Octavius "Doc Oct" Smith finishes a song on his upcoming album at a studio inside his home. For a while, local talent Octavius "Doc Oct" Smith wondered if dreams really did come true.

The aspiring hip-hop artist is hoping the answer to that question is "yes," as after being dealt a few of life's obstacles, the Cherokee County resident continues to work toward his day in the limelight.

"This is a dream that I have had for a long time," Smith said. "And I don't intend to have it end anytime soon."

Smith thought his career was starting to take off last year as he was invited to shows around the Palmetto State as well as in Connecticut, Florida and North Carolina. Such exposure also gave him the chance to rub shoulders with Gaffney native Michael McCluney, a member of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment band Day 26.

"It was nice to be able to talk to artists and get ideas from them," Smith said. "It is an inspiration to see them use their talent. It makes me want to continue to grind things out myself."

But Smith's momentum came to a screeching halt after his home was lost due to fire in December. At the time, the aspiring hip-hop artist was performing at a concert in his hometown of Miami, Fla.

"I was having a good time with my family when I received a phone call telling me of the news," Smith said. "I thought it was a minor incident, but the more calls I received I realized it was a big deal."

Despite the circumstances, the local artist with the help of several friends was able to find a new home giving him the space necessary for him to spend time with family and with his music.

However, he would be given another dose of bad luck when burglars took several items from his home.

"For the first time, I actually felt like quitting," Smith said. "It took a lot for me to get up from the house catching on fire. Now having some of your valuable items stolen; it definitely hurt."

Instead of giving up, Smith decided to delve further into his music. With the help of 2 Da Realness Records producer and Gaffney native "BussHead," the aspiring talent is again in the studio.

"The studio is where I'm most comfortable at," Smith said. "I'm always trying to get better and get my name out there."

He is also taking his music to new locations. Recently, Smith performed in front of audiences in Spartanburg as well as another in Tennessee.

"It was fun getting up there," Smith said.

Last year, Smith released his debut album "My Time Is Now, Vol. 1." The local talent is planning to release a followup to the album by early next year.

For more information on Smith's music, visit myspace.com/dococt2006.