Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Nikmoody

Nikmoody is an exciting new voice in the world of hip-hop who’s connecting with audiences on a deeply personal level through his lyricism. He credits his trials, tribulations, and failures for shaping him into the artist he’s become: one who’s open and unafraid to tackle heavy material, including the turbulent journey his life has taken. He’s channeled experiences of loss, addiction, and a near-death experience into his newest body of work, The Quiet One. Pop Culturalist caught up with him to hear more.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Nikmoody: The producer who I worked with on my last project: Homage. We have a great relationship. He understands the type of music that I’m looking to create. His work goes well with my lyricism. I spend a lot of time making sure that the substance is there and that the songs that I’m making mean something. The way that he produces leaves room for the listener to hear what I’m saying. Right now, rap music is really focused on the melodies, and that’s not to say that my songs aren’t, but we want to make sure that the message is to the forefront. The way that he mixes his songs is superb. He really draws emphasis to the words. The way he creates space for the vocals is dope. That’s been integral when developing my sound, especially on my last EP, The Quiet One. He produced four or five of the songs.

PC: Speaking of the EP, what inspired that collection?
Nikmoody: The EP was inspired by my own journey on discovering who I am. I say that The Quiet One is really me, but it’s really anyone who bottles up their emotions. It’s for people who don’t always know how to react to things and as a result keep quiet. I use my music as an outlet, to vent, and to relate to people that way. It’s a way for me to talk to people about things that are difficult for me to talk about in person. Everything from losing people, my failures, the different jobs I tried doing, and everything that led me to where I am today.

PC: If you had to choose one song off The Quiet One that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Nikmoody: I would say “Amen.” It’s the single off of the project. At the heart, I’m just a storyteller. It’s a song where I really dive deep into some personal stories that really affected me. Those were the stories that affected me the most into making this project as a whole. The people that I talk about in that song are the people that encouraged me the most. I think the song really embodies what I’m about and what I’m pushing forward with my music—this idea of hope and faith.

PC: You’ve had tons of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Nikmoody: I’d made my way around the showcase circuit, trying to make a name for myself. But I hadn’t taken that next step yet. I was trying to figure out what that would be. I won the opportunity to be on Shade 45. That’s when everything clicked and I realized this was a real thing for me. Everything got more serious after that. Things started to come together after that. I remember after that show I found myself in the city, and I didn’t know what to do. I walked like forty blocks home because it was such an exciting moment. I’ve been feeding off that momentum ever since.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Nikmoody: That’s an interesting question. It’s really about finding yourself. If you know who you are, it’s easier for you to make music. I remember when I started to do music, I didn’t know who I was. I was trying to be someone who I wasn’t, and it showed. It showed when I performed. I didn’t have that connection that I have now. I didn’t fully know who I was. Once I did that, it became easier to make music because it was more honest, and it showed at the performances. The reception was way different.

PC: What’s been key in finding your voice?
Nikmoody: I would say failing a lot. I had a lot of music that came and went that didn’t hit with people. You get up on a stage and you have this idea on how things are going to go and when it doesn’t, it sucks. You have to look at yourself and figure out what’s going wrong here. You have to look inside and figure out what you’re doing wrong. That only comes with time and experience. Trial and error has been everything to me.

PC: As we look at the next chapter in your career, what’s ahead for you?
Nikmoody: Growth and hopefully more tours. I just finished an East Coast tour. I did Boston, Washington DC, Connecticut, and New York. The shows looked a lot different than ones that I’ve done in the past, so that was really encouraging. I want to be on stage. That’s what I want from this. That’s my favorite part. Hopefully, the shows will keep getting bigger and bigger.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Nikmoody: Tame Impala. Their music always makes me feel good.

PC: First album you bought?
Nikmoody: It has to be an Eminem album. It was him or Jay-Z.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Nikmoody: God Loves Ugly by Atmosphere. The way he told stories and the depth and darkness behind his material made me look at hip-hop differently.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Nikmoody: Webster Hall

PC: Must-have on the road?
Nikmoody: I forgot my AUX cord on the way to Connecticut and that was a nightmare.

To keep up with Nikmoody, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream The Quiet One on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.

Photo Credit: Paul Warren Photography