The Relentless Rise of ThankYouSmitt—A Hooper-Turned-Rapper With Something to Prove
Every rapper talks about the grind, but few have lived it quite like ThankYouSmitt. Born and raised in Jersey City, he first made a name for himself not with a mic, but with a basketball. A national champion at St. Anthony’s High School, an Academic All-American, and a professional player in Italy, his resume reads like an athlete’s dream. But where most ballers cling to the sport that defined them, ThankYouSmitt did something bolder—he pivoted. Now, with his debut album Call God and the latest video for “Baretta Everyday Chopper,” he’s proving that success on the court was just the beginning.
What’s striking about ThankYouSmitt’s music is the precision—his bars are calculated, his flow effortless, and his delivery packed with the same confidence he once brought to the game. It’s no surprise, given his background. Basketball, much like rap, is about rhythm, control, and making the moment yours. He carries that same mentality into his music, and it shows.
The Call God standout, “Baretta Everyday Chopper,” is a perfect example. The track is pure East Coast grit—sharp, unrelenting, and undeniably catchy. The newly released video leans into that energy, opting for a stripped-down aesthetic that keeps the focus on his presence. There are no gimmicks, no distractions—just ThankYouSmitt, standing in his kitchen, delivering every bar with a look that says he’s already ten steps ahead of the competition.
But beneath the tough exterior, there’s depth. While the title suggests something aggressive, the lyrics reveal something more layered. He flips the metaphor, turning the “chopper” into a symbol for his words, his blessings, his place in the grander scheme of things. It’s a reminder that ThankYouSmitt isn’t just here to rap—he’s here to leave an impact.
His journey is proof that reinvention is possible, that talent doesn’t have to be confined to a single arena. Whether he’s dropping bars, acting in Netflix productions, or starring in major commercials, ThankYouSmitt is moving with the confidence of someone who refuses to be boxed in.
Some might still see him as a former athlete-turned-rapper, but one thing is clear—he’s not looking for validation. He’s coming for the top spot, and he’s not waiting for anyone’s permission.