Locksmith

Biography

Davood Asgari, known professionally as Locksmith, was born on September 29, 1984, in Richmond, California, to a half African-American and Iranian (Persian) father and mother. Growing up in a tight-knit family with four siblings and supportive parents, he was initially focused on basketball rather than music, but was subconsciously influenced by his sister, a rapper in the 1990s East Bay scene who opened for artists like E-40, Blackalicious, and Digital Underground. Sheltered from street life, Locksmith developed a reflective mindset that shaped his conscious approach to hip-hop. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies, blending academic insight with his artistic pursuits.[1][6]

Fun Facts

• Locksmith reached the finals of MTV's MC Freestyle Championship in 2003, marking his early underground notoriety.
• He retired from battle rapping, where he faced opponents like Dizaster and Passwurdz in Grindtime Rap Battle League, to focus on music production.
• In 2016, he was personally invited by Sway Calloway to the BET Hip Hop Awards 'Live Cypher' alongside Dead Prez for a social commentary performance.
• His debut solo single 'Rare Form' (2009) notably dissed Kanye West and Lil Wayne.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sister (unnamed) - Familial inspiration who introduced him to rapping through her own career (Opened for E-40, Blackalicious, Digital Underground) [1990s (elementary/junior high for Locksmith)]

Key Collaborators

• Left - Rap duo partner in The Frontline (Songs like 'Bang It' (commercial radio/MTV rotation)) [2000s-2010]
• Hopsin - Frequent collaborator on tracks and projects (Various features (Funk Volume era)) [2010s]
• Jarren Benton - Collaborations on albums and tracks (Lofty Goals (2015)) [2014-2015]
• Futuristic - Features and joint projects (Lofty Goals (2015)) [2015]
• 9th Wonder - Production collaboration (Various tracks) [2010s]
• Ski Beatz - Production collaboration (Various tracks) [2010s]
• R.A. the Rugged Man - Touring and associated acts (Tours) [2010s]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz