Nickelus F

As a top prospect for A&R’s across the country, Nickelus F has had his share of ups and downs on the road to success. After several years of shining in the indie rap circles, and working with the likes of other rising stars like Drake and producers Boi-1da and Lab Ox, the respected lyricist is prepared for victory.

In early 2010, Nickelus F‘s video for “Aggressive Content” positively raised interest from his international fanbase, and kicked off the buzz for his Season Premiere street album release on Memorial Day. He followed swiftly with the DJ Delz accompanied Commercials mixtape, and reissued Season Premiere HD with new tracks in September. There is no doubt that the fiery MC’s spotlight is brighter than ever.

The Richmond, Virginia native has fined tuned his talent for nearly a decade. Formerly known as Nick Fury, Nickelus F got his first big break in 2000 at just 17-years-old, and got chance to spit against 300 contenders in the regional Source Unsigned Hype Emcee Battle. He placed second in that competition with no formal recordings under his belt, and took on the top battle rappers with no background in battling.

From that experience, Nickelus F began to look at being a professional artist more seriously. Since 2001, he has been on the radar of several top record labels. He had one of his biggest breaks when he was the last “true” champion on BET’s 106 & Park Freestyle Fridays in 2007. The experience put him on center stage for over six million people, and proved that he has the presence, charisma and personality to be in the mainstream.

He is also no stranger to the radio, and has garnered steadfast relationships with DJs across the country. “I got radio spins with no payola or crazy marketing tactics,” Nickelus F explains. “They were just feeling the records, and my fans were hitting up stations to hear them. So I know when I’m ready to drop my official first single it’s going to be crazy!”

Nick has also frequently collaborated with Hip Hop’s hottest new star Drake, and has been heralded as a major influence by Drake himself. On his personal blog, Drake said of Nick: “This dude is a huge influence and basically the reason I started rapping. I consider him family and I thank him for everything he’s done for me.”

Nickelus F also helped up-and-coming producers such as Canadian beatmaker Boi-1da (Eminem, Lil Wayne, Maino, Drake, Jeezy) and Houston’s Lab Ox (50 Cent, Rihanna, Drake) get their signature sounds across to a wider audience.

With his band Silverust and a team of producers on his side that have already made a mark in the industry – M.Rell (G-Unit, Jim Jones), Bei Maejor (Trey Songz, Soulja Boy, Bun B), Lab Ox and Boi-1da – Nick has enough ammunition to take over a top spot in the game. The latest project offers a taste of the next phase of his career.

“Season Premiere is music to live life to,” Nick asserts. ” There’s catchy hooks, quality production and plenty of food for thought. Everyone that helped in making the album is hungry and highly motivated. They carry the same message in their lives that I try to convey.”

Back at home in Richmond, Nickelus F has a following like no other artist. Most, if not all, of the young artists from that region look up to his talent and strive to be on that same level creatively.

“Being from Virginia has helped make me a well rounded artist, mainly by location,” says Nick. “We’re technically in the South, so of course the city is heavily influenced by Southern Hip Hop, but we’re also only a few hours’ drive from New York, so we do have a serious East Coast influence as well. I am the product of cultural melting pot of styles.

“My inspiration comes mainly from experiences and emotions,” he continues. “I’m not a super thug, I’m just a regular dude who has seen and done a lot. I hope that by staying true to who I am at this point in my life, I’ll give Hip Hop fans the real music they’ve been missing.”

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