Interview – N.I.F.T.Y.

How did your rap career start?
I basically just started to do it as a hobby back when I was in high school. My homegirl Matriark and myself entered the school talent show back in 1997 and we ended up winning. There was a promoter at the school who was looking for more acts and asked us to perform at another show he was having. So we did his show and ended up meeting another promoter and the cycle basically just kept on repeating itself.

How did you come up with "N.I.F.T.Y."?
I have no idea (laughs). I was just laying down in bed one morning, I wasn’t even thinking of a name and it just ‘popped’ in my head. I got up and wrote it down to see how it looked on paper and I loved it. It was divine intervention.

What does "N.I.F.T.Y." mean?
Nubian Intelligence From The Yahweh

What do you want to achieve with your EP?
I’m hoping to build a solid fan base and meet some key industry people with the EP. I’ve released this project independently, and there is only so much that I can do on my own. I want my music to be heard by the masses and I understand that I am going to need help in order to get that done.

 Who and what inspires you for your lyrics?
God, my life experiences and the instrumental I am working with.

What's your favorite song in your album?
‘That’s Me’ is my personal favorite.

Who are the guest appearances on your album?

I have Manafest, Promise, Wrekless, Jessica Jones, and Janée on there. All are very close friends and extremely talented people.

What artists have you already worked and performed with?
I haven’t worked with too many artists simply because I am a fairly new artist on the scene. I did however, get a chance to perform at the 04’ flavor fest alongside some of the industry’s most talented and respected artists. That was definitely the experience of a lifetime.

What artist do you want to work with?
I would love to work with the T.R.U.T.H.

What was the best thing that happened in your music career?
My CD release party hands down. It was the first time that I performed for a crowd that already knew the words to my songs. That’s something that I’ll never forget.

Are you working on any future projects?
I’m working on a few new songs. No major projects are in the works though as I am still trying to promote The Preface EP.

If you had to do another genre of music, what will it be and why?
I would love to do old school soul man. Like Al Green and Teddy P. My pops used to play those records ALL the time. I grew up on that. I would do it right now if I knew how to sing (laughs).

What's missing in Christian Hip Hop?
Honesty is missing. Everybody wants to be a pastor now, everybody wants to minister NOT because they are called to, but because it is socially acceptable in the Christian industry. Ministry is something that should naturally happen if your life is right, not the other way around.

How did you accept Jesus in your life?
My mom made me (laughs). Naw but seriously, I grew up in the church and my mom is a pastor so I’ve basically known about Jesus my whole life.

What's your favorite… ?
Food:
Chicken (preferably fried)
Movie:
Matrix
Sport:
Basketball
Rapper: B.I.G.
Producer:
Just Blaze
Country:
Canada
State:
GA
Music:
Hip-Hop
Bible verse:
Matthew 22:37-39

How is it to be artist of the month (January 2005) on Rapzilla?
It still hasn’t set in yet (laughs). I am very thankful for the spot.

Any last words?
Make sure y’all grab The Preface Ep and don’t forget to check me out on my web site www.N-I-F-T-Y.com .
nk you once again DJ Zilla!

 

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