Richard Smith

Richard “Chino” Smith

Vocal Producer | Singer | Songwriter | Vocal Arranger | Vocal Coach

Richard “Chino” Smith is a Baltimore native and seasoned music professional with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. As an original member of the renowned gospel group Choir Boyz, Chino developed a strong musical foundation rooted in rich harmonies, disciplined performance, and vocal excellence—elements that would define his expansive career as a vocalist, songwriter, vocal arranger, producer, and elite vocal coach.

Chino was also a part of the world-renowned 617 Management, the prestigious artist development company founded by Brooke Payne. Known for shaping some of the industry’s most successful acts, 617 Management further refined Chino’s expertise in artist development, stage performance, and vocal precision.

Throughout his career, Chino has lent his voice as a background vocalist for some of music’s most celebrated artists, including Charlie Wilson, Sunshine Anderson, Jamie Foxx, Macy Gray, and Johnny Gill. His touring credits include global superstars such as Britney Spears, NSYNC, and R. Kelly, showcasing his versatility across genres and stages worldwide.

As a songwriter and producer, Chino has worked closely with Michael Bivins of New Edition under Biv Entertainment. He contributed writing to Bell Biv DeVoe and co-produced alongside Heavy D, further cementing his footprint in R&B and hip-hop. His collaborative reach also extends into the house music world, working with Baltimore’s legendary production team The Basement Boys, a respected force in global house music.

Chino’s vocal talents have also been featured with Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development, and he provided background vocals for LaTocha Scott, lead singer of Xscape. He also lended his talents and vocal production for SoSo Def recording artist Tyeler Reign.

As a highly respected vocal coach, Chino has trained and developed artists including Monifah, Wayne Brady, 3rd Storee, Luh Kel, Parker McKenna Posey, and platinum R&B artist Jaheim, among others. His coaching approach blends technical mastery, performance development, and real-world industry insight—equipping artists with the tools necessary for longevity and excellence.

In addition to his early success with Choir Boyz, Chino was also a member of AY 2.0, also known as Az Yet, expanding his reach within the R&B landscape and further solidifying his legacy as both performer and architect of sound.

With decades of experience spanning gospel, R&B, pop, hip-hop, and house music, Richard “Chino” Smith continues to shape the sound of artists across generations—both on stage and behind the scenes—through vocal excellence, creative leadership, and elite artist development.