JOE BEAST
General Info
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Location NORFOLK, Virginia, US
Profile Views: 25127
Last Login: 8/9/2011
Member Since 12/2/2008
Record Label Nova Unit
Type of Label Indie
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Bio
.... .. .. BELOW IS AN INTERVIEW I DID WITH DEVRY CRESPO FOR HIS WEBSITE 32 BARS...Check it out at www.32bars.blogspot.com .. 32 Bars : Do you consider your self a basketball player first and then a rapper or the other way around ? .. Joe Smith : I consider myself an athlete first, only because basketball is putting food on the table right now. But, I have just as much passion for my music that I have for basketball. .. 32 Bars : Are you currently working on any new projects at he moment ? .. Joe Smith : I'm currently working on my second mixtape, as well as my first album. I'm constantly working and writing. .. 32 Bars :What can we expect from Nova Unit Records in the future ? .. Joe Smith : You will start hearing more and more music from Nova Unit Records. I'm in the process of adding new artist and producers (Hip-Hop & R&B) to the team. .. 32 Bars : Whats something most people don't know about Joe Smith A.K.A Joe Beast ? .. Joe Smith : People that don't know me, don't understand how serious I am about my music. I'm not just an athlete trying to rap, I honestly enjoy the art, and respect all artist in the business. .. 32 Bars : Why do you think people tend to never give athletes a chance when it comes to them stepping into the rap world ? .. Joe Smith : Alot of people think athletes just wanna do music for the hell of it but, I wanna change that way of thinking. I got alot to talk about & to say. .. 32 Bars : If you had to pick one , which of your songs do you like the most ? .. Joe Smith : Don't get me wrong with this one, cause I love every song I do and that I've done. But, if I had to choose one, I would say the song I titled "Hip-Hop". Where I'm giving shout-outs to as many Hip-Hop artist (old school to present), that's been an influence on me and my music. .. 32 Bars : It's been reported that your constantly writing, just how much does Joe beast have in the vault ? .. Joe Smith : Yes Sir!!! I write all the time, I have hundreds of instrumentals on my ipod, that I cycle through, and write to the one that grabs me at the moment. As far as how much I have in the vault, I'm holding between 200-300 songs completed. And maybe another 15-20 that's written but not recorded yet. .. 32 Bars : Any shot outs ? Any big news going on that you want to add ? .. Joe Smith : Shout outs to my Nova Unit family, V.A. STAND UP!!! Shouts to 32 Bars and its followers for all the support. Shouts to the whole music industry, listen to me before you judge me. I don't like shouting out individuals cause I hate to miss someone or offend someone close to me. .. .. A rapper that balls or a 'baller that raps? I recently had the chance to lend a hand and ear in the studio with Joe Smith while his "Joe Beast" The Beginning Mixtape was being recorded and produced. If you aren't sure who Joe Smith is, then you probably don't follow basketball much. He is an NBA journeyman who has played for 9 nba squads and was the first round number one pick in The 1995 NBA Draft. Joe currently plays for The Cleveland Cavaliers. Typically when you hear of an NBA baller releasing rap singles, the critics, djs, and general public tend to write them off for many good reasons. I can give you an example off the top of my head. How about Gary Payton "Livin Legal and Large" What a joke!...Anyhow...with Joe Smith's mixtape, you are getting nothing but a grade A product, that is fire for the club and the streets. I have personally worked with many indie and mid-level rappers and rock bands, in studios and on stage for nearly a decade and I have never seen anyone on their grind, with such enthusiasm and work ethic like "Joe The Beast." If you were unaware that Joe was a pro basketball player and chopped it up with him in the studio or at a club, you would likely think he was a humble rapper trying to make it in the hip hop world and would do whatever possible to get his music produced, recorded, and heard. I believe Joe Smith is a rapper that plays basketball rather than a basketball player that raps. I give The Beginning Mixtape a 10/10 rating and truly feel as a DJ/producer, that Joe showed more creativity than the original artist's instrumentals he used on the tape, proving himself as a lyricist. My personal favorite, which I have been rinsing out in the club is "Lucifer." With a Bob Marley swagger jacked hook, uptempo beat and reggae/dub vibe, this joint is a perfect club track and will go over well this summer when it gets heard and is in rotation. Download this mixtape you won't be sorry. -DJ SWITCH from OKC .. .. As the Cavaliers warmed up for their first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, a steady rhythm thumped over the sound system