[1][dead link‍] In 2007, he signed to Zoo Entertainment Production Company run by artist Mekanix, who described his style as a variant of hyphy known as "Go".

[2] Smith was born into poverty and earned money as a child by selling candy bars on the BART trains.

[1] He references Joseph Stalin in his stage name because they shared the same initials, and "...He was short like me, but he was always smashin' on everybody.

"[4][5] In a recent interview he remarked about his home and lifestyle, "This is West Oakland, man.

[1] He later recorded and performed with artists such as G-Stack,[7] Beeda Weeda,[8] Keak Da Sneak and San Quinn,[9] E-40, Luniz, The Team, The Frontline, Mob Figaz, Yukmouth and Shock G. As of 2006, he had released roughly 7 mixtapes and had four releases scheduled for 2007.