Dallas Smith
Chris HornbuckleBig Loud Records has signed two-time Canadian Country Music Awards winner Dallas Smith to a global recording deal. His first music under the new pact is expected in the fall.
Additionally, Smith’s Local Hay Records imprint, formed with record producer Scott Cooke, has entered into a joint venture with Big Loud Records and will focus on signing Canadian artists to worldwide deals.
The moves expand Big Loud’s relationship with the Juno Award winner, whom the company has managed since 2014.
“We couldn’t be more excited to continue and expand our working relationship with Dallas Smith,” said Seth England, Big Loud partner/CEO in a statement. “Dallas was the first country artist Joey [Moi, Big Loud partner/record producer] and I ever worked on together. We’ve had the pleasure of watching him quickly become Canada’s biggest country star, and we look forward to helping him grow his footprint globally.”
“Dallas is a day-one guy for me in what is truly an incomparable musical union and friendship that spans more than two decades,” added Moi, who produced Smith’s former rock band Default, as well as his solo efforts. “With new music ahead that truly has no borders, I can only imagine what Dallas will achieve in the years to come and know for certain it’s a freight train that we all want to be on.”
Smith has scored 11 No. 1s on Billboard's Canada Country chart — the most of any artist — including “Some Things Never Change” featuring Big Loud labelmate Hardy, which reached the peak this February.
Smith previously recorded for 604 Records and had brief stints on Republic Nashville in 2013 and Big Loud Records’ precursor Big Loud Mountain Records in 2014.
“I’m really excited to expand my trademark,” Smith said. “Music has always been at the forefront of what I do and it’s an essential part of every project for me. Working with the team at Big Loud Records and having access to integrate plans and creativity every step of the way provides me with the opportunity and immense support to continue my work and growth with a committed and focused team behind me that shares a common goal of amplifying, strategizing and succeeding in all areas.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso honored Shyne with a key to the city during a ceremony held at the East Flatbush Young Men’s Mentorship Expo on Saturday. The recognition highlighted both his influence in hip hop and his contributions as a public figure and advocate. Reynoso also declared April 25, 2026 as “Shyne Day” in Brooklyn.
“Shyne embodies what is possible when a community believes in its young people, and the magic that can happen when young people are given the resources they need to thrive. East Flatbush raised Shyne, and it only made sense to present him with the Key to Brooklyn as we team up to deliver hope and opportunity to dozens of young men today,” Reynoso said at the event, as caught by BK Reader.
Shyne also addressed the crowd. “This is the community that raised me, and it’s important for me to pass that love forward,” he said. “There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate this milestone than coming back home and pouring into the next generation.” He also revealed that everyone in attendance would receive complimentary tickets to his 25th anniversary concert on May 2 at the Kings Theatre.
The show will mark 25 years since the release of his self titled debut studio album, which arrived on September 26, 2000. Even while Shyne was incarcerated at the time, the project debuted and reached number five on the Billboard 200 chart. It moved close to 160,000 units in its opening week.
Earlier this week, Shyne posted a video of himself standing outside the Kings Theatre on Instagram while promoting the upcoming performance. "Can’t wait to see you this Saturday, May 2 @kingsbklyn as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Shyne Album…..the celebration will continue @crownhilltheatre where I will meet, take pictures and party with you, my loyal supporters, who’ve made Shyne a Rap Legend," he captioned the post. Fans filled the comments with fire emojis in response.
