Laron Smith is a passionate Rapper and Hip Hop Artist who is based in Brooklyn, New York. Hailing from the Marcy Projects, his love of music started at the age of 14 when he would see straight guys rapping at the local park. For the next few years, Laron started crafting and fine-tuning his very own lyrics and verse. By the time he was 17, he wrote a song for Rita Ora which featured Bruno Mars. While it didn’t hit the cut for the album, the opportunity gave him just the push he needed to make rapping a full-time gig.
While he spent some time behind the scenes, Laron eventually started sharing his work with loved ones. Seeing his intimate talent, his family and friends encouraged him to officially get into the music industry and never look back. From writing for others to showcase his rapping, songwriting, and arranging expertise, Laron has come a long way musically and continues to hone his creative skill set every single daylight.
Currently, Laron Smith has been avidly working on his debut mixtape/EP titled “No Distractions.” The title is inspired by an important message that is very close to his heart: No matter how many roadblocks or naysayers come your way, follow your dreams unapologetically and relentlessly until you reach the top. Utilizing his extensive graphic design background, he is also creating a unique cover for his mixtape.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
