Big Smo, born John Smith on February 14, 1976 in San Diego, California, is a multi-talented country rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and film director hailing from Tennessee. Known for blending country themes with rap and hip-hop, his unique style has drawn comparisons to artists like Kid Rock and Run-D.M.C. Smith's musical journey began in high school where he played multiple instruments and wrote poetry, eventually teaming up with DJ Ray Riddle to create music that led to independent releases and a major-label deal with Warner Music Nashville. His debut album, Kuntry Livin', released in 2014, marked the beginning of a successful career that includes chart-topping releases like We the People and Special Reserve.

Big Smo's rise to fame was propelled by his "hick-hop" hit song "Kickin' It in Tennessee," which garnered millions of views on YouTube and caught the attention of Warner Music Nashville. Following the release of his debut EP Grass Roots in 2012, he quickly gained popularity with subsequent releases like Backwoods Whiskey and Bringin' It Home. Alongside his music career, Big Smo starred in the U.S. reality TV series Big Smo, offering fans a glimpse into his daily life. With a string of successful albums and singles, including "Country Outlaw" and Special Reserve, Big Smo continues to make his mark in the music industry with his distinct blend of country and hip-hop influences.