Rising Staten Island Artist, Nizzle Man Pours His Pain Into His Music
Kimani Williams: How did you come up with the concept for the SNAKEZZ music video?
Nizzle Man: Prior to SNAKEZZ visuals, dropping the audio was starting to make some noise. While driving on the belt parkway one day, Franie and I [his sister] started brainstorming ideas. However, we knew the video needed to make a statement and have a cinematic feel. Franie was adamant on using a church for one of the locations, but not any church, the one from our hood, Port Richmond. We both agreed that would be a huge statement because churches are typically used on productions with big budgets or off limits.
KW: A line that really stuck out was "You can't see the vision, cause you ain't in the picture." What is your vision for 2021?
NM: To find happiness again after the worst two years of my life with losing my parents in the span of 2019 And 2020. Music is keeping me alive and with the rebirth Of New York’s Hip Hop music scene 2021, I’m going to help elevate the New York sound and assist my fellow New York artists. But most importantly, I’m going to represent my borough, Staten Island.
KW: How difficult was it for you to convey honest, vulnerable messages into your EP, ‘241’ ?
NM: At this point, it was extremely easy. I have so much pain inside me; there’s no room for gimmicks. You're getting the raw Nizzle.
KW: What pressures do you face being a new-age Staten Island Drill rapper?
NM: The fear of the unknown and the stigma of being labeled drill rapper. I wouldn’t categorize myself as a Drill Rapper. I’m a very versatile artist and being from New York it’s only right I tapped in. However, I always stay true to my sound. I feel my music is on a Drake path. I take pride in my metaphors and wordplay. I figured out how to incorporate my style on NY drill type beats. My music hits differently. My goal is to appeal to a global audience.
KW: What is the CGM Movement and how did it come about?
NM: CGM is an acronym standing for CHAIN GANG MUSIC. CGM started in 2008 when I felt I had no outlet for music being from Staten Island. It started with about twenty of us and a hand tattoo. By 2009 it grew to hundreds.
KW: What's it like having your older sister as your business partner?
NM: I wouldn’t trade it for the world, although it’s no walk in the park for either of us. She's the only one that 100 percent wants to see me win. I demand a lot from her both personally and business wise. It’s like she can’t get away from me sometimes...regular little bro antics.
KW: Tell us about how you use your artistry to give back?
NM: I just recently used my royalties to fund along with CGM Inc. a 12 Days of Christmas giveaway where I gave away cash, two PS5 and 50-Inch TV. I also followed up with a Valentine’s Day giveaway and consistently give motivation to the kids that come from where I’m from.
KW: You've collaborated a lot with BET Jamz, even taking over their social media for a day. What other platforms would you like to collaborate with?
NM: I would love to collaborate with Apple of course. I released a record titled “Apple” that I would love to see in a commercial. I know it would be such a great fit for a new iPhone release.
KW: Tell us about going on tour with Justina Valentine.
NM: Going on tour with Justina Valentine’s ‘The Favorite Vibe Tour’ changed my life in many ways. The last show on the tour was sold out in Long Island and that was the last show my mom ever attended so it holds a very special place with me. I gained some die hard fans, as she told me I would, but most importantly I gained a lifetime friend with Justina and other people on the tour. She did then, and now continues to share knowledge of the business with me, so I’m forever grateful for her.
KW: You were in Dolemite Is My Name with Eddie Murphy. How did you land your role and do you plan on being in more movies?
NM: Yes, I was. It was a minor non-speaking role, but I was on the set! My home boy was a first AD (assistant director) in Hollywood and he plugged me with an agent from LA Casting. I sent photos one night, and he called the next morning with the gig. I only took it because Eddie Murphy is a legend and one of my mom’s favorite actors. It was an honor meeting him as well as Mike Epps.
Keep up with Nizzle Man:
https://m.facebook.com/EVERTHINGNIZZLEMAN
https://www.instagram.com/officialnizzle/?hl=en