and a familiar voice echoed throughout The Q. "One team, one goal, one dream," it sang out. Cleveland players arched shots toward the rim, seemingly oblivious. "One thing, one quest, one ring," it rapped in a deep baritone. "Once again it's on, back on the quest for a title. In order for us to get it we must compete with our rivals. ... See the president, 'Bron James the King; and Anderson Varejao, they call him the Wild Thing. ..." About 90 minutes of writing, a few hours in a studio Thursday, and the Cavaliers had a new Playoff Anthem in time for Game 1 -- courtesy of Joe Beast. Associates of Joe Smith say the veteran forward's interest in music is more sincere than many of his sporting peers', with a dedication to the product necessary for success. CD Review: Joe Smith's 'The Beginning' That would be Joe Smith for those unfamiliar with the musical stylings of the Cavaliers' veteran power forward. Smith, who released a mix tape in December called "The Beginning" under his rapping pseudonym and basketball nickname, Joe Beast, is taking public his love of music and rapping with his playoff song and recent CD. And yes, Smith knows what you're thinking, but he thinks you're wrong. "Another athlete rappin'?" he spits out on "Intro" on his CD. "What?" NBA players and rap go together like bacon and eggs, but he swears he's no Kobe Bryant, no Shaquille O'Neal, no Tony Parker, no Ron Artest. "I'm not like the rest though, not like them," Smith raps. "I put my heart in this. I put my soul in this. So before you classify me with the rest -- don't do it. I want you to be open-minded." "His work ethic is absolutely amazing," said DJ Switch, who helped produce Smith's album. "I've never seen someone in 10 years of DJing, someone who is a millionaire 10 times over, put that much thought and heart into a CD." I DOES THIS Smith's love for music is a lifelong endeavor, but he only began to get serious about writing and recording after he entered the NBA in 1995 as the No. 1 overall pick by Golden State. At times, Smith has chronicled his journey throughout the NBA in his lyrics, rapped about the nine different teams he's played for, about the controversy and backlash from the league in 2000 when Smith was the centerpiece of alleged illegal contract negotiations with the Minnesota Timberwolves, about his childhood in Norfolk, Va. (where his record label, Nova Unit, earned its name). Just in case fans and Cavaliers' opponents are uncertain, Smith's latest lyrics make it clear his current emphasis is on a championship ... and then a rap career. Primarily, though, Smith sticks to songs about life. He raps about the diamonds he wears, about how he's "the last of a dyin' breed," about his difficult upbringing in Norfolk. In all, Smith says he's written about 400-500 songs, most of his writing taking place on flights to and from games, in hotels on the road, or in the comfort of his home. Some came with the help of Desmond Mason, a Thunder swingman who was Smith's teammate in Milwaukee from 2003-05. Mason appears on Smith's CD "The Beginning" and has helped write the hook of numerous other Joe Beast songs. He's seen Smith's talent grown over the years, and thinks the forward has a future in music -- if everyone can overlook his basketball career. "People don't take it seriously because we do what we do [basketball]," Mason said by telephone last week. "From a rapper standpoint, we're just intruding on their space. But that's not the case here. Joe is talented enough to really step into that space. I think he can step into that hip-hop space." Smith has performed live only a handful of times, but his mix tape is getting significant play in Oklahoma City thanks to local DJs he befriended. As the Cavaliers continue through the playoffs, his Playoff Anthem will earn more pregame playing time, of course. Smith mentions each player and coach Mike Brown in his song -- along with crediting all 20,562 fans at the arena each night. "In The Q it's impossible to lose," he raps. "But we can't celebrate til we finish paying dues." One team, one goal, one dream. One thing, one quest, one ring. -Jodie Valade from the Plain Dealer Reporter .. .. Joe Smith’s hoops odyssey has spanned 14 years and bridged from Golden State to Cleveland with seven NBA stops in between. Strapped with the impossible expectations that come along with being the league’s No. 1 overall draft pick, he has been labeled everything from colossal bust to consummate ‘baller'. “It’s been a journey,” the Cavaliers forward said. Smith has documented every step and misstep along the way, scribbling down life’s lyrics in notebooks he takes on road trips. He has written 400-500 songs. Smith broke out “Playoff Anthem,” a track he— actually his rapping persona Joe Beast—created especially for Cleveland’s postseason run. “Once again it’s on, back on the quest for a title. In order for us to get it we must compete with our rivals. … See the president, ‘Bron