Meet Mic Nickels | Emcee, Producer, Musician, Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mic Nickels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mic, why did you pursue a creative career?
I had always been a hip hop head, since as long as I can remember. Becoming an emcee was never premeditated. I had a homie who had some recording equipment and he invited me to jump on a track, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I really haven’t stopped writing since. I always have open ended verses and ideas saved in my phone. Through time, I learned to produce, and understand music, and built up my skills as a performer. I don’t think most people decide to become artists. Not the true ones anyways. It’s the ones who wake up each day and can’t imagine life without their passion, and feel compelled to create, without any ulterior motive. Those individuals are the ones fuel by their art, and that feeling transcends into their lives. Most that decide to take on an a particular artistic career, because they like the idea of it, usually underestimate the work and emotions that come with the territory. Those are the ones that usually burn out after time.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
It’s funny, as young artist, my goal was always to find a way to blend into the rap world. The more I progressed, the more I began to embrace the differences. Street culture can become taxing on the soul. My message to listeners has always been to move beyond it, and part of that is just choosing to exist outside of it. I can’t change where I come from, the hardships that I endured as a child, and I have so much love my fam who embraced hood life. It’s all a part of me, and it comes out in my music, but my personal evolution is what drives my lyrics.

There’s a sense of integrity that comes along with this, which some appreciate, but for many it tends to vibrate above their preference for instant gratification. (When it comes to music.) That is the difficulty of my artistry. Connecting to listeners who might not be ready. Truth might be the path of the righteous, but it can be a lonely one. In time I learned to infuse humor into my presentation, sort of lighten up, and focus more my wordplay, and throw in subtle jabs when I saw fit. This approach helped fortify the foundation of my brand. I have always had this inclination that I needed to do what I do for the good of others. Altruistic hip hop in a way that inspires… I guess is a good way to put it. I want to be a catalyst for human progression.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Pizza – Mama’s Too in the UWS

Fried Chicken and Waffles – Amy Ruth’s in Harlem

Junior’s Diner in Brooklyn (I suggest the pumpkin cheesecake)

Katz Deli in LES for a pastrami on rye, then stroll the streets for random spots to grab a drink.

Live Jazz – SMOKE Jazz Club when Uptown, and Smalls when Downtown

Low Key Drinking Hole – Jimmy’s Corner is old boxing bar in Times Square where the drinks are cheap and vibe is slightly rowdy.

1520 Sedwick Ave, Bronx NY (aka the birthplace of hip hop)

Mural Tour – (Big Pun, Biggie Smalls, Big L, Sean Price)

Catch a pro sporting event, plenty to choose from.

Some rooftop bars around sunset always hit well.

TBH, there is something in New York for everyone, and it’s ever-morphing based on the time of year. Adaptability is part of the game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I really need to big up my family first. Those that have endured my obsession and supported my progression, win lose or draw. A lot of my elders are ancestors now, they were there for me and believed in me. Some of them are children, others in between, that hold me down to this day. They keep me sane and honest. Many of them aren’t blood, but may as well be… I’ve been blessed to work with so many amazing individuals, rappers, musicians, producers, vocalists, DJs, engineers, artists… They all have inspired me, each in their own way. All of the musicians from Dime Ops, the jazz community in general, a lot of the ones who frequent SMOKE, they really encouraged me, and guided me throughout the years. The members of my crew MHB, have all pushed me to be better.

There are so many that have had my back, that if I went name for name, this would read like the inside of an album cover, and I’m showing my age just by saying that. (laughs) I’ve also had a lot of really great supporters who have really gone the extra mile to help me get this music out to the masses. I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am today without them. And of course, a huge shout out to my fans. Those that don’t even know me, but bump my music and get involved on social media. It all really means a lot to me.

Website: www.spotmeanickel.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/micnickels

Twitter: www.twitter.com/micnickels

Facebook: www.facebook.com/micnickelshiphop

Youtube: www.youtube.com/micnickels

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1tXFKQ7Eo64gMgqJQuhQ5a?si=CxWrHQmESMq4EcoHs5_vpQ

Image Credits
Gulnara Khamatova Anna Yatskevich Charles “Ooge” Ugas