Tim Smooth: One of the Greatest Lyricists to Emerge From the New Orleans Rap Scene

#NOLAZINE - The history of New Orleans hip-hop is filled with artists who helped build the culture long before the city received national recognition. One of those early pioneers was Timothy Smoot, better known as Tim Smooth—a gifted rapper whose lyrics, effortless flow and natural charisma earned him respect throughout the local music community.

Known as the “Knight from Kennedy Heights,” Tim Smooth came from the West Bank area of Jefferson Parish. He began rapping while attending L.W. Higgins High School and developed his talent during a period when it was difficult for Southern rappers to receive national exposure.

Before No Limit Records and Cash Money Records became worldwide brands, artists such as Tim Smooth were already creating a foundation for New Orleans hip-hop.

An Early New Orleans Rap Pioneer

Tim Smooth released his first single, “I Gotsta’ Have It,” in 1991. The record introduced listeners to a rapper who combined street knowledge, humor and sharp wordplay with a smooth, controlled delivery.

His style stood apart from the bounce music that began dominating New Orleans during the early 1990s. While Tim Smooth respected the city’s dance-driven sound, he built his reputation through storytelling, lyrical skill and traditional Southern hip-hop.

In 1994, Tim Smooth and Too Cool released Straight Up Drivin’ Em through Rap-A-Lot Records. Working with the Houston-based label placed Smooth alongside one of the most important companies in Southern rap. The album never became a major national commercial success, but it developed a strong underground following and helped establish him as one of New Orleans’ most talented lyricists.

Smooth later worked with several independent New Orleans companies, including Parkway Pumpin’, Big Boy Records and Mobo Records. His ability to collaborate across different local camps showed how respected he was throughout the city.

A Respected Writer and Collaborator

Tim Smooth was not only admired for his own recordings—he was also respected for the assistance he gave other artists. He developed a close friendship with fellow New Orleans rapper Mystikal and contributed to his creative development.

Following Smooth’s passing, Mystikal explained that he would have been a completely different artist without meeting him. Mystikal also credited Smooth with helping write the title track for Mind of Mystikal.

That contribution speaks to the level of Tim Smooth’s lyrical ability. Even when his name was not receiving mainstream recognition, his creativity was helping shape artists who would eventually achieve national success.

In 1998, Smooth released Da Franchise Playa, featuring appearances connected to the Southern rap world, including Mystikal, Bushwick Bill and H.W.A. The project further demonstrated his ability to move between New Orleans’ underground scene and the larger Southern hip-hop movement.

A Legacy Bigger Than Record Sales

Tim Smooth never reached the commercial heights of some of the New Orleans artists who came after him, but record sales do not always measure influence.

He belonged to a generation that recorded music when New Orleans rappers had limited access to major labels, national radio and widespread distribution. Artists like Tim Smooth helped prove that the city had serious lyricists before the music industry began paying attention to Louisiana.

Smooth was also remembered as a friendly and humorous person who could move between different groups without becoming involved in the conflicts that sometimes divided the local rap community. His talent earned respect, but his personality earned love.

On July 26, 2011, Tim Smooth passed away at only 39 years old following a long battle with cancer. His death was a major loss for the New Orleans music community. XXL

Here at Nolazine, we want to remember Tim Smooth and give him the recognition he deserves. He was more than an underground rapper—he was a pioneer, songwriter, collaborator and one of the smoothest lyricists to come from the New Orleans music scene.

Although Tim Smooth never became a household name across the country, his music and influence remain part of the city’s hip-hop foundation. Longtime New Orleans rap fans know his importance, and future generations should understand that he helped pave the road before the world began watching.

Rest in peace to the “Knight from Kennedy Heights,” Tim Smooth—a true New Orleans rap legend whose legacy should never be forgotten.