James the King; and Anderson Varejao, they call him the Wild Thing. …” Smith went on, adding the Cavs “can’t celebrate till we finish paying dues. … one team, one goal, one dream. One thing, one quest, one ring.” Traded by Cleveland last summer in a three-way deal that brought guard Mo Williams to the Cavaliers, Smith again has become an important piece in the club’s push toward a first NBA title. In playoff opener against Detroit, Smith scored 13 points in 19 minutes as the Cavs beat the Pistons 102-84 to take a 1-0 series lead. His impact was immediate. Moments after entering, he streaked down the lane and caught a no-look pass from LeBron James before delivering a two-handed dunk. It was the type of hustle play the Cavs have come to expect from Smith, who returned to the Cavs in March after buying out his contract with Oklahoma City. Smith could have gone elsewhere. He was coveted by Boston, Dallas and other contenders, but he wanted to come back to Cleveland. “It’s home, man,” he said. That from a Norfolk, Va., native who went to college at Maryland and also has played with Golden State, Philadelphia (twice), Minnesota (twice), Detroit, Milwaukee, Denver and Chicago since breaking into the league in 1995. At the trading deadline last year, Cleveland acquired Smith in a deal with the Bulls and Smith, who had never gotten past the first round before, helped the Cavs get to the Eastern Conference semifinals where they lost a seven-game series to the Boston Celtics. Smith was reluctantly dealt by the Cavs during the summer to Milwaukee for Williams, one of his closest friends. He ended up in Oklahoma City, where he enjoyed the company—just not the basketball. As his playing time dwindled, the Thunder packaged him a deal for New Orleans center Tyson Chandler, but it collapsed when Chandler failed his physical. There was only one way out, and Oklahoma City obliged with his release and a buyout settlement. Smith longed for Cleveland. “What we accomplished last year, I feel we got unfinished business,” he said. “That was part of the reason I decided to come back and because I felt so comfortable with the guys in the locker room. I wanted to get back here.” When it looked like he might return, his phone started ringing. “Joe Smith is one of those X-factor players,” Tayshaun Prince said. “They knew that when they had him the first time, he ended up somewhere else and they knew it was important to get him back. He’s great on and off the court and is a great teammate.” Smith hasn’t always felt so appreciated. The stigma of being the top pick has brought unfair criticism from those who choose to focus only on Smith’s statistics. They don’t know about his floor leadership or locker room presence “He’s a great guy to have around,” Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas said. “Everybody was really happy to have him back. A great teammate, he’s always positive, does his work, never complains.” Smith loves his music almost as much as his basketball. “Love to write it, love to listen to it,” he said. “All kinds.” He has recorded a CD, “Joe Smith aka Joe Beast, The Beginning,” which has drawn positive feedback from his teammates. “It’s really, really good,” James said. Smith plans to release his record soon, but there’s something other than a hit single that would bring the 33-year-old more pride. A championship ring. “It would make my entire journey worthwhile,” he said. “It’s been a long 14 years. People automatically assume my career isn’t what it should have been because I was a No. 1 pick and because I’ve played so many places. I tend to look at it from another angle—as teams wanting me to be a part of them and they have all appreciated what I bring to them. “People from the outside don’t see that.” -Tom Withers from AP Sports Writer .. .. After two great, late-season runs, Cavaliers fans have gotten to know Joe Smith. Hard-working power forward, former No. 1 overall draft pick, and possibly the nicest guy in the NBA. Up-and-coming rap and hip-hop artist? Yes, Joe Smith is a man of many talents. And recently, the 13-year veteran with the huge, trademark smile put the finishing touches on his first CD. It’s something that Joe’s been working on for years and when the Wine and Gold wrap up their postseason run, the Cavaliers’ music man will attempt to take the next step. In the meantime, cavs.com asked Joe Smith a few questions about his second love … What’s the status of your new CD – “The Beginning”? Joe Smith: Actually, it’s printed up. It’s just a mixed CD right now, while I’m working on my original album. I’m going to start distributing them independently. And you have your own label? Joe Smith: "Nova Unit" is my label. It’s just me, but I have a couple of guest appearances from Desmond Mason. We’ve been doing music together since we were in Milwaukee. So we’ve come a long way with it. Are you able to move some of your studio equipment around with your movement