Teaches in Atlanta, GA

From Stockbridge, Georgia

Plays and Drums

About

Artist & Drummer, LaMar “Smoktagous77” Johnson was born with a unique gift from God to be a drummer. Given the nickname Smok (Smoke) for his precise power and speed behind the kit. As an infant, Smok would sit on the lap of his grandmother and play along to the beat as the choir sang at his childhood church in Detroit, MI. As years would later pass he found himself being the lead drummer out of a line of 7 or more young inspiring drummers playing for that same choir at his church. Seeing the vast varieties outside the church scene, Smok sought to further his skill by playing for most of Detroit's premier local gospel artists at an early age and also became a part of his high school jazz and marching band where learning to read music was a requirement! With music being a focal point in young Smoks life and wanting to excel even more; a great opportunity gave LaMar the chance to not only work for but also be taught by Sun-Ra's own, Francisco Mora as he learned different styles and cultures of World Drumming.
To this date LaMar has played, recorded, and toured with great influential artists ranging from gospel premier artist, Tramaine Hawkins to the soulful r&b vibes of Chico Debarge, just to name a couple. Now currently residing in Atlanta, GA Smok has worked with some of ATL's finest hip-hop artists. Most recently 2x Hip Hop Grammy Award winner, Arrested Development. But it doesn't stop there...Smok has also played for multi-Atlanta artists of different music genres ranging from hip hop, rock, jazz, fusion, blues, country, alternative, pop, greek, gospel, etc. Smok is a firm believer that the skies are the limit. Never limit yourself to just 1 style of music and make your own voice behind the kit!
Currently, LaMar has pursued his B.S. in Audio Production at Full Sail University and working on his self-debut solo album as well as working with other local artists in the metro Atlanta area.