Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacy Smith.
Hi Lacy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Mouth Split, started in 97′ in Durham, NC in my home in Walltown (Historic Community) I was a recording artist (DJ/ Rapper) who had success being a finalist at the Apollo Theater in NYC (August 20, 1992, December 16 1992). I was just leaving NC A&T State University as an IT Major (2 Years, 91′ -93′). I had found so much joy performing in front of large crowds and being recognized for my on the spot talents that I chose to leave and pursue music as a full time career.
While moving back to Durham, I chose to start a record label and named it, MOUTH SPLIT. It’s an acronym which stands for, Motivating Our Universe Through Hip Hop, Spreading Peace, Love Intelligence and Truth. We produced for other artist locally as well as featured on a variety of projects. We started H2D’ Graphix and and started a business of transferring cassette tapes to CD’s since 1998 we were in transition from Analog to Digital recording. (i.e. VHS Dat tapes to A-Dat).
We continued to travel and connect until we discovered that we had a knack for making clothing as well as our Graphix company (1998-2000 – Black Wall Street 1106 W Parrish Street, Downtown Durham).
We started with our Glow in the Dark logo, which we created (Captain Struggle – What you’ve been through to get where you’re going.) Most people affectionately call in, “The Face”, due to the distinct look of 7 images that make the logo without having any facial features.
While understanding marketing and using magnetic sheets that we cut out with Exacto Knives, we travelled to Knoxville, Tenn. and any other music venues all over displaying our Mouth Split Brand (Face and name). We went on a promotional tour from Capital Heights, MD, to Orlando Florida (Roxy) and Long Beach, California (Queen Mary Warship) to name a few.
We sold 456 within a year without a store fron and at that point we new we were on to something.
We kept recording until I was discovered and signed to Madd House Records, an Indie Record Label in Jackson, Mississippi May 2021. I moved and continued my craft in Marrietta, GA (Atlanta Metro – my sponsored housing) and also in the Mississippi areas. We created all the promotional items, CD covers Records, promotional items and clothing concepts for the label and all of their artist on the roster.
I left the label in 2003.
I returned to this area continued recording and doing features and started a video production company.
I retired (first time) in 2003 from performing and traveling for hire. I created and shot music videos for a few artist and the financial collapse happened in 2008.
After the market reemerged, I was determined to reinvent myself again. I kept Mouth Split in my heart and with several offers and my encounters in public, people continued to call me by my brand. I finally listened and fast forward a few years Covid happened! I took that time to secure my Trademarks and Copyrights and pursued marketing and branding my Apparel line.
We chose to not only work our brand, but we opened doors for other creatives as well as clients to lean on us for our experience in Marketing and hands on with clothing. This goes from the idea to final product. We have amassed an extensive client list and vendor list as well to the point where we make so many custom pieces that we don’t have time to share it all on Social media using our @mouthsplit page.
Thankfully we enjoy the process of creation to the point where the joy stays with our ability to make what every we think of and not have to go outside of network for almost anything.
We realize that we can make an impact on people in the textile industry and those who want to get into it and the good news is we want to!
That’s MOUTH SPLIT!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, It’s presented some challenges at times. Tariffs, supply chains, funding, finding the market place.
Then a light came on for me while I was hired by the largest commercial printing company in the region to be their Outside Sales Rep. This allowed me a more robust inside look at behind the scenes manufacturing and the hands on approach to a larger network of Clients. I had clients on my own from Connecticut to Florida and Orange County California. This opportunity helped me corporately understand how to create my own market as well
Thankfully, I was crazy enough to take a chance on myself and trust that my faith would once again make it happen.
You can’t be afraid to fail, you have to embrace your challenges and learn how to pivot or push through.
You can’t achieve anything that you tell yourself you can’t do and all of what you tell yourself that you can.
The most important step, is the first one!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Create custom clothing that speaks to the personality of the client.
I’m known for being different and not being afraid of being unique.
I understand that success is a journey and not a destination.
I’m most proud of the ability to be in position to create something from 1999′ (clothing) and still be able to sell and market it now. I have a few (B List) celebrities and people around the work wearing the brand and loving what it stands for.
The joy in my creation is when I get to see the smiles on people who wear it in any capacity.
Whether it’s branded or not, for me personally, or a School Sports Uniform, a custom Jacket, a personalized embroidered design that we created, a mass produced item for a corporate entity. I’m proud of all the items we’ve produced and the fact that my Art Director is my very close associate whom I attended NC A&T State University with use to show me sketches from his classes back in 92′ is on board with Mouth Split Campus (Our Sports Apparel and School Uniforms Division).
2026, We now have several divisions of Mouth Split.
MOUTH SPLIT (the brand and Trademark)
Mouth Split Apparel mouthsplit.com
Mouth Split Customs
Mouth Split Campus mouthsplitcampus.com
Mouth Split Entertainment (Me back to my DJ Passion)
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up working class on a dirt road. I always reflect back on those fun times making a bicycle rim into a basketball goal and nailing it to a tree. Making ramps and jumping them on my BMX bike. Adding fire to it and jumping over it.
Being that child who always set his ambitions on rising above my circumstances, but never taking faith, good people, hard work and family values for granted. My first trip to NYC in 1978, changed my perspective and started my understanding that there were other cultures and happenings outside of Durham.
I remember standing up in First Grade and the teacher asked everyone what they wanted to be.
I said that I wanted to be a rapper and a stunt man. The whole class laughed, but I wasn’t deterred at all.
I was determined to prove them wrong. After all, that passion is why I’m still working for myself today.
Thanks Merrick Moore Elementary School (Mrs. Stentz’s Class)!
Note to anyone in doubt! Believe in your ability to be relentless and an over achiever.
Hard work is always worth it.
I understand that History never reminds us of people who didn’t do anything.
Be uniquely you!
Pricing:
- Contingent on Items Requested
- We work with small and large budgets.
Contact Info:
- Website: mouthsplitcampus.com and mouthsplit.com
- Instagram: @mouthsplit
