As Newark-based emcee Nicholas Smith takes the stage at Johnny V’s in San Jose with the rest of his nine-piece band, they begin to run out of places to put instruments. The small stage in the corner of the bar seems to only be meant to hold a DJ, but alternative hip-hop group Dope Collective is used to this issue.

Smith is a busy, busy frontman. The East Bay vocalist, who performs under the name Notha Instant Classic, is in two bands, a hip-hop crew, and a solo project. Smith’s style can be described as theatrical to many, or “emoted” in his words.

“It’s hard for me to say what style I have, but others have called it anywhere between slow and fluid to energetic and wild,” said Smith. “I bring my out-of-the-box concepts and lyrics from a different perspective than most.”

Dope Collective uses elements of ska, punk, and funk. Smith’s flowing vocals add to an already unique blend of sounds. The band, sporting a full horn section, often does not fit on the provided stages at venues around the Bay Area. How do they manage? Their drummer, guitarist, bassist, and Smith set up and perform on the floor at the level of the crowd. Being the tall man that he is, he normally towers over them at 6’4”.

When it comes to hip-hop, Smith has his hands in more than one project. From the funky jazz experimental group Multiple Organisms, to Lobetrotters Collective, featuring other East Bay emcees Klarrity and Skeptic, the difference in sound is noticeable.

If all of this is not enough, each of these groups has sub-duos.

“We have duos within the group like The Illithids with myself and Klarrity, and Nihilistic Elements with Klarrity and Skeptik,” said Smith. “We actually released an album ’Notes From Underground’ which had a lot of break beats, hype tracks, songs that made you think and nod your head to.”

Practice time is hard to find between working from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and the irregular sleep patterns that develop from working graveyard shift.

Dope Collective practices in a member’s house in Fremont, Multiple Organisms practices in a rented space in Livermore, and the Lobetrotters Collective practice in Berkeley at their DJ’s house.

“Facebook and text messages are key. The Horn Dogs, the horn section for Dope [Collective] practice on their own, so I practice with the rhythm [section].”

The name ‘Notha Instant Classic’ comes from Smith’s music tastes. “I’m a fan of the classics, raised on soul, swing, and rock and roll… I’d like to revert things to a classic standard based on skills and originality,” said Smith.

Playing at venues across the Bay Area is great, but bands are not usually content with playing only in their hometowns. Smith’s groups have also played shows in Eugene, Portland, and Ashland, Ore.

“Tour life overall is pretty good. The key to it is communication and making sure all parties are genuinely on the same page,” said Smith. “The travel, the new scenery, even the people are worth the experience. You learn a lot being miles from home.”

Dope Collective and Multiple Organisms are both currently working on new albums, as well as two solo albums that Smith is planning over the next two years.
Dope Collective can be seen performing live at the Double Road Race in Pleasanton Dec. 21.