We were lucky to catch up with Mic Nickels recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mic, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
The first time I recorded. My homie had some equipment, and was like, “Yo you ever write rhymes?” I had tried to write, but never put anything on wax. It was like magic to me. I spit over a classic GZA beat., Shadow Boxin’… We were all engrossed in Wu during those times. I think I was coming on some Ghost/Rae, poetic street vibes, best I could. I was far from developing my own style at that point. But even still, I knew the first time I played back, this was what I was meant to do with my life. After that, I was always attached to a pad and pen, scribbling out new rhyme scheme concepts.
Mic, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I go by Mic Nickels. I have also been called Nickel Killsmics or Nickel Five. My musical career has taken on many layers, in multiple forms. Mostly these days, I have been focused on my solo emcee craftsmanship, but I also produce, make beats, lead a band. I even wrote a book which comes alongside my latest album, Bars for Days. I’ve been accused at times of being a torch bearer for what many consider to be “classic hip hop.” I prefer to see it as a continuation of progressive-minded hip hop.
I am currently preparing to release my fourth and final single from the Bars for Days project. “El Matador,” produced by my MHB brother Mr. Cord, features the legendary Method Man from the Wu Tang Clan. I am literally trading bars with one of my all-time heroes in the game, on my own album. That’s pretty damn cool. Can’t front. The single will be on all streaming platforms on July 21st. It also includes some super dope remixes from special guest producers.
The track is amazing. Very proud of it. But this video release is probably what I am most excited about. It’s an animated hood western in East New York, where Meth and I take on a clandestine shadow group who have been systematically wiping out real emcees, one by one. I wrote the storyboard, while my co-creator Charles “Ooge” Ugas sketched the dystopia out into something tangibly sinister. Ooge and I have been collaborating for years, and it’s always a pleasure to work with him. We both exist on really similar planes. So this end product is something really unique and special.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I believe that most non-creators aren’t truely aware of the rejuvinating aspect of creation. Yes there is a sense of satisfaction to completing a project and getting praise for it. (Hopefully) But there is also this sense of having your hand on the universal pulse when one creates in the moment. I believe that’s why creatives tend to be more lively human beings, with stronger personalities. Think about this… Whether you believe in god theory or not, God as a being is portrayed as the ultimate creator. Who can spontaneously make anything he/she thinks, appear into material existence. Artists, creators, we are recreating this phenomenon on a smaller scale, every time we do whatever it is that we do. Thats why I tell a lot of my non-creative friends to take on some type of hobby which involves creation. You ever notice a lot of non-creatives tend to work endlessly and aimlessly, doing all they can to avoid depression. Isn’t obvious there is a correlation? Everyday life can be mundane, and creation is an escape from that; tuning into the frequency of who it is we truly are.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
For years I have held on to this idea that my music could influence people positively. To motivate them to break free from the shells which they desperately cling to, as if they were protective barriers from all the negative shit we all endure everyday on this planet. It’s difficult sometimes lately, when I look around and consider the current human condition. I’m not sure if I believe like I used to, that this momentum can be swung back around. Now I sort of see myself as chronicler of this era… And if some of you come across nuggets within my rhymes that you can hold on to, and maybe offer some perspective, then I feel like I am doing my job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spotmeanickel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micnickels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micnickelshiphop
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicNickels
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/micnickels
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1tXFKQ7Eo64gMgqJQuhQ5a?si=EwInKnnNS3KY_a9CCcJrjw
Image Credits
Artwork by Ooge