Obituary
Tobias Adin Smith
“Profit the Producer”
September 20, 1982 – January 19, 2026
In loving memory of Tobias Adin Smith, a beacon of light, creativity, and love who graced this world from September 20, 1982, to January 19, 2026.
Tobias, known and loved by many as Profit the Producer, was a visionary, educator, and community leader whose life’s work included music, media, education, and public service.
Tobias was born with a passion for music and business. He grew up in radio in Chicago in the 1980s and was running a board for a major radio station by the age of 12. In 2007, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Business Logistics from Wayne State University. From there, he founded Detroit Media Specialists and landed contracts with the Detroit Public Schools, the Detroit Pistons, Radio One, and Beasley Media Group.
In 2010, Tobias directed his first documentary film, The Cotton Pickin’ Truth…, featuring his mentor, the late Dick Gregory. The film contributed to Mississippi ratifying the 13th Amendment in 2013. In 2019, Tobias worked as a Live Audio Engineer on the Wu-Tang Clan 20th Anniversary Tour. In 2021, he served as songwriter, producer, and sound designer on Kanye West’s Donda album. His work on “Jail” and “Hurricane” earned him two Grammy Awards in 2022. In 2023, Tobias produced “Pale Blue Dot” for Lazarus—the first song to debut from the International Space Station (ISS). In 2024, Tobias received the prestigious ASCAP Award. His most recent work on Swerve Strickland’s AEW entrance songs, “Big Pressure” and “Hit Different,” further cemented his lasting impact on the culture.
Tobias’s dedication to service extended into civic leadership, working as a legal videographer and serving as Community Director for Michigan’s 2nd Senate District. Tobias was most proud of his nonprofit organization, The People’s Community ATL, in which his mission lives on:
“To empower underprivileged communities by fostering self-reliance and building sustainable futures.”
In honoring Tobias Adin Smith’s extraordinary life, let us celebrate the countless moments of happiness he imparted.
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