In 2012, Smith's friend uploaded her cover of Labrinth's "Earthquake" to YouTube,[2] which led to her discovery by record producer Guy Moot.

[3] Her father Peter, a benefits officer, is a former musician who sang in a neo-soul group called 2nd Naicha before Smith was born, and her mother, Jolene, is a jewellery designer.

[16] The same month, Smith was selected as one of the fifteen rising acts on BBC Music's Sound of 2017 longlist, and finished fourth on the list.

[17][18] Smith performed as a special guest on Drake's Boy Meets World Tour in February and March 2017,[19] and featured on two tracks on his mixtape More Life (2017).

[30] Smith co-wrote and performed the song "I Am" on Kendrick Lamar's soundtrack album for the film Black Panther, released in February.

[33] Her debut studio album, Lost & Found, written over a five-year period, was announced in April and released in June 2018 to critical acclaim.

[36] The Lost & Found Tour's North American leg began on 19 November in Seattle and conclude on 19 December in Toronto and will be supported by Ravyn Lenae.

[26][37] In 2019, Smith announced a co-headlining North American tour with Kali Uchis starting on 28 April in Washington, D.C. and concluding in Toronto on 30 May.

[51] She describes being "obsessed" with Amy Winehouse's 2003 debut album Frank as a teenager and was inspired by the singer's raw approach to songwriting.

[52] Smith said her songs are about social issues: "When things are going on in the world, I think it's important to touch on them, because as a musician, you can make people listen.

"[53] She cites Lauryn Hill, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Sade, Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Mos Def and the Streets as influences.