Harlem rapper and self-proclaimed “Kushed God” Smoke DZA rose to fame at the height of the blog era with his clever weed-laced rhymes. • Young DZA taught himself how to rap by emulating the stylings of famous MCs and writing his own lyrics to their songs. • After dropping out of high school, DZA broke into the New York City underground battle-rap circuit, cementing himself as a formidable new talent. • DZA was discovered by Cinematic Music Group’s Johnny Shipes, who signed him as a ghostwriter for the label in 2002. • In 2009, DZA released his debut solo project Substance Abuse, followed by his 2010 George Kush Da Button, which helped him to cross the threshold from underground to mainstream. • On the heels of his second project, DZA partnered with Johnny Shipes, Steven “Steve-O” Brown, and Shiest Bubz to create the yearly weed-themed festival The Smokers Club. • In 2011, DZA released his critically acclaimed debut album, Rolling Stoned, which won the High Times Doobie Award for Hip-Hop Album of the Year. • DZA teamed up with legendary producer Pete Rock for the 2016 joint album Don’t Smoke Rock.