Smilez and Southstar hip-hop duo based in Orlando, Florida. They had a Top 40 hit with the song Tell Me in late 2002. Their music has been played on stations nationwide and their videos have appeared on MTV and BET. The group is unique because of the difference of races. Smilez is African-American while Southstar is Chinese/Filipino-American. Southstar was born in Hawaii. Beginnings Getting signed Smilez met Southstar while rap battling at the Parliament House in Orlando and then decided to start their own rap group. They kept performing and battling and eventually caught the eyes of Reincarnate Music and Smilez & Southstar immediately got a record deal. Early success 2002-2003 The group's first single was "Who Wants This" featuring Kelis. The song had an underground vibe to it and created a buzz--but still didn't crack the top 40. The group's next single "Tell Me" hit the Top 4