Welcome to the vibrant and creative world of Fernandez Smith, also known as Dez. On his YouTube channel, Creative Mindz 313, Dez shares bits and pieces of his life through the powerful medium of music. His channel is a testament to his lifelong passion for creating music and his dedication to capturing his experiences on camera.
Dez’s journey in music began at a young age, when he and his friends would rap on the porch, creating beats with their hands and mouths, and taking turns freestyling. This early love for music has evolved into a dynamic and authentic career, where Dez not only creates music but also produces engaging video content.
A Passion for Music and Storytelling
For the past four years, Dez has been taking his camera with him on various adventures, recording everything around him and transforming these experiences into music videos and songs. His content is entirely original, with no ghostwriters involved. Dez believes that the only way to truly convey his experiences is to record them, otherwise, people might think he’s making it up. His YouTube channel offers a raw and unfiltered look into his life, filled with real rap and hip-hop that you can understand—no mumble rap here.
Dez has even expanded his creative endeavors to include a YouTube movie series called “Cold Case,” starring himself and with help from a friend. Currently, he is in the process of putting together a full movie. In the meantime, he continues to make music, upload videos, and share his journey with his audience. His channel is a treasure trove of creativity, offering something new and exciting with each upload.
Rooted in Detroit
Most of Dez’s content is rooted in his hometown of Detroit, a city where he feels most comfortable and inspired. He occasionally travels to gather new footage, but Detroit remains the heart of his creative work. Dez was born in Detroit in 1985 and raised by his mother after his father, a preacher, left before he learned to walk. He spent nine years in North Carolina before moving back to Detroit with his mother and stepfather, with whom he often clashed. At 17, just a week before his birthday, Dez was kicked out of the house and went to live with his grandmother, who gave him the freedom to pursue his passions.
Despite the challenges of growing up poor and trying to make it in the music industry without financial support, Dez’s determination never wavered. He battled rapped in school and quickly gained a reputation for his skills. However, the road to success was not easy. Shady business practices and lack of resources made it difficult to get his music out there. But Dez never gave up. He invested in his dreams, eventually building a small studio and producing his own music. This investment was the best decision he could have made, allowing him to create work he is proud of and share it with the world.
Keys to Success
Dez attributes his success to staying humble, praying often, and being grateful for every opportunity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even when things get tough. Reading the Bible and having genuine friends for support has helped him through challenging times. Dez advises others to invest in themselves, keep their plans private, and follow their passions without hesitation. He believes in the power of perseverance and the importance of completing what you start, regardless of what others might say.
His recent loss of his beloved grandmother has only strengthened his resolve to complete his mission. Dez is committed to making her proud and leaving a lasting digital footprint that future generations will appreciate.
Join the Journey
Dez’s YouTube channel, Creative Mindz 313, is more than just a collection of videos; it’s a window into his life, filled with music, storytelling, and unfiltered reality. From real rap and hip-hop to a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, there’s always something new to discover. Dez invites you to join him on this journey, experience his adventures, and enjoy the unique content he creates.
Follow Dez on Instagram @creativemindz313 and @eastsidedynasty313 for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Dez. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hello, I am a director/artist/videographer and up-and-coming internet personality! My channel consists of real rap/hip hop, no mumble rap, so you can understand what we are saying. Although, it is a lot of partying going on, the talent is easily seen! I have been rapping since 12. It has not really taken me anywhere, honestly, and I have given up many times, but for some reason, I keep trying. I guess you can say it is a hobby; it relieves stress! They say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, and that is true! I love creating! This does not feel like work at all for me!
Please tell us about your journey.
I was born in Detroit in 1985. I am a May baby Gemini like biggie smalls! Raised by my mom only – my dad left before I learned to walk, and he was a preacher. I lived down south North Carolina for nine years and came up to Detroit to stay with my grandma every summer until my mom remarried, and we moved back to Detroit. Me and my Stepdad bumped heads a lot, and I got kicked out of the house at 17, a week before my birthday, and went to stay with my grandma, who let me pretty much do what I wanted! I battled rapped in school, and surprisingly, no one could beat me! Growing up poor and being broke trying to rap gets you nowhere.
You need money for just about anything. So we rapped on the corner and other places, but the studios didn’t show love. When I got older and got a few dollars, I invested in my dreams! That was the best decision I could’ve made. I feel good about my work and know that someone will appreciate my digital footprint one day!
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
What helped me become successful is remaining humble! Praying often, being grateful for everything, and even waking up each day! People are quick to complain but never know what others are going through! When things get really bad, I would just think about the good times and know it cannot rain forever; the sun will shine again! Reading the Bible helps during struggling times and having genuine friends around helps! Invest in yourself, don’t tell people your next moves, and keep it a secret between you and God! That thing that always pops back up in your life to do, and you ignore it….Do it, stop procrastinating, and finish it! Another thing I didn’t do, is finish products and listen to fake friends who shoot down your ideas! Never be embarrassed of your dreams! Always fight for what makes you feel good and sleep like a baby! My grandma passed recently. I must complete my mission!
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!