Smino + Zero Fatigue: Day Zero (Documentary) | Mass Appeal

Smino is undeniably dope. The St. Louis native comes from a musical family, with his father being a keyboardist and his mother a singer and a grandfather that played with the blues legend Muddy Waters. Yet, following high school, Smino felt like he had to leave his family and his hometown to pursue a career in music in Chicago.
"I left on some desperate shit," Smino says in our new documentary, DAY ZERO. "The way I left St. Louis, I got a bag and a place to sleep. And the place I had to sleep was a small booth in this place called the Music Factory.”
That experience gave Smino a creative community and a path to success. On March 14, he released his debut solo album, blkswn, through his own Zero Fatigue label in partnership with Downtown Records. Even though he left home to find his success, the release date--3/14--was an ode to his hometown's area code. As he states in the film's opening, “We done came a long fucking way. We done been on the east coast. South, west coast. We been to Canada. But still ain’t no motherfucking city fucking with St. Louis, Missouri. And that’s just as 100 as I can keep it.”
DAY ZERO follows Smino as he returns home to closeout his first headlining tour. The film documents his dedication, his motivation, his music, and his undeniable love for the city that raised him. Watch the full-length doc above.
Director: Harrison A.W. Corwin
Executive Producer: Peter Bittenbender, Josh Deutsch
Editor: Sean Gordon-Loebl
Director of Photography: Kelsey Smith
Camera Operator + Steadicam: Tim Ciavara
Producers: Chris 'Classick' Inumerable, Henny Yegezu, Trish Sterling, Annie Chen, Sean Gordon-Loebl, Harrison A.W. Corwin
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What started as a humble graffiti ‘zine in 1996 would soon grow to be one of the most trusted outlets for youth-spawned urban culture. Today, Mass Appeal is a media collective led by authentic voices and inspired minds. We are a platform for radical creatives who are transforming culture.

[@massappeal]

who's ready for SMINO NOIR?

[@QuincyIQ]

Mass Appeal lmao nobody ready for smino. He’s a god damn American hero. Also lemme get a rhythm roulette

[@Pewg-the-artist]

issa fire

[@NegativeFeedback]

This was incredibly well made

[@higherthinkingmusic5997]

NegativeFeedback PositiveFeedback

[@AveryLiburd]

facts.

[@justchris0077]

NegativeFeedback username doesn’t check out🤨

[@TrevJ91]

Smino single handedly changed my entire perception on new age rap. He is such an amazing vocalist ( a la 3 stacks) and his music is so soulful that it's hard to deny that there are some great hip hop artist out there. You just got to dig a little deeper to find these gems!

[@neox9369]

TrevJ91 He has a great singing voice too , reminds me of Glen Lewis. More brutha should actually return to neo soul R&B again. He definitely could be an awesome r&b soul singer in this time. Especially in the strong drought of that market right now.

[@nizapizza2571]

and that’s a fact

[@djefardeur7958]

Definitely Andre 3000 vibes

[@devhausstudios4377]

I thought i was the only one getting 3 stacks vibes

[@votnyf4157]

After watching this it's clear to me that Smino needs to drop a live album!

[@_retroextendo_1455]

i really had to upload his live version of Amphetamine on soundcloud just so i can hear it anytime 😂

[@angelinamartin2027]

He does all of his concerts with live music. Such a dope experience. When I went Earthgang opened for him. I was beside myself

[@sanderkoster7680]

Smino's cousin should be the narrator to every movie that's ever gonna be made

[@massappeal]

+Sander Koster Agreed

[@MakiahRoam]

Brandon Smith yeah!!

[@Makish1ma]

Honestly

[@roysz-yo6qt]

Sander Koster I

[@MontTheBeatMaker]

Smino doesn't know how important he is to SO many individuals in STL, he's our new hope.

[@marcimazeratii5441]

amen!!!!!

[@nmwesigwa]

fr

[@stlevi5220]

Bro who u teling

[@angelinamartin2027]

How important he is to music period. This genre needed him, he is so refreshing!