between cities? Joe Smith: Everything’s in Oklahoma City right now. My apartment isn’t big enough here. And I don’t want to get kicked out for playing the music too loud. So I’m probably going to have to find a local studio here whenever I want to record, or just wait for the summertime when I get back to Arizona to do some more recording. How long have you been into music? Joe Smith: It’s been about 13 years now. It started out kind of something I just did for fun. And then I just noticed over the years, I was enjoying it more and more. And I was actually getting better with it – with my writing and my knowledge of music. So, I kind of fell in love with music, and I’m trying to take it to the next level right now. Who are some of your influences, or whose music are you particularly into? Joe Smith: Biggie Smalls. I was a huge Biggie Smalls fan. Then, of course, Jay-Z. T.I. Young Jeezy. Snoop. I’m kind of versatile with what I do. So I admire both East Coast and West Coast artists. Do you come from a musical family? Joe Smith: My mom and two of my sisters were in the choir back home. But that’s pretty much it. Do you play any instruments? Joe Smith: I have a few keyboards in my studio, and I keep telling myself that I’m going to learn the piano and get better. (It’s kind of tough during the season.) But piano and guitar are going to be my next conquests. What can you tell us about your new CD and can we expect a single? Joe Smith: The CD’s called “The Beginning.” I don’t have a single off it because it’s just a mixed CD right now. But I have about four or five hundred songs that I’m trying to sort through and narrow down for my album. There are a lot of industry instrumentals that I just wrote over and recorded. And I got up in the studio, mixed it down, mastered it and put it on the CD. Finally – we’ve heard about the ‘Mo Williams Sessions’ where Mo would come over and get in the studio with you. What was that like? Joe Smith: Aw, man! They were fun! We’d just get down there in the studio and, whether it was an industry instrumental or an instrumental that I had, we’d get down there, vibe a little bit and then get to writing. And we’d just come up with a few songs. I think Desmond might have a few of the songs that we did with Mo. I’m going to have to find them. So, was Mo any good? Joe Smith: Yeah, he was pretty good. He was just starting out and that was pretty much his first time really writing and getting in the booth. But he’s got some potential. .. .. .. LIMITED TIME ONLY FREE DOWNLOAD Click here for a FREE download of Joe Smith aka JOE BEAST "The Beginning"... debut mixtape .... .. .. .. UPCOMING EVENTS .... -
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9 Songs | Dec 2, 2008
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Bio:
BELOW IS AN INTERVIEW I DID WITH DEVRY CRESPO FOR HIS WEBSITE 32 BARS...Check it out at www.32bars.blogspot.com
32 Bars : Do you consider your self a basketball player first and then a rapper or the other way around ?
Joe Smith : I consider myself an athlete first, only because basketball is putting food on the table right now. But, I have just as much passion for my music that I have for basketball.
32 Bars : Are you currently working on any new projects at he moment ?
Joe Smith : I'm currently working on my second mixtape, as well as my first album. I'm constantly working and writing.
32 Bars :What can we expect from Nova Unit Records in the future ?
Joe Smith : You will start hearing more and more music from Nova Unit Records. I'm in the process of adding new artist and producers (Hip-Hop & R&B) to the team.
32 Bars : Whats something most people don't know about Joe Smith A.K.A Joe Beast ?
Joe Smith : People that don't know me, don't understand how serious I am about my music. I'm not just an athlete trying to rap, I honestly enjoy the art, and respect all artist in the business.
32 Bars : Why do you think people tend to never give athletes a chance when it comes to them stepping into the rap world ?
Joe Smith : Alot of people think athletes just wanna do music for the hell of it but, I wanna change that way of thinking. I got alot to talk about & to say.
32 Bars : If you had to pick one , which of your songs do you like the most ?
Joe Smith : Don't get me wrong with this one, cause I love every song I do and that I've done. But, if I had to choose one, I would say the song I titled "Hip-Hop". Where I'm giving shout-outs to as many Hip-Hop artist (old school to present), that's been an influence on me and my music.
32 Bars : It's been reported that your constantly writing, just how much does Joe beast have in the vault ?
Joe Smith : Yes Sir!!! I write all the time, I have hundreds of instrumentals on my ipod, that I cycle through, and write to the one that grabs me at the moment. As far as how much I have in the vault, I'm holding between 200-300 songs completed. And maybe another 15-20 that's written but not recorded yet.
