Meet Smino's Dynamic Opening Acts: EARTHGANG and Phoelix [NEW ARTIST DISCOVERY]

image

This spring, Smino will embark on his Hoopti Tour presented by Ones To Watch and Zero Fatigue. But he's not on this journey alone; the dynamic rapper is bringing two phenomenal openers along with him. EARTHGANG and Phoelix have different styles, but both acts's witty lyrics and electrifying rap beats  will impress audiences across the country.


EARTHGANG:

image

EARTHGANG is a powerful rap duo created by Johnny Venus and WowGr8 during their high school days. They spent their long college nights recording in their dorm rooms and collaborating with local producers, until they were finally discovered and signed by J. Cole. They refer to their sound as "Southern-fried soul," and it might be the most spot-on self-description we've ever heard. Their tracks range from playful and upbeat to more somber and deeper lyrics which comment on political issues like race and equality.

Their new single "Proud of U" featuring Young Thug is one of the first songs from their upcoming debut full length album,  Mirrorland. The album is something EARTHGANG has feverishly worked on over the past year.

This year, EARTHGANG is opening for Billie Eilish on her sold out Where's My Mind European tour before they embark on the Hoopti tour.

Get familiar with EARTHGANG below:


Phoelix:

image

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Phoelix believed that he never fit in anywhere. He felt that people in his hometown always looked at him as a young black man that didn't belong, and when he was in the city, he was told he was too suburban.

Channeling that frustration, he began producing music as a teenager. He was soon working for artists like Noname, Saba and even Smino. But when Phoelix turned 20, he decided to start writing, producing and singing his own songs. In 2017, he released his debut EP,  GSPL. Pronounced gospel, the EP contains lyrics that ingeniously reference the Bible, but also announces to Phoelix's family, friends and fans that his identity of "the pastor's son" does not define him.

Phoelix's debut album,  TEMPO, dropped in early 2018 and is a collection of 18 rap songs all with heavy funk and R&B influences.

Listen to Phoelix below:

Pick up your tickets to Smino's Hoopti  Tour piresented by Ones To Watch here.

Related Articles

Infinity Song Expands Horizons On Illuminating Self-Titled Album

Infinity Song Expands Horizons On Illuminating Self-Titled Album

June 16, 2026 On their self-titled third album, the sibling quartet broadens that foundation, reaching beyond the folk-rock textures that first introduced them to wider audiences and embracing elements of soft rock, soul, alternative, and R&B.
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop
R&B
Kenny Mason Turns Trash to Treasure With BULLDAWG

Kenny Mason Turns Trash to Treasure With BULLDAWG

May 26, 2026 At the center of the album, Kenny frames the world we live in as a “junkyard” — a place where artists, people and ideas are constantly challenged, judged, dismissed or repurposed. But the BULLDAWG isn’t interested in being defeated.
Author: Kiani Shabazz
rap
Redefining ‘Normal’, Mathilde Anne is a force to be reckoned with.

Redefining ‘Normal’, Mathilde Anne is a force to be reckoned with.

May 24, 2026 After a standout debut with her album NORMAL in 2024, Mathilde Anne is becoming an incredibly compelling artist to watch, as both a writer and vocalist. Her music blends ethereal production with evocative, deeply personal songwriting, exploring themes of young adulthood, womanhood, love, loss, and living with neurodivergence.
Author: Caitlyn Sinclair
pop