The topic of this month's Feature Story is Darryl Smith. Darryl is a very talented young man who is also the
National Vice President of the Real Hip-Hop Network (RHN). RHN is the first 24-Hour Hip-Hop based TV Network. As VP of RHN
Darryl is extremely busy, but in spite of his hectic schedule we caught up with him for this interview:
REAL NEWS: Are you a native Washingtonian?
DARRYL SMITH: Yes, born in raised in Uptown (Upper NW)
RN: What High School did you attend?
DS: Coolidge
RN: You're a product of DC Public Schools. I think this
is important because DC public schools have gotten a "bad rap" over the years. I personally know a lot of people who went
to DC schools and have been highly successful.
DS: No doubt
RN: When you were younger who were your role models? What was
your source of motivation?
DS: Stevie Wonder, Muhammad Ali, Jesus Christ
RN: Those are definitely good role models, but how about someone
closer to you?
DS: My Uncle Raymond, Raymond Smith had a great deal of influence
in my life and my development as a man.
RN: OK. let's talk about the Real Hip-Hop Network
DS: Alright
RN: As VP What are some of your duties?
DS: I oversee the general operations concerning equipment, budget
and editing. I negotiate various deals and contracts. I travel extensively to promote the RHN.
RN: How important is networking in your profession?
DS: Very important. I do a lot of Public Relations, "Meet and
Greet" events. PR is essential to our mission, bringing in new talent and personnel. I interact daily with important
people in the Hip-Hop and TV industry but our concept of networking doesn't stop there. We also bond and fellowship with Hip-Hop
fans of all ages across the country. Our viewers are very important to us.
RN: How did you develop your "people" skills?
DS: I've been working for a long time as Marion Barry's Political
Advisor so I have a lot of experience with public speaking. I believe that practice makes perfect and the political world
is a great place to learn PR skills.
RN: Tell me a little bit about Atonn Muhammad (President and Founder
of RHN)?
DS: He's a Great and Powerful man, a man of integrity. Atonn
is a true visionary. Let me also add that Atonn insists that our organization be spritually-based. Another good man at
RHN is Roger Williams who is our National Advertising and Marketing Director.
RN: Is RHN currently on the air? If so, where can our readers
find it?
DS: You can find RHN on the Dish at 9407. RHN is also carried
by Comcast so check your local listings or check out the RHN website. (Note: In many parts of DC and P.G. County, RHN
can be found on channel 657).
RN: How long have your been a Hip-Hop fan?
DS: For a while now, I go back to the Old School with Doug E.
Fresh, Public Enemy and Grandmaster Flash.
RN: I'm definitely feeling you, I'm Old School myself, KRS-One,
Roxanne Shante, Mantronix.
RN: Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know?
DS: I also do a lot of writing. I have a couple books that I
want to publish eventually. I write and read poetry, in fact I recite poetry weekly on the radio. The show is called "The
Power" it's hosted by Mark Thomas and it's on XM 169. (Note: "The Power" can be heard every Friday on XM from 6:30-7:00 pm)
RN: Finally, what advise do you have for young people who are
trying to make it in today's society?
DS: I really would advise them to develop spiritually. First seek
God, the Bible says, "Seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you" ( Luke 12:31). If young people
develop a personal relationship with God everything else will eventually fall into place.
RN: It sounds like you have a very solid foundation. Is there
anything else you want to add?
DS: We welcome Hip-Hop and music fans of all ages to check out
RHN. We can now be seen in over 20 million households through Dish Network on Channel 9407. The deal Atonn Muhammad just signed
with MHz will add over 2 million additional homes to RHN. Our website is www.rhn.tv and I can be reached personally at (240-784-0781).
DCSuperSid@hotmail.com