32 Bars : Any shot outs ? Any big news going on that you want to add ?
Joe Smith : Shout outs to my Nova Unit family, V.A. STAND UP!!! Shouts to 32 Bars and its followers for all the support. Shouts to the whole music industry, listen to me before you judge me. I don't like shouting out individuals cause I hate to miss someone or offend someone close to me.
A rapper that balls or a 'baller that raps? I recently had the chance to lend a hand and ear in the studio with Joe Smith while his "Joe Beast" The Beginning Mixtape was being recorded and produced. If you aren't sure who Joe Smith is, then you probably don't follow basketball much. He is an NBA journeyman who has played for 9 nba squads and was the first round number one pick in The 1995 NBA Draft. Joe currently plays for The Cleveland Cavaliers. Typically when you hear of an NBA baller releasing rap singles, the critics, djs, and general public tend to write them off for many good reasons. I can give you an example off the top of my head. How about Gary Payton "Livin Legal and Large" What a joke!...Anyhow...with Joe Smith's mixtape, you are getting nothing but a grade A product, that is fire for the club and the streets. I have personally worked with many indie and mid-level rappers and rock bands, in studios and on stage for nearly a decade and I have never seen anyone on their grind, with such enthusiasm and work ethic like "Joe The Beast." If you were unaware that Joe was a pro basketball player and chopped it up with him in the studio or at a club, you would likely think he was a humble rapper trying to make it in the hip hop world and would do whatever possible to get his music produced, recorded, and heard. I believe Joe Smith is a rapper that plays basketball rather than a basketball player that raps. I give The Beginning Mixtape a 10/10 rating and truly feel as a DJ/producer, that Joe showed more creativity than the original artist's instrumentals he used on the tape, proving himself as a lyricist. My personal favorite, which I have been rinsing out in the club is "Lucifer." With a Bob Marley swagger jacked hook, uptempo beat and reggae/dub vibe, this joint is a perfect club track and will go over well this summer when it gets heard and is in rotation. Download this mixtape you won't be sorry. -DJ SWITCH from OKC
As the Cavaliers warmed up for their first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, a steady rhythm thumped over the sound system and a familiar voice echoed throughout The Q. "One team, one goal, one dream," it sang out. Cleveland players arched shots toward the rim, seemingly oblivious. "One thing, one quest, one ring," it rapped in a deep baritone. "Once again it's on, back on the quest for a title. In order for us to get it we must compete with our rivals. ... See the president, 'Bron James the King; and Anderson Varejao, they call him the Wild Thing. ..." About 90 minutes of writing, a few hours in a studio Thursday, and the Cavaliers had a new Playoff Anthem in time for Game 1 -- courtesy of Joe Beast. Associates of Joe Smith say the veteran forward's interest in music is more sincere than many of his sporting peers', with a dedication to the product necessary for success. CD Review: Joe Smith's 'The Beginning' That would be Joe Smith for those unfamiliar with the musical stylings of the Cavaliers' veteran power forward. Smith, who released a mix tape in December called "The Beginning" under his rapping pseudonym and basketball nickname, Joe Beast, is taking public his love of music and rapping with his playoff song and recent CD. And yes, Smith knows what you're thinking, but he thinks you're wrong. "Another athlete rappin'?" he spits out on "Intro" on his CD. "What?" NBA players and rap go together like bacon and eggs, but he swears he's no Kobe Bryant, no Shaquille O'Neal, no Tony Parker, no Ron Artest. "I'm not like the rest though, not like them," Smith raps. "I put my heart in this. I put my soul in this. So before you classify me with the rest -- don't do it. I want you to be open-minded." "His work ethic is absolutely amazing," said DJ Switch, who helped produce Smith's album. "I've never seen someone in 10 years of DJing, someone who is a millionaire 10 times over, put that much thought and heart into a CD." I DOES THIS Smith's love for music is a lifelong endeavor, but he only began to get serious about writing and recording after he entered the NBA in 1995 as the No. 1 overall pick by Golden State. At times, Smith has chronicled his journey throughout the NBA in his lyrics, rapped about the nine different teams he's played for, about the controversy and backlash from the league in 2000 when Smith was the centerpiece of alleged illegal contract negotiations with the Minnesota Timberwolves, about his childhood in Norfolk, Va. (where his record label, Nova Unit, earned its name). Just in case fans and Cavaliers' opponents are uncertain, Smith's latest lyrics make it clear his current