Tristan Sma$h

Kempton-area hip-hop musician Tristan Sma$h delivers reserved lyrics atop rap production, echoing Tyler, The Creator and Sounwave. Born Tristen Zindi in 2004, the Kempton Park artist grew up playing piano, drums, and guitar, turning to rap freestyling in high school. Influenced by rap music and classical music from Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem, Tristen began recording as Tristan Sma$h, a moniker derived from his personality, which resembled Kendrick's in the Album DAMN.

His early tracks were all posted online, leading up to 2024's Tristan Sma$h 1122 EP. Produced by Emoji.Records and UMG, the set included the singles "Cold Soda" and "The 90's". Both tracks would also land on his second official debut full-length album.