[@sdawsey]

Check out his blkswn album. Trust me. He's gonna be everybody favorite rapper in a few months.

[@percygordon1549]

sdawsey right. He dope as hell

[@marleashawn9005]

This is by far one of the best albums I've heard in my life.

[@pr1ncemiller]

you called it

[@Pdtr14]

Noir is great as well 🤩

[@Burn143]

He’s great💯💯

[@MODERNDAYGRIOT]

Smino is the best new artist of 2017. The brotha got that GUMBO. No one else is close. He will be COLOSSAL. His album gave me that feeling that Chance's debut and Anderson.Paak's did when they first came out. Dope art and personality...That's a win-win. He will go far.

[@aye_jonesfkamarvel_jones519]

SOULFRESHMUSICGROUP When I first heard his music I immediately threw him in the pot with Chance, but he's not the same artist. But what you said is what I really meant, the feeling I had after listening to Chance was the same with Smino. He's similar to Bryson Tiller

[@Noemyskillz]

+Aye_Jones FKA Marvel_Jones or Frank Ocean

[@Noemyskillz]

Aye_Jones FKA Marvel_Jones bryson tiller nah not at all

[@odesreis6712]

@@aye_jonesfkamarvel_jones519 he’s similar to Andre 3k & JID

[@Sparkywtf]

Mad respect to everyone in Zero Fatigue! They're coming for the throne! ZILCH GANG

[@oscarhoare3461]

ok if that saba x smino tape could just drop that'd be excellent

[@thisisDeus]

Oscar Hoare real talk

[@TheOldSchoolDays]

Oscar Hoare they really working on a joint tape?

[@heeyrenee]

love your profile pic

[@8thandnyle]

As a videographer I'm pretty blown away, as a Mass Appeal subscriber I'm reeeeeeeally fucking impressed, and as a music fan I'm in heaven. I don't know who tf you got to make this, but you need to hire they ass.

[@FlexPointFitness]

Smino out here from bumping' in most car's East to West coast. Him and Zero Fatigue have a universal sound that every one connects with!

[@TURBOMIKEIFY]

I know I'm 5 years late. But, I'm so happy that I watched this! Smino keeps on inspiring me to just trust myself and do what I want to do. I so hope to meet Smino when I succeed.

[@Offlineee_]

Yeah 😭 I’m just finding Him now.. it’s crazy

[@darianborneo2236]

super talented

[@Amaury1514]

You know when he said "all the black people" and started waving the white ppl where feeling awkward asf😭

[@kehkeh92821]

and he even shouted out the ladies so its really just the white guys feeling awkward af hahaha

[@tiagordon2438]

Didn't think it was possible to like Smino anymore until I watched this. Super inspiring story !

[@dipmeingloss]

The way smino interactions with his backup singers is so adorable & sweet. like he's not a asshole, rude or standoffish he's very playful with them & that's amazing.💖🙈some artist don't even build relationships with their production/backup singers or dancers. they are literally just "BACKUP TO THEM..

[@antonioisacommonname6550]

Netflix & Dusse my favorite track off that album

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Smino has an opportunity to become a really innovative artist. Hope he takes full advantage of his talents

[@drlove227]

Not even gonna lie, I usually mess around in the comments but this is one of the greatest vids I've ever watched. Smino is too talented, he needs more recognition I've never heard his kind of music before and watching this video made me realize how crazy blkswn is, that album is LIFE CHANGING. Some day I wanna rep my city and support my people like Smino and Zero Fatigue do for St. Louis. Too dope.

[@Esthiem]

Smino posted on his IG story the other day about wanting to drop a live version of the album. After coming back to watch this for the third time im all for it if he decides to. ESPECIALLY with how smooth Amphetamine sounded at the end with the live instrumentation and vocals. Shit would be hella dope.

[@_retroextendo_1455]

i really had to upload his live version of Amphetamine on soundcloud just so i can hear it anytime 😂like i just had to after hearing it on here and nobody else had done it...