emphasis is on a championship ... and then a rap career. Primarily, though, Smith sticks to songs about life. He raps about the diamonds he wears, about how he's "the last of a dyin' breed," about his difficult upbringing in Norfolk. In all, Smith says he's written about 400-500 songs, most of his writing taking place on flights to and from games, in hotels on the road, or in the comfort of his home. Some came with the help of Desmond Mason, a Thunder swingman who was Smith's teammate in Milwaukee from 2003-05. Mason appears on Smith's CD "The Beginning" and has helped write the hook of numerous other Joe Beast songs. He's seen Smith's talent grown over the years, and thinks the forward has a future in music -- if everyone can overlook his basketball career. "People don't take it seriously because we do what we do [basketball]," Mason said by telephone last week. "From a rapper standpoint, we're just intruding on their space. But that's not the case here. Joe is talented enough to really step into that space. I think he can step into that hip-hop space." Smith has performed live only a handful of times, but his mix tape is getting significant play in Oklahoma City thanks to local DJs he befriended. As the Cavaliers continue through the playoffs, his Playoff Anthem will earn more pregame playing time, of course. Smith mentions each player and coach Mike Brown in his song -- along with crediting all 20,562 fans at the arena each night. "In The Q it's impossible to lose," he raps. "But we can't celebrate til we finish paying dues." One team, one goal, one dream. One thing, one quest, one ring. -Jodie Valade from the Plain Dealer Reporter
Joe Smith’s hoops odyssey has spanned 14 years and bridged from Golden State to Cleveland with seven NBA stops in between. Strapped with the impossible expectations that come along with being the league’s No. 1 overall draft pick, he has been labeled everything from colossal bust to consummate ‘baller'. “It’s been a journey,” the Cavaliers forward said. Smith has documented every step and misstep along the way, scribbling down life’s lyrics in notebooks he takes on road trips. He has written 400-500 songs. Smith broke out “Playoff Anthem,” a track he— actually his rapping persona Joe Beast—created especially for Cleveland’s postseason run. “Once again it’s on, back on the quest for a title. In order for us to get it we must compete with our rivals. … See the president, ‘Bron James the King; and Anderson Varejao, they call him the Wild Thing. …” Smith went on, adding the Cavs “can’t celebrate till we finish paying dues. … one team, one goal, one dream. One thing, one quest, one ring.” Traded by Cleveland last summer in a three-way deal that brought guard Mo Williams to the Cavaliers, Smith again has become an important piece in the club’s push toward a first NBA title. In playoff opener against Detroit, Smith scored 13 points in 19 minutes as the Cavs beat the Pistons 102-84 to take a 1-0 series lead. His impact was immediate. Moments after entering, he streaked down the lane and caught a no-look pass from LeBron James before delivering a two-handed dunk. It was the type of hustle play the Cavs have come to expect from Smith, who returned to the Cavs in March after buying out his contract with Oklahoma City. Smith could have gone elsewhere. He was coveted by Boston, Dallas and other contenders, but he wanted to come back to Cleveland. “It’s home, man,” he said. That from a Norfolk, Va., native who went to college at Maryland and also has played with Golden State, Philadelphia (twice), Minnesota (twice), Detroit, Milwaukee, Denver and Chicago since breaking into the league in 1995. At the trading deadline last year, Cleveland acquired Smith in a deal with the Bulls and Smith, who had never gotten past the first round before, helped the Cavs get to the Eastern Conference semifinals where they lost a seven-game series to the Boston Celtics. Smith was reluctantly dealt by the Cavs during the summer to Milwaukee for Williams, one of his closest friends. He ended up in Oklahoma City, where he enjoyed the company—just not the basketball. As his playing time dwindled, the Thunder packaged him a deal for New Orleans center Tyson Chandler, but it collapsed when Chandler failed his physical. There was only one way out, and Oklahoma City obliged with his release and a buyout settlement. Smith longed for Cleveland. “What we accomplished last year, I feel we got unfinished business,” he said. “That was part of the reason I decided to come back and because I felt so comfortable with the guys in the locker room. I wanted to get back here.” When it looked like he might return, his phone started ringing. “Joe Smith is one of those X-factor players,” Tayshaun Prince said. “They knew that when they had him the first time, he ended up somewhere else and they knew it was important to get him back. He’s great on and off the court and is a great teammate.” Smith hasn’t always felt