INGLEWOOD (2UrbanGirls) – Rapper D Smoke received the key to the city of Inglewood during the Taste of Inglewood Juneteenth Street Festival held June 18.
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. presented D Smoke the key who was surrounded on stage to the city who was surrounded by his brother, Inglewood SiR, and his family.
“The city of Inglewood now presents the key to the city to an Inglewood Champion, Daniel “D Smoke” Farris,” said Butts.
Farris smiled as he happily accepted the honor.
“I couldn’t be more honored to be the second person in history to be awarded the key to the city of Inglewood,” wrote D Smoke when he announced the news.
“To see the changes it’s incurred and to know that black businesses still thrive and we’re a part of its growth makes me proud!”
D-Smoke, born Daniel Farris, grew up in Inglewood and attended local schools. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in Spanish and became a teacher at his alma mater, Inglewood High School, where he taught Spanish and music theory.
He gained attention after winning the first season of the Netflix music competition show Rhythm + Flow in 2019.
His first album, Black Habits, was released in 2020 and his follow-up, War & Wonders, was released the following year.
His new single, Work Hard Play Hard, featuring his brother Inglewood SiR, is available now on all streaming platforms.
Producer and writer Issa Rae received the first key to the city during the Taste of Inglewood Festival held during Super Bowl 56 weekend last year.
Taste of Inglewood was created by Inglewood’s District 2 Planning Commissioner David Rice as a way of having a family-friendly event in the city designed to bring the community together.
The festival has grown over the years with this being its first celebration for the now national Juneteenth holiday.
D Smoke and SiR performed a medley of their hit songs before an enthusiastic crowd.
Small businesses lined Market Street selling food, clothing, and other wares which are made by Black-owned companies.
SiSi Cakes, a homemade dessert company, was at the festival where their Carrot Cake and Banana Pudding are its best sellers.
“We are realizing our ancestors’ wildest dreams just by being here,” said Simone Poingsett, owner of SiSi Cakes.
“Being business owners in the community, this is what it’s all about.”