[@Dilly-Winkus]

You *sleeping* if you don't know Smino. 👍👍👍

[@kayrxnbtc]

Joe Seaver bruh just share the video and be on yo way

[@Dilly-Winkus]

TeamOBS Don't tell me how to live my life 😂

[@marcusavery1601]

Honestly

[@karolmatamoros6009]

He sounds just like he does on his album, live 👌🏼

[@toni-pofficial5406]

Such a humble and well spoken guy. Soulful indeed, deserves more recognition. Big up from Finland!

[@soapmanwuan4735]

i really hope he gets bigger. it was an amazing album. he makes fantastic music

[@Pro-habits]

Dude Album was highkey top 10 of 2017

[@FlavurbyK]

Pro Habits factuals

[@marquistinsley8553]

Top 3*

[@Bchristophxr]

Marquis Tinsley facts.

[@MischiefMemoirs]

Pro Habits true

[@Thegardengirly]

Mischief Memoirs your concert vlogs are lit! Had to subscribe.

[@Oscar-il3ky]

This doc is great, I already loved Smino and his whole vibe, but this video just made me love his shit even more. Blkswn, Ctrl, and Damn are the best albums to come out this year thus far and thats facts bruh

[@roberthay3784]

Oscar Buruca facts don't forget Isiah Rashad suns tirade

[@jsb06g]

Smino on now....St. Lou Lou baby.

[@hillianlife]

JB Hey bro can u go subscribe to my channel all love here

[@rosscyi]

Dont call it that again my nigga

[@12tippettm]

Smino makes unique ass music

[@bigsouljasodmg5264]

I don't know who dude is, never heard of him before. But after watching this documentary I gotta check his music out. Good Film

[@61samcarter]

BigSouljaSODMG ditto

[@dylanduo7041]

Blkswn favorite album of the year 😭

[@wunderkind.]

lmao he broke his foot right in front of me I was literally front row in Detroit to see that shit

[@abercrombiemisfitsiknew6106]

prod. LA yes

[@franciscobortolin7541]

smino is love

[@hartasiabaker8554]

Proud of you...Amazing story. More singing you got that voice ppl look for. Thanks for representing us!

[@scotthewitt314]

Being a STL native I love how he shows the city so much love. I met him literally days before the album dropped and he is the most chilled dude you'll ever come across.

[@ratulquddus8599]

Blkswn best album of the year easily

[@ksif210]

I watch this at least once every 2 weeks lol

[@umstafa]

Listening to that live spitshine is a must

[@hebrewrld]

Bro this man will be great. Hella lyrical and his vocals are beautiful. Fuck with the project heavy!!!

[@nicka6161]

ending made me tear up and shit lmao

[@_retroextendo_1455]

i really had to upload his live version of Amphetamine on soundcloud just so i can hear it anytime 😂 that voice was just...

[@marcusavery1601]

Thank you Mass Appeal

[@Brian-ke8gb]

This is everything, beautiful documentary

[@THATGUYJT]

this nigga talented af bruh damn

[@marycompagnone3956]

bro u from tumblr lmfaooo how i find yo ass in this random ass vid of smino

[@THATGUYJT]

i be everywhere

[@TrebEditing]

breh this cinematography was so nice like wow. Love Smino and love seeing him get more publicity and notoriety.

[@nobunaga9050]

This is so dope! I'm so proud of Smino man.

[@jonathanjones6177]

One of my favorite albums of 2017

[@PreciousDaigh]

So inspirational. Thank you.

[@aaronsbestlife]

AMAZING! Have so much respect for Smino!

[@mikedomke8623]

So soulful! Hip hop ain't dead

[@JamesRed24]

So real and transparent in his music. Gotta see him live and experience the vibe

[@soull97tree]

Glad to see Monte on here too!

[@FromtheeyesofShaun]

So many talents combined in one man! Destined to be star!

