With his fierce new single “Hard” out now on Hotta Flames Records, Jamaican-born MC, producer and songwriter DJ Lantan is making his presence felt. The track is an absolute banger — a relentless, adrenaline-fuelled war cry that hits hard and doesn’t apologise for it. DJ Lantan’s vocal performance crackles with authority, riding a razor-sharp production that fuses Jamaican dancehall heat with a street-level urban grit tailor-made for peak-time play. It’s the kind of record that silences a room the moment it drops, then fills the floor seconds later. We caught up with him to find out more.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Mark Smith — most people know me as DJ Lantan. I was born in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica, and I’m now based in the UK. I’m an MC, songwriter, and producer, and I’ve been in the music game since I was young. Over the years I’ve performed all over the world — the UK, Europe, the USA, Japan, the Caribbean — and I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible artists along the way. It’s been a long journey but I’m still here, still creating, still pushing.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
From very early. I grew up competing in open mic competitions and freestyle rap battles — that’s where I learned to hold my own. From there I got into the studio side of things, working within Sugar Minott’s Youthman Promotions and spending time in the King Jammy’s studio environment. Those experiences gave me a foundation that I still draw on today. Dubplate culture was a huge part of it too — recording custom versions for sound systems, building that relationship between the artist and the dance. That’s where it all starts, really.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
Growing up in Kingston, reggae and dancehall were everywhere — you couldn’t escape it and you wouldn’t want to. Being around Sugar Minott’s world and in studios like King Jammy’s meant I was surrounded by the best of Jamaican music from an early age. That sound system culture, the energy of the dance, the artists who were doing it at the highest level — all of that shaped me deeply.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
I’d say it’s Jamaican dancehall energy meets UK sound system culture, with global urban production running through it. I cover reggae, dancehall, afro-Caribbean fusion, and I’ve crossed over into drum & bass and jungle territory too. It’s music built for DJs, for radio, for the dance floor — wherever people want to feel something. My new single “Hard” is a champion’s anthem. It’s about being unstoppable, standing tall against the competition — whether that’s music, sport, gaming, whatever your arena is. You are the undisputed champion in your field, and this is the soundtrack to that.
What music have you recorded and released to date?
I’ve been releasing music internationally for years — across the UK, Europe, the USA, Japan and the Caribbean. One of my singles peaked at #4 on the Hip Hop / Rap charts, which was a proud moment. I’ve had radio support on underground and regional stations and strong sound system rotation across the UK and Europe. My full catalogue is available on all major platforms and through my own music store at lantan.net. The new one is “Hard”, out now on Hotta Flames Records — that’s the one people need to hear right now.
You’ve worked with some remarkable names. Can you tell us about some of your collaborations?
I’ve been blessed with some incredible partnerships over the years. Vybz Kartel, General Levy, TopCat, Wayne Marshall, Stevie V, Liana Wall, Rebel Sonix, Nitty Kutchie, 2 Bad & Hugly — those are just some of the artists I’ve worked with. Each collaboration has brought something different and pushed me in new directions. When you work with artists at that level, it raises your game. I’m proud of every one of those records.
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment — and do they influence your work?
My roots are always in reggae and dancehall — that never leaves you. But I listen widely. The fact that I’ve worked across drum & bass, jungle, pop, and electronic music tells you something about where my ears go. I’m always paying attention to what’s happening, absorbing new sounds, looking for ways to stay fresh while staying true to where I came from. You have to keep evolving.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
I’ve already worked with some legends, so the bar is high! But there’s always someone new you want to create with. The dream is always to work with artists who challenge you and take the music somewhere unexpected. I’ll keep that one close to my chest for now — but watch this space.
What are your plans for the future?
More music, more performances, more of what I do. “Hard” is out now and I want everyone to hear it — it’s pure fire and I’m proud of it. Beyond that, I’m focused on continuing to build, continuing to reach new audiences, and proving that I can’t be tested. I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m nowhere near finished.
“Hard” by DJ Lantan is out now on Hotta Flames Records. Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music. Follow DJ Lantan on Instagram @djlantan.