Versatility, good vibes, and inspirational tracks combine on new album ‘H’ from Midwest artist Clémon 

 

CLEVELAND, OH – Hayward Clémon Smith III – best known by his stage names Clémon or Clémon III – is an American rapper, record producer, record executive, and entrepreneur. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Philadelphia, he’s a naturally born artist who started as a musician in church before playing in bands throughout high school and eventually starting his own record label, Third Breed Entertainment. At the end of 2020 he released his breakthrough album, “H,” which has been getting major raves from critics and fans in the months since. Featuring hit singles like “Rollin Xo” and “Buss U Down,” the album is a great example of the unique sound and style that Clémon brings to the international music market. 

 

“This album has something on there for everybody,” Clémon said. “H is what they call me on the streets, and that’s what this project is: it’s just me. It’s about me. It’s about how I live and how I am and the stuff I think about the people I lost and the relationships I have and stuntin’ with the gang. I’m not really going for a theme, like some of the other projects I’ve released. I’m just giving you my life in a raw and real way.” 

 

Throughout that journey Clémon not only creates upbeat vibes that entice listeners, but he also introduces some wittiness and humor in a lot of the tracks. Take “Buss U Down,” for example. It’s a song about stealing a girl from another guy. Told from the point of view of a guy who is hanging out at a gas station, the song describes the moment when a “little shorty” rolls up to the station with her man. As he goes into the store, Clémon rolls up to her and starts talking to her. “And I basically bag her and take her from her dude,” he said. “I tell her, ‘Call me anytime you need me to buss you down.’” 

 

“Rollin Xo” is another example of Clémon’s witty wordplay. It’s an upbeat song that’s a little bit of “talking shit,” he said, though overall it’s a nice song to bump if you’re partying or turning up. He said he was just having fun in the studio when he created this song, and it’s become one of the most-liked tracks by audiences all over the world.  

 

Though he’s glad fans are enjoying the music and having a good time, overall he hopes listeners will not only appreciate his versatility as an artist, but also his passion for embracing the unique qualities that make him an individual – and how others can do that, as well.  

 

“I grew up in a church and not everybody understands why I did what I did and why I do what I do,” he said. “I do me, no matter what. My life motto is Don’t bit This, Do You. I just do myself. I do whatever I want to do. Nobody can tell me what type of music I need to be making. Everybody else has a gimmick in the industry – like one specific style that they do – but I want to be known to excel in multiple genres. And I want to be known as an artist who didn’t just make it, but who was top notch. All of my music has to be top notch.” 

 

Following the success of “H,” Clémon said he’s working with another artist named YHN Trenches on a new album called “Blessings,” which is tentatively scheduled to drop later this year. Prior to that the two will collaborate on the upcoming single “Switch Lanes.” 

To listen to Clémon’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links: 

Rollin Xo  

https://youtu.be/rn7a7lV79j8 

Buss U Down 

https://youtu.be/VMGP7fH00kc 

https://youtube.com/channel/UCueLjyylT_aJnApVGMbzOzw 

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/clemon-iii/1453439422 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0B4L2CChTFBxgp7Wlz2NsV?si=DHzDl8aqR... 

https://tidal.com/artist/22284878 

https://www.instagram.com/keepdoubtinh/ 

Views: 54

▶ Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

WIN TICKETS

Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Kamasi Washington
Saturday, Dec 5 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Steel Pulse
Thursday, Dec 31 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Bluesky Instagram TikTok Linktree

Subscribe to Our E-Blast

Members

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
15 minutes ago
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Elevation (1st Fridays) with Dedan, Mario Dubbz & Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist) at Golden Ratio, Oakland

December 4, 2026 at 9pm to January 1, 2027 at 1:45pm
FRIDAY, DEC 4 True Skool presents ELEVATION (1st Fridays)Featuring:Dedan Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist)@ Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin St., Oakland 21+ / Doors 9pm / FREE B4 10pmFree B4 11pm with RSVP: http://bit.ly/elevationfirstfridayABOUTELEVATION is a brand new party series! Curated by renowned DJ and crate-digger Renoir…See More
1 hour ago
2 videos by Editor's Pick were featured
1 hour ago
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Steel Pulse (WIN TICKETS) at The UC Theatre, Berkeley

December 31, 2026 from 9pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. Thursday, December 31, 2026 STEEL PULSE New Year's Eve | Reggae Against Racism TourThe UC Theatre 2036 University Ave, Berkeley, CA Doors: 8:00pm | Show: 9:00pm This event is all ages.…See More
1 hour ago
Profile IconTrue Skool Network now has walls
2 hours ago
Profile IconTrue Skool Network now has a forum
2 hours ago
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Kamasi Washington (WIN TICKETS) at The UC Theatre, Berkeley

December 5, 2026 from 8pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. Saturday, December 5, 2026 KAMASI WASHINGTON KEXP Yule Benefit with Bartees Strange, Hannah LewThe UC Theatre 2036 University Ave, Berkeley, CA Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm This event is all ages.…See More
2 hours ago
A discussion started by Editor's Pick was featured

Boy George Struggles to Find Musicians Willing to Join Him for Israel Shows

Two weeks ahead of his scheduled show in Israel, British singer Boy is struggling to find musicians willing to perform alongside him in the country, the performer told a close associate on Wednesday.…See More
10 hours ago
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Unify with Motown on Mondays DJs Malachi  & DJ Tek Neek at Sessions, Oakland

November 13, 2026 from 9pm to 11:45pm
Friday Oct 9thUnifysound and Sessions Presents UnifySounds by Motown Monday DJsDj Malachi Dj Tek Neek@ Sessions, 406 15th St., Oakland  9pm-2am | No CoverMore Info: https://sessionson15th.com/See More
20 hours ago
4 discussions started by Editor's Pick were featured
yesterday
2 videos by Editor's Pick were featured
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted a status
"Welcome True Skoolers, we just revamped the website. Feel free to explore all the features!"
yesterday

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service