Artist
CEO & Founder
SREEB
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sreebās story is one of resilience, transformation, and unapologetic ambition. His early years were defined by instability, moving from house to house, city to city, and rez to rez while living with his mother. Life was rough, and every move brought a new challenge. It wasnāt until third grade, when he finally settled in Laguna with his father, that Sreeb began to find a semblance of stability. It was in this small community that his story truly began to take shape.
In Laguna, Sreeb met Jovon, a friend who would later play a pivotal role in his journey. Jovon wasnāt just a companion; he was the glue that aligned the original team that would eventually become Smoke Shed Records. Without Jovonās ability to bring people together, none of what came next would have been possible. Around this time, Sreeb also crossed paths with Smooth Cruz, who shared his passion for music and drive to be the best. Together, they started creating musicānot with a grand vision, but with the raw energy of smoke sessions, troublemaking, and a hunger to stand alongside rap icons like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
The Origins of Music
Sreebās love for music began long before Smoke Shed was even an idea. In fourth grade, he wrote his first verseāa simple line that opened the door to a lifelong passion. Around the same time, he spun a wild lie to his classmates, claiming he had a song with Lil Wayneāa story that hilariously reflects his early hunger to make a name for himself. He recorded raps on his cell phone, experimenting with sounds and ideas, slowly honing his craft.
By 2013, Sreeb was writing and rapping in earnest, channeling his life experiences into his lyrics. Music became more than a hobbyāit was an escape, a therapy, and a purpose. From the instability of his early years to his growing sense of identity, music gave him a voice to express what words alone could not.
Building Smoke Shed Records
With Smooth Cruz and Sreeb started what would eventually become Smoke Shed Records. The name itself came from a backyard smoke shed, a small, unassuming space where the team gathered for sessions that sparked creativity and camaraderie. At first, there wasnāt a vision of a labelājust a group of friends making music, driven by passion and a desire to prove themselves.
As time went on, the idea of Smoke Shed evolved into something bigger. It became a platform for artists to thrive and create together. The journey wasnāt without its challengesāmany label mates came and went, unable to match the dedication and sacrifice it took to build something meaningful. These departures, though difficult, solidified Sreebās resolve. He learned that the path to success required an unrelenting belief in the process, even when others couldnāt see the potential.
Loss, Growth, and Resilience
Jovonās passing was a devastating loss that shook the foundation of Sreebās world. Jovon had been more than a friend; he was a critical part of Smoke Shedās origins, a unifying force who had brought the team together. Losing him was a painful reminder of lifeās fragility, but it also became a source of inspiration. Sreeb channeled his grief into his music, using it to honor Jovonās memory and continue the work they had started together.
Through the highs and lows, Sreeb never wavered in his loyalty to his vision and his team. He became a leader who learned to adapt and grow, pushing forward no matter the obstacles. Smoke Shed Records wasnāt just a labelāit was a family, built on trust, shared struggles, and an unyielding commitment to greatness.
The Smoke Shed Vision Today
Today, Sreeb stands as the heart of Smoke Shed Records, driving the labelās mission to empower authentic voices and create timeless music. His journey from smoke sessions to a fully realized movement is reflected in every track he produces. His lyrics tell the story of a life defined by challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering determination to be the best.
Albums like āFoolishā showcase Sreebās ability to turn personal pain into universal anthems, while collaborations with label mates like Shwole, MCGHXST, and others highlight the family bond that defines Smoke Shed. Through his music, Sreeb has created a platform that transcends the backyard shed where it all began, proving that even the humblest beginnings can lead to greatness.
This is more than just music. Itās a legacy of resilience, passion, and purpose. This is Sreeb. This is Smoke Shed.