Written by The Mixtape Queens ROOTED IN LEGACY, RAISED BY MUSIC Smokey Smothers  was born in Wisconsin , but her journey has always been guided by family, legacy, and the pull of music. After spending time in Atlanta, Georgia , she made the intentional decision to move to Chicago —a return to her family’s foundation. Her ties to the city run deep; her mother was born there, and her family’s roots stretch through the south side of Chicago , where generations before her helped

Every month, The Mixtape Queens spotlight 10 artists who are setting the vibe and pushing culture forward through sound. 💎 These artists came through our playlist submissions — across genres from R&B and hip-hop to alt-pop, rock, and neo-soul — proving that real music still moves the world. This Month's Top 10 Artists This month’s lineup is pure heat. 🔥 Each artist stood out for originality, emotion, and consistency. Whether it’s storytelling, vocals, or production, they al