Symba on Too $hort, Will Smith, and Why He Left the Label Behind

In his recent appearance on Sway’s Universe, Bay Area rapper Symba opened up about a pivotal moment in his evolving career: his acting debut in the film Freaky Tales. Loosely inspired by Too $hort’s legendary track, the film showcases not just the rapper’s transition into acting, but a celebration of Oakland's cultural richness.

Symba emphasized how meaningful it was to see Hollywood talents and major studios like Lionsgate and Macro filming on the actual streets of Oakland. With Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden directing, and Too $hort narrating and executive producing, the project brought the culture home rather than building replicas elsewhere. "You can't do Oakland outside of Oakland," Symba said, nodding to the city’s distinctiveness.

The cast moved through real Bay neighborhoods, with local artist Stunnaman02 acting as a cultural guide, helping them connect with authentic Bay Area experiences. Symba also spoke on channeling Too $hort for his role, calling on childhood memories, family stories, and a deep understanding of how the rap legend influenced the city’s game.

Lessons from Will Smith and Acting Aspirations

Symba shared his growing relationship with Will Smith, whom he called his "big brother." Their connection began through Omar, a mutual associate, who brought Symba into an intimate creative space meant to reenergize Smith. Symba recalled the surreal moment of stepping into that circle, overwhelmed by security and surreal professionalism, but quickly humbled by Smith’s openness.

Their conversations delved into craft, including Smith’s physical approach to playing Richard Williams in King Richard, using something as simple as a shopping cart movement to embody the character. For Symba, these moments crystallized the idea that he could expand his artistry beyond music.

The dialogue soon turned toward music, with Smith revealing that he still had something to say. This resonated with Symba, who saw a mirror in Smith’s desire to create from experience, not for commercial trends. The two began sharing tracks and exchanging feedback, marking the start of a mentorship built on mutual respect.

Industry Struggles and Reclaiming Creative Control

The interview grew more intense as Symba unpacked his difficult experiences in the music industry, particularly during his time at Atlantic Records. Despite early viral success—including freestyles reposted by LeBron James and earning millions of views—Symba said he was met with internal resistance from label executives who labeled him "too lyrical" or "too old."

He recalled being steered toward formulaic songs for club and streaming success, pushed into sessions with writers and producers who didn't reflect his values. "They signed me as the cultural guy... then tried to turn me into something else," he said. The tension peaked when his viral freestyle over the "Uchi Wally" beat was dismissed as "just a freestyle" by the label—only for them to revisit it a year later, too late to capitalize on its momentum.

Symba’s frustration turned into self-determination. After being told he couldn’t travel to Africa for a video shoot tied to his song "Top G," he funded the trip himself. The journey led him to a Nigerian school with only one working computer for 1,200 students. With help from a Silicon Valley friend, Symba delivered 200 laptops to the school, a gesture that transformed not only the students' lives but his own creative clarity. "Put me in the jungle," he said. "The lion's going to come out."

Fatherhood, Purpose, and Black Identity

Throughout the conversation, Symba repeatedly returned to his purpose as a father and a voice for Black men. He spoke candidly about his son Aiden, who was once misdiagnosed with autism due to a severe tongue-tie condition. After finally receiving the correct diagnosis and surgery, Aiden flourished. The experience underscored the importance of advocacy and trusting parental instincts.

"We got this veil on us," Symba said, speaking to stereotypes placed on Black men. "They think we all gangsters... but I know more Black doctors and lawyers than I do criminals." He stressed his responsibility to model a different narrative for his son, one rooted in showing up, being accountable, and expanding the image of what it means to be a Black man in America.

These values bleed into Symba’s music. He distanced himself from songs glorifying violence or superficial success, choosing instead to make records that offer real-life game for his listeners. "I'm really the Wallow of rap," he declared, referencing the popular motivational speaker and cultural leader.

Returning to the Roots: Africa, Impact, and Independence

Perhaps the most emotionally resonant part of the interview came when Symba spoke about his recent trip to Africa. What began as a self-funded video shoot evolved into a life-changing mission. In Lagos, he met a teen who had never tasted a cheeseburger or attended school. That moment sharpened Symba’s resolve to give back.

With the help of Vector the Viper, a local hip-hop artist and community leader, Symba earned the neighborhood’s trust. They shot the "Top G" video on site, and upon returning to the U.S., Symba pushed for its immediate release. When label executives asked for a six-week rollout, Symba went independent. The video became his most-watched to date.

Now operating through Star Island and Orchard, Symba is reclaiming his sound and platform. His upcoming single "Lonely," which he premiered on-air with a live performance, marks his return to independent artistry. The performance was raw and vulnerable, a reminder of his lyrical strength and emotional accessibility.

No longer waiting for validation, Symba is stepping into new spaces on his own terms—not just as a rapper, but as an actor, father, and man of the people.