DA Smart

Herman S. Smith, professionally known as D.A. Smart (acronym for Devastating Abolisher Smashing Mostly Around Ruff Territories) is a hip-hop artist and community organizer from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his 1997 track "Walk Wit Me" for its detailed references to every Chicago neighborhood and its raw portrayal of urban life.

Raised in the Robert Taylor Homes and Altgeld Gardens on the South Side of Chicago, D.A. Smart began his involvement in hip-hop as a breakdancer before transitioning to emceeing. In the early stages of his career, he was signed to RCA Records and later co-founded Creators Way Associated.

In 2006, he established Terror Records, a Chicago-based independent label intended to promote artistic freedom, community engagement, and positive change. The label has focused on empowering local talent and providing a platform for socially conscious hip hop. Artists under Terror Records have included Tae Bae, Tra Cee, Da General, and the late Mz. Lady. The label released the compilation album The Reign of Terror in 2014.

In addition to music, D.A. Smart has been actively involved in community outreach, particularly youth engagement and artistic development. His showcase series, Control the Mic, serves as a platform for local artists to perform, network, and collaborate.

Known for his lyrical style, which he describes as "hardcore entertainment," D.A. Smart has remained critical of mainstream radio's lack of balance in hip hop representation while continuing to develop music rooted in authenticity and local storytelling.