adult decisions to survive and change the trajectory of his life.

“You gotta shut them down just to get some closure,” NaVon rapped.

Cheering and clapping followed many of his verses, a clear collective agreement to the heartbreaks and victories he described.

The say and repeat of “When I say hip-hop, you say ‘livs’!” bounced around Howard Theater, welcoming the main act, EPMD, to the stage... - The Mues

Clip: The residents of Ferguson, Missouri will go down in history as modern-day freedom fighters. Rapper NaVon Smith and Rev. Lennox Yearwood pay tribute. - BET News

Clip: In light of the historic gains made since the original March on Washington, why should we march again? Season 2013 (08/23/2013)

Featuring a poem by NaVon Smith - BET News

The rap game should consider itself warned...Never shy of tackling touchy subjects. His tracks can be shit starters at times. He engages the audience without compromise and his head-on approach to societal hot topics are what is getting the streets talking... - 77three

If you were one of over 10,000 people in the DMV who bought a copy of “V for Vendetta,” you’re probably already familiar with D.C. native NaVon Smith. This year, he has gotten featured on various blogs, his music video “Fear” aired on MTV and he recently released his mixtape, Son of Mars.

He has been very busy.

When you hear the background story behind an artist like NaVon, the first thing that comes to mind may not be how successful he will become in music. The idea of an absentee father and a mother addicted to narcotics doesn’t strike you as a top local artist on his way to achieving national attention. But, that is the beauty of music: your story can be worn like the suit of a gladiator; arming you against obstacles, bearing the marks of the battles you’ve faced. And NaVon has won his. His past propelled him into exploring hip-hop at the tender age of nine, and when you listen to his projects – like Son of Mars – the resounding vigor and intellect you hear on tracks like “Fear” or “What’s Going On,” tells you he’s an artist dedicated to his craft and the people it serves. “I don’t care how conscious you say you are, we all come from rough environments or similar,” he told 773 Magazine. “We are all familiar with struggle. It’s [his music] always gonna be something you can relate to, no matter what.” - Elite Magzine