Interview by WCS staff writer Todd “DG” Davis
Having already been heavily co-signed by elite emcees such as Nas, Andre 3000, and others, rising rapper, Nick Grant, a native of South Cackalacky, continues to make a name for himself as one of Hip-Hop’s most revered tour de forces…
Now let’s hop right into this lead single, “Catch This Fade” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
Me and group of friends were talking about how we grew up, We used to fight, and we talked about how the younger kids wanted to only shoot.
Of course “Catch This Fade” comes courtesy of your brand new LP, Sunday Dinner — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
It means holding your own. Facing whatever obstacle there is in front of you.
How then does Sunday Dinner either differ and / or compare to previous Nick Grant efforts?
It’s more personal and vulnerable. This album is me being more open, and telling stories that I feel would resonate with people like me.
As a lyricist, when you sit down to pen your rhymes where do you draw inspiration from?
Life. I also listen to other great emcees; like Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac, etcetera.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Nick Grant?
It was the first time I ever seen a Biggie video. I was hooked ever since. Some of these artists made Hip Hop look the coolest to me.
Now you’re a native of where exactly? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I was born in Walterboro, South Carolina. I grew up in Atlanta, and now reside in L.A.. Stevie Wonder is my biggest musical influence.
In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
It’s a homage to golden era Hip Hop, but I would say more modern.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to hear the story of this album, and if it resonates just know that you’re not alone in these experiences.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson. He’s the greatest artist ever.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Madison Square Garden. There’s so much Hip Hop history in that building.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I love Hip Hop. It’s made so many millionaires, and changed so many lives.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Consistency, and not taking / having a voice for granted.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Screenwriting. That’s another passion of mine. It allows me to be as creative as music but triggers another part of the imagination.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
For me, it has been touring with Lauryn Hill and Nas.
What’s an average day like for you?
Studio, studio and more studio.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
On Social Media. I reach out and reciprocate the love that’s shown to me from every supporter.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Favorite is telling stories that could change / save lives. Least, is all of the phony personalities.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Consistency gets the job done. Only way to lose is to give up.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Still at my peak as an artist, and I’ve made a promising career in film.
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Nick?
More albums. I have so much in me creatively.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
You covered everything. The album dropped September 22nd.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Can’t wait I for you guys to hear the effort I put into this album.
