We’re looking forward to introducing you to Latonia Smith. Check out our conversation below.
Latonia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Having and dealing with endometriosis, fibromyalgia and lupus. The flare ups are ruff and it takes a lot out of me. To get up day to day and fight and still hold down the things I do are ruff. But I know i have a reason my voice speaks. My poetry helps heals and hits home for some. I speak for the culture and still help in some way
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
🔥 Tazzs the Poet: Where Passion Meets Power 🔥
A creative storm wrapped in elegance and edge, Tazzs is the walking definition of purpose with punch. Poet. Promoter. Visionary. She doesn’t just open doors—she builds stages from scratch, then dares artists to spit their truth on them. From the raw soul of Spit Don’t Swallow to the wonder of The Compass of Lumina, she weaves words, curates spaces, and uplifts communities with fearless finesse.
She’s the A&R with an ear for gold, the curator with a heart for the unheard, and the author making Black girl magic soar through literary skies. Whether she’s spotlighting rising stars or crafting characters who’ll outlive bedtime, Tazzs is in full brand-building beast mode—carving out a legacy that’s bold, culture-driven, and unforgettable.
And let’s not forget: behind all the power moves is a spirit rooted in service—feeding the homeless, inspiring kids, and making magic for causes that matter.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I always knew I was different wired in a way don’t fit in. I always ask questions wanted to learn more and looked for ways around it. I did research I didn’t go with what was first said. As a women you can’t do it is a hard pill. As a only child and a uncle of the army yes I can and did and do
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When people notice I got sick more often. I had a podcast I can’t say spit don’t swallow and I was doing it. A empathy jumped in my inbox and said something no one knows it was a message from god. So I start speaking more openly informing people . Notice how the topics and my poems got more followers and responses. So only than I notice and understood the assignment in my life, so I opened up ways for others to express to tell to teach without any judgment
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
90% most get to see the real Tonia the real Tazzs the poet the real Promoter, the real Arthur. only 5% get a gotten. To see me in pain. A space I hide in not comfortable with. A life situation, not sure if it was meant or is my journey to speak for others in display through my poetry and writing. Most will tell you I’m real. I’m honest I’m bored I’mma go get it. I’m a push, but I do want to see people win. I do have flaws. Perfectly imperfect I have gotten have gotten upset, but my crown is always on.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I helped I cared I pushed I motivated they learned I help them get better. I was a real person who truly helped
Contact Info:
- Website: https://otstazzsthepoet.wixsite.com/tazzs-the-poet
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ots_tazzs_the_poet?igsh=NjlhMGJ2bmx4cmph&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonia-smith-13a7a0b7?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fy4bg8kUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Otstazzsthepoet
- Other: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/o-d-i-i-n/id6744367522
http://streaming.otsworld.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1727854707694662/?
ref=share_group_linkhttps://linktr.ee/tazzsthepoet?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5546510c-185f-4852-b360-8cdb5beab066
Image Credits
Ots. Artist review for allowing my platform to be apart of odiin platform
