Find out what the BUZZ is about and who Nikoleye is and what lead him to be the person he is today!
Check out his first single "Victorius Pt. II" from his forthcoming album The Wilderness Project
First tell me, who is Nikoleye?
Haha wow who is Nikoleye. I would say Nikoleye is a hardcore speak his mind go hard for Christ artist. He is compassionate, determined, very persistent, creative, genuine, unique and very original. I'm a musician, Iove the piano. I'm a loving father. I'm a real family man. My fav food is Italian food I don't eat pork or red meat though. I work out like to stay in shape. Love being fly think my swag is crazy. But I'm down to earth love having fun and enjoying life.
Please tell me how did the name Nikoleye evolve?
The way I came up with the name Nikoleye is crazy. When I was rapping secular they called me Hot Niks. Coming up in the church reading and studying anything dealing with the ends times caught my attention. You know how the old saints would always say these are the last days.(haha) but a friend of mine at work had the left behind books on recorded books. So working all day would be boring and we really couldn't read the books so I was like you mind if I listen. So listening to the books was crazy it really grabbed my attention. Of course I ended up reading them as well. (haha) letting you know so yaw won't be like he don't read he listen.(haha) but anyway the twist is this. The character that played the anti-Christ name was Nicolai Carpathia. I know I know why take the name of the anti-Christ. I just had the mental to turn something that would be considered bad and make it good. Being as though we are in a spiritual war and you have rappers calling themselves god and feeding poison to our people. I decided I was anti to the self genocide being created through our music. So I was like they call themselves god of rap I'll represent the true living God Jesus but take the name of the anti in that book but make it good. I know that's crazy but that's how I came about giving myself the name Nikoleye. And for those that haven't read the left behind books read them they are really good. They should cut me a check for that promotion haha.
What lead you to wanting to rap/sing?
Wow, well I've always had a passion for music. I actually started out playing the piano as a kid in church. And I was always that kid at school that would make beats on the table at lunch or in class. Nobody could rock it how I rocked it on the lunch tables.(haha) so all the rappers would be like I want him the make the beat. Not knowing I would end up producing I remember when being out there me and my boys were doing something we shouldn't have been doing. (blowing) that's all I'll say but thank God for deliverance. They came at me like don't you got a keyboard. Don't you play the piano. I was like yea why. So they were like yo go get it and try to make a beat and we'll rap. That was my boy Breeze and ILL Will haha. So I started out as a producer. I never had the desire to be a rapper. It started out all in fun just something to do until we realized we were actually good at this. I would say my boy Breeze was the one that really pushed me into rapping. He started a little battle rap that we look back on now like yo we were crazy haha. So that's how I really started rapping I had to defend myself haha. So shout out to my homie Breeze and my brother Tight for giving me that push. But ever since then I've been rapping and producing music. Started all in the basement on East 27th street. (my block)
What is your musical background?
My musical background is very diverse. I love all music. But of course I started in the church and hip hop is what I do.
What are your songs about? How would you describe your music to people?
My songs are very spiritual. It still has flashy swag in it because it's who I am. I would say that my music has a strong powerful message needed for this time. I come off spiritual, political and do true love songs as well.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes I write and produce all my music. I don't like producing all my music but right now until I work with producers it's all me.
Who are your musical influences?
To be honest right now I can say I'm only influenced by God. When I was young and in the world I would say 2 PAC was my all time fav. I would throw Nas, Common and Mos Def in there. Anyone with a strong flow and positive message I was always down with.
Who would you say is your fan and/or customer base?
I think that my fan base would be anyone who like real music. I think my music ranges to all age groups and races. I think my customer base could be real cats in the streets or locked up as well as people that's into church or just live positive lifestyles. All colors could rock out with me.
What do you think about the current state of music as a whole today?
I would say music right now is in the danger zone. I've really seen no growth or originality in the last 10 years or more. Everyone talks about the same thing and it's no separation at all. Hip Hop and R&B are like one. I remember listening to R&B and you wouldn't have to worry about a Lil wayne or drake coming in with a verse messing up the flow of the song. (haha) I think the message in the music represents nothing but poison. I mean you have a slight few out there that is positive but the mainstream artist that's eating are promoting self destruction. So I'm really not a big fan of today's music.
What are your immediate music career goals?
The main goal is to take over. Be a major player in the game but representing Christ. I mean why settle I want to be used great by God and make a major impact. I think my style of music is def needed and I would bring it the right way.
What do you enjoy most about performing?
Haha what I like most about performing is how everyone is looking at you like wow I had no idea he would be like that. I just enjoy getting people hype and having fun. It's the challenge of getting their attention and keeping it.
Are you working on any current projects?
Yes I'm actually finishing my 1st project in the gospel hip hop lane. The album is called "The Wilderness Project" it's release date is 10/7/12. So be on the lookout for that it's real powerful fun and good food for the soul.
What would you like people to gain from listening to your music?
I would 1st like them to gain relationship with God. That's what it's all about to me winning souls for Christ. It's so many lost out here that's looking for someone to lead the way in a way they can relate to. So that's the main thing I want them to gain. I also want to make music that's effective for any generation. I want someone to be able to put my albums on 20 years from now and they have the ability to receive change and a relationship with God.
