Meet Dylan Smith, rapper, artist, father, youth leader, and follower of Christ.
Words by Kai Coates
From vibrant murals to powerful lyrics, Dylan Smith uses creativity to speak a language that resonates with today’s generation, one rooted in faith, fatherhood, and a radical personal transformation. A creative entrepreneur and father of two, Dylan’s journey is far from conventional. Yet it is precisely this blend of bold expression and deep conviction that makes his story worth telling.
“I’ve always questioned everything,” Dylan shares. “But faith became part of my creative comeback – it’s now central to my expression.” His childhood spark for creativity was never lost, even through seasons of heartache, brokenness, and reconnection. As a rapper and graffiti artist, Dylan channels his talents into something bigger than himself – something eternal.
His story of faith didn’t unfold overnight. It began with the slow burn of a broken family and the ache of disconnection, but it ignited in a single, defining spiritual encounter that changed everything. “It left no question about the reality of God,” he says. “Jesus Christ met me in a radical way.”
Since then, Dylan has devoted his life to walking with God and sharing that journey with others, especially the youth. Becoming a father himself revealed his own weaknesses and the depth of his need for God’s grace. “It shaped my character to be more Christ-like,” he explains. “My mission now is to nurture my relationship with God, my wife, and my children. Everything else flows from that.”
His artistry took a turn early on when spray painting transformed from tagging to storytelling. “It became less about my name and more about making a positive impact,” he says. That same desire fuels his rap. A lifelong lover of poetry and hip-hop, Dylan found his voice when he saw a pastor rapping at a church event. “I was hooked. I’d found an incredible vehicle – hip-hop – for an even more profound message: the Gospel.”
Dylan’s lyrics are bold and relatable. In a world where hip-hop dominates charts and street culture, he’s using it to bring life. “Young people already speak the language,” he says. “I’m just delivering a more uplifting message.” That message? You are loved. Love others. Express yourself. Jesus is cool. Be a beacon of positive change.
His debut single on Spotify, “When I Met You” – I Am The WordSmith, captures the spiritual turning point in his life. “It’s self-explanatory,” he says. “Take a listen.”
But Dylan’s mission isn’t just about art. It’s about reaching young hearts. He believes today’s youth are hungry, not for fame or fortune, but for love and belonging. “Everything boils down to the need to be loved,” he explains. “Healthy communities start with healthy individuals, and that begins with knowing your worth. I believe the Gospel is the most powerful way to do that.”
The challenge, he admits, is helping young people integrate their faith into daily life, especially in a world that often seems indifferent or even hostile to belief. His advice? Be real. Be present. “Church can happen at a skatepark or over coffee,” he says. “It’s about connection, not buildings.”
For parents, Dylan offers wisdom forged in the fires of experience. “Worrying won’t get you anywhere. Lead by example. Keep Christ at the centre. Eat together. Pray together.” He encourages openness to unconventional expressions of faith. “Remember – the religious were the ones who took Jesus out. God is full of surprises.”
Above all, he wants parents to remember that the youth must figure things out for themselves, in an atmosphere of love, grace, and guidance. “Be firm but flexible. Hold space. That’s how they grow.”
Balancing creativity, ministry, and family isn’t easy, but Dylan’s strength comes from God. “The pressure is real. But creativity thrives in constraint. I stay grounded by spending time in His word every day.”
On the hard days, he leans on his family, his faith, and the knowledge that his journey has a purpose. “I’m not perfect, but He is. As long as I don’t give up, I’m destined to win.”
So, what’s next for Dylan Smith? “To focus on the most potent force for change: my family.” And with that, he continues his mission – spreading light, love, and the message of Christ, one rhyme, one mural, one life at a time.
@i_am_thewordsmith