so appreciated. The stigma of being the top pick has brought unfair criticism from those who choose to focus only on Smith’s statistics. They don’t know about his floor leadership or locker room presence “He’s a great guy to have around,” Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas said. “Everybody was really happy to have him back. A great teammate, he’s always positive, does his work, never complains.” Smith loves his music almost as much as his basketball. “Love to write it, love to listen to it,” he said. “All kinds.” He has recorded a CD, “Joe Smith aka Joe Beast, The Beginning,” which has drawn positive feedback from his teammates. “It’s really, really good,” James said. Smith plans to release his record soon, but there’s something other than a hit single that would bring the 33-year-old more pride. A championship ring. “It would make my entire journey worthwhile,” he said. “It’s been a long 14 years. People automatically assume my career isn’t what it should have been because I was a No. 1 pick and because I’ve played so many places. I tend to look at it from another angle—as teams wanting me to be a part of them and they have all appreciated what I bring to them. “People from the outside don’t see that.” -Tom Withers from AP Sports Writer
After two great, late-season runs, Cavaliers fans have gotten to know Joe Smith. Hard-working power forward, former No. 1 overall draft pick, and possibly the nicest guy in the NBA. Up-and-coming rap and hip-hop artist? Yes, Joe Smith is a man of many talents. And recently, the 13-year veteran with the huge, trademark smile put the finishing touches on his first CD. It’s something that Joe’s been working on for years and when the Wine and Gold wrap up their postseason run, the Cavaliers’ music man will attempt to take the next step. In the meantime, cavs.com asked Joe Smith a few questions about his second love … What’s the status of your new CD – “The Beginning”? Joe Smith: Actually, it’s printed up. It’s just a mixed CD right now, while I’m working on my original album. I’m going to start distributing them independently. And you have your own label? Joe Smith: "Nova Unit" is my label. It’s just me, but I have a couple of guest appearances from Desmond Mason. We’ve been doing music together since we were in Milwaukee. So we’ve come a long way with it. Are you able to move some of your studio equipment around with your movement between cities? Joe Smith: Everything’s in Oklahoma City right now. My apartment isn’t big enough here. And I don’t want to get kicked out for playing the music too loud. So I’m probably going to have to find a local studio here whenever I want to record, or just wait for the summertime when I get back to Arizona to do some more recording. How long have you been into music? Joe Smith: It’s been about 13 years now. It started out kind of something I just did for fun. And then I just noticed over the years, I was enjoying it more and more. And I was actually getting better with it – with my writing and my knowledge of music. So, I kind of fell in love with music, and I’m trying to take it to the next level right now. Who are some of your influences, or whose music are you particularly into? Joe Smith: Biggie Smalls. I was a huge Biggie Smalls fan. Then, of course, Jay-Z. T.I. Young Jeezy. Snoop. I’m kind of versatile with what I do. So I admire both East Coast and West Coast artists. Do you come from a musical family? Joe Smith: My mom and two of my sisters were in the choir back home. But that’s pretty much it. Do you play any instruments? Joe Smith: I have a few keyboards in my studio, and I keep telling myself that I’m going to learn the piano and get better. (It’s kind of tough during the season.) But piano and guitar are going to be my next conquests. What can you tell us about your new CD and can we expect a single? Joe Smith: The CD’s called “The Beginning.” I don’t have a single off it because it’s just a mixed CD right now. But I have about four or five hundred songs that I’m trying to sort through and narrow down for my album. There are a lot of industry instrumentals that I just wrote over and recorded. And I got up in the studio, mixed it down, mastered it and put it on the CD. Finally – we’ve heard about the ‘Mo Williams Sessions’ where Mo would come over and get in the studio with you. What was that like? Joe Smith: Aw, man! They were fun! We’d just get down there in the studio and, whether it was an industry instrumental or an instrumental that I had, we’d get down there, vibe a little bit and then get to writing. And we’d just come up with a few songs. I think Desmond might have a few of the songs that we did with Mo. I’m going to have to find them. So, was Mo any good? Joe Smith: Yeah, he was pretty good. He was just starting out and that was pretty much his first time really writing and getting in the booth. But he’s got some potential.
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