D. Smith is sharing a deeply personal update with the world. The Grammy-winning producer, filmmaker, and former Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member took to Instagram to announce he is transitioning back to living as a man after spending the last twelve years publicly as a transgender woman. In his message, Smith made clear this is not a regret, it’s personal growth.
The D. Smith transition announcement comes after a career defined by both musical excellence and visibility. Before the world knew him as a trailblazing trans woman in entertainment, Smith was already a heavy hitter behind the boards, co-writing and producing “Shoot Me Down” on Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, the album that won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2009. Over the years, he built a catalog working with Ciara, Katy Perry, CeeLo Green, Andre 3000, Monica, Fantasia, and Nipsey Hussle.
In 2024, Smith made history as the first transgender woman nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary for Kokomo City, which he directed. The film won the Audience Award and Best Documentary at Sundance in 2023. Smith has been candid about the complexities of identity and the courage it takes to be honest with oneself. He has not elaborated further on the decision, but his message made one thing clear: this is his truth, on his terms.
