Str8HipHip

Str8HipHop.Com is on the scene with: Nickel-Us F

Interview By Takiyah C. (Editor-In-Chief of SHH)

Nickel-Us F: Doing it His Way for 2006

The hip hop game is under serious scrutiny nowadays. Some people think that it will take a movement to bring that feeling that we all are searching for back. That one thing, that new echo, that new vibe, that new approach… I think it will only take the right mc. An artist who thrives off of making himself heard, but still remains true to himself. Not subscribing to that same old sound, not even promoting a style period, but exhibiting his own approach all together.

Nickel-Us F known to many as, Nick Fury appears to be that light at the end of the tunnel. The presence and personality that Nick brings to the game definitely leaves you believing in his dream and actually allows you to be able to appreciate hip hop in a new way all together. Think about the first time you heard Biggie or Pac. You knew that they weren’t just your average lyricists. I got that feeling the first time I heard Nick.

Truth be told there are some artists who are defined by their music and then there are some who define the music. Nick can be considered one who defines the music. His charisma, vocabulary and over all gift for rhyme make him someone who can realistically change the face of hip hop music all together.

Aside from standing out, Nick has a presence that makes you want to listen to him. How many artists do you know that can tell a story we’ve all heard before and give it a new perspective on it all together? How many lyricists do you know that don’t even have to write rhymes? How many artists do you know that aren’t afraid to stand out when so many do what sells? You have to give props where props are do. Nickel-Us F is not going to be the next anything, not the next Biggie, Jay, Eminem or Pac… He’s going to be the first Nickel-Us F.

Nowadays Nick can be found grinding, hustling hard and promoting this music that the industry needs to hear. Hard work and talent often goes unrecognized, but in Nick’s case that is not true. Nick has received sponsorship from The Super Tuner Car (Virginia Beach) for two consecutive years in a row. Also, at the tender age of 17 he was featured as Unsigned Hype in the Source Magazine. His “Cut the Check” CD released December 17, 2005 really kicks off a solid start before the New Year. This is only a glimpse of what to expect from Nick in 2006.

SHH:First of all let the readers know where are you from and how old are you?

Nickel-Us F: Ok, I’m from Richmond, Virginia.

SHH:How would you like to introduce yourself to the hip hop community for those that don’t know you yet?

Nickel-Us F: I’m Nickel-Us F. I guess you could say like and average Joe, I’m me.

SHH: First off tell me about your CD “Cut the Check” with DJ Rerok and how it’s different from the array of mix tapes that you’ve been apart of.

Nickel-Us F: This is my first mix tape it’s a proper introduction. The others were me featuring, but this one is a display of what I can do verbally, different dimensions, and different types of beats. I really focused on the hip hop sound instead of what everybody else is doing.

SHH:Who do you have on “Cut the check” what collaborations can we expect, also who did you work with production wise?

Nickel-Us F: I only got a couple of features on there I worked with DJ Rerok, I got FTP productions (For The People),Con Artists, Lil Lee, Mr. Clean, Drake, Lab Ox, I worked with Tommy Hittz from VA., M Rell from Florida, I got my man Radio Blitz & Lil Lee on there spittin’ too.

SHH: How much do you feel coming out of Virginia directly affects your style?

Nickel-Us F: A lot… In Virginia there are so many different sounds. It’s like a melting pot. You got your New York cats and then you got your Deep South cats. All that affects me and the way I make music. I’m the type that could listen to Reasonable Doubt and then take it out and listen to Three 6 Mafia.

SHH:What type of producers inspires you, who would you like to work with?

Nickel-Us F: I would like to work with Just Blaze, Kanye… Really if I could choose producers I would prefer the older producers like Easy Mo B, EZ Elpee, Premiere, Pete Rock, Beatminerz, and so on.

SHH:Ok I see you name a lot of older producers, why do you choose older and more seasoned compared to the newer producers?

Nickel-Us F: To me the sound is more genuine. They really felt the music when they created it. Most of today’s beats puts you in one lane.

SHH:Everyone has an opinion on what the present state of hip hop is like right now. What is your opinion about that?

Nickel-Us F: I know everybody is saying hip hop is dying but in my opinion it’s on swing back around. Now artists that are brewing in the underground are starting to rise to the surface. Different types of music are starting to be accepted. So I don’t see it as dying.

SHH:What do you feel you bring to the hip hop?

Nickel-Us F: Well me I’m making my own lane. I call it that "New Old School." My style never sounds the same; I don’t even write anymore, I know that I have a talent. I can store my rhymes in my head without having a pen and paper. I’m not afraid to be different… People like me for it. Ask anybody and they will tell you, I receive a lot of love.

SHH: What would you say was the reason you are not signed?

Nickel-Us F: I mean people like me, I have a talent and the reason I am not signed I believe is that I need to prove myself profitable. I need documented sales to back everything else up. Labels have changed. There is no more artist development. They are putting their money behind already well oiled machines. That’s what “Cut the Check” is all about. I am going to continue to work hard. Right now I don’t just want any deal.I have some situations and opportunities on the table, but I'm waiting for the right one.

SHH:What pushes you forward when at times you might feel like giving up? What is the driving force behind Nickelus F.?

Nickel-Us F: I’m going to tell you the truth the main thing that keeps me going is the fact that I have this gift. I don’t think I was ready to be signed before and now I am a more well round and developed artist. What keeps me going is that I'm nicer then the majority of these niggas that's out and I want everyone to know it.

SHH:Who are some of the people in the industry that you listen to?

Nickel-Us F: I like Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco and Obie Trice. Besides that a lot of rappers sound alike. I like originality.

SHH:What do you think is the reason you choose to be original rather than just making music that is guaranteed to sell?

Nickel-Us F: I’m guessing that it comes from my personality. I’m the loud one, the life of the party. I know how to have fun. I got in trouble for it a lot. People like my rap because it’s not what’s out. I’ve never been afraid to step away from the crowd. I am used to always being the new guy so I know how it is to stand out. I’m not scared of being new.

SHH:What advise would you give to an up and coming artist who may want to give up on a dream or a talent?

Nickel-Us F: I would tell them get ready for the long road ahead. It’s not like the NFL draft you can go through it more than once and not get picked but you have to keep on doing what you do. You have to have thick skin and accept that some people will criticize your music, some people won’t like you and some won’t even listen. Just don’t change and keep your hands on the plow.

SHH:Ok tell the readers something about Nick that we might not already know……

Nickel-Us F: Well as you listen to my music you will see that I open up in my music. I’m a normal person, normal as can be. I have the same stress as everybody else. And the same bills as everyone else. I work a 9-5. I’m an average Joe working hard to make it. I live an everyday life.

SHH:Ok and lastly what can we expect from you, in 2006.

Nickel-Us F: Well this year, now that “Cut the Check” is out, I plan on just being in the studio non stop. Releasing mix tapes back to back damn near every month. I’m about music and hustling. So I’ll still be working hard everyday in the studio.

SHH:Thank you Nick for taking the time out for this interview. Best of luck in the future...

Nickel-Us F: Thank you for taking the time and don't forget to check out my website www.nickelus.com and the myspace page to get directly at me @ www.myspace.com/nickelusf