[@kevinxu5724]

beautiful

[@kaylamanigault6264]

He still opens with Anita 😩😩😩 please go see him live it changes your life

[@hoomie9128]

thank you director

[@aleon3000]

I had the same feeling when i first heard Chance, Translee, SoSo Topic. I believe in them. Aint from where they from, but i think they got it.

[@jihal919]

I just love how honest and chill this man is....AND HIS MUSIC IS BOMB.

[@violetave2120]

The illest 😍 Saw u in Santa Ana ... Soo dope that u had Pheolix and Brian in ur band too I had just seen them on the Telephone tour too 🙌🏽🔥

[@03obietrice]

very well done. now i'm off to listen to this greatness.

[@RamzaBeo]

I’ve watching this about 4 times I love smino 🥂❤️ I can’t wait till I see him in May at the Filmore

[@jeremys4456]

I’m so glad I found this dude a few months ago. Now he’s getting invited to Dreamville sessions which happens to be led by my favorite rapper. Happy for him man, he deserves so much more recognition

[@eeramya]

whenever i need motivation this the vid i always go to, got so much luv for smi fr

[@davidkelly6011]

I love watching him come up

[@kingares9768]

Loving this

[@TheCapixClan]

My dawg jay 2. You been hot since visions bro I knew y'all would get your shine it just took some time

[@igotSCW]

Super inspirational!

[@Zou523]

Proud to call the Lou my home. So many great artists coming from here, can’t wait to see who’s next

[@jackieo.8719]

coming back to this just to say one word. Growth. his growth is beautiful🥺🥺

[@MaaThaRainbowGoddess]

Eye'm loving to see THE MASCULINE MEN in this young brother's video! Appreciate u for showing that Smino...it is very much needed during these trying times!❤

[@rhettlanders920]

thanks smi 🙏🏾

[@diac8091]

I love his music !!!!! I’m always bumping his music thru the city !!🤩

[@ttsepmet]

Lovedddddddddddddd ittttttttttttttt !!!!!

[@francescolottero9327]

beautifully done

[@drummer101234]

Making the lou proud!! He's gonna blow up

[@kirisx-ray6723]

Smino you a legend in the making

[@314Poppie]

I need this live footage on spotify ASAPPPPPPPP

[@kierenkane7516]

Yo this is dope, mad respect to Smino man 💪🏻

[@ashleyrhinehart3658]

I already loved Smino, but After watching this I gained so much more respect for his hustle and grind to get where he wanted to be!!!! 🙌🏽

[@princeamu]

that show looks and sounds lit

[@aishawf]

SOOOO GOOOOD!!!

[@FLASHYSOUNDz]

Iconic 🔥🔥

[@chrisshawnali8801]

Just started listening to smino by far my favorite artist

[@pearltebogo8604]

ey yow u got fans outchea in S.A bra we outchea showin lov ...ur music is fire .

[@katemonroe6810]

Smino is so great 🥺

[@kazzythegypsy_3.0]

He'll be among the legends soon enough

[@AveryLiburd]

Dope 👌🏾

[@alexissantiago8714]

boom boom boom, sminoshima

[@reinaldomartinez13]

this was special frfr

[@NiaFennoy]

He’s got to be in my top favorite artists for live performances. That shit was beautiful. I was blown away at how awesome he sounds live

[@princeamu]

first time im hearing. got his own swag, awesome

[@amoeshakur6415]

Young legend

[@DominikDale]

this is super dope can't believe i just found this

[@bigdap100]

Smino + Andre 3000....it would crash the internet!!!

[@kids5810]

I need this man to release blkswn on CD

[@ulysses-101-]

How this man not blown up yet

[@mwillie2854]

When He Was Doing Spitshine sheesh smino killed it

[@ilyaonthefly]

Love these documentaries

[@taiwansettles3654]

Dope. R&B with a Jazz sprinkled in there. Add Hip Hop, and u have Fire.

[@mynameisoptional]

Smino is my favorite artist forreal.

[@lunatheartfulforce1781]

I need him!

[@tiisetsontlatleng6450]

What a talent!

[@headshotzwillhappen]

Tiisetso Ntlatleng xxx