Spirit Flow is a collection of contemporary topics currently being debated throughout the world such as narcissist behavior, generational trauma, and love difficulties in the modern era. Nëk is a jazz-infused Hip-Hop musician with soul and club music influences. Check out the album and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
NËK:Nëk Suitland , Maryland DMV raised music started for me as a child I was born into a musical family , so most things were taught in my dads garage studio with my two half brothers and my cousin soon after . Throughout my upbringing I played the Saxophone and Cello and I took AP music theory in high school where I learned history and my family being so geared toward HipHop I just combined all my lessons into one.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
NËK: I would say that I’m both self-taught and formally instructed. As far as production that’s what would be self-taught learning from all the greats Kanye, Westside , Russ the list goes on and on . Before dropping my first EP I was blessed to be around so many underground producers and artists where I just soaked up as much as I could and then made it fit that best way I could.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘DESTINY IMANI’?
NËK: My musical influences ranges from tame impala , early 2000’s Kanye West , Younger Eminem , Capital Steez , Method Man and Ms. Lauryn Hill . Nëk shows the evolution of myself transcending from low vibrational Neek to as you see today Nëk . Toosii gave me inspiration with the name as far as you need two eyes to see the vision so I word played it and you need three eyes to see the vision representing third eye ascending.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
NËK: I would describe my sound as a Jazz and Blues infusion HipHop sound with a hint of spoken word. Key elements of my sound that I feel resonate with listeners is the literary bases that I add giving you personification and detailed accounts of events I personally went through and witnessed . The profound word play and the pitch of voice puts listeners in front seat sparking a different perspective to the world and also music.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as R&B?
NËK: As far as music development is concerned I started studying styles of artist that how you say transcended the game and a different impactful way . Most nights I would have the fugees the score on repeat studying punchlines and word play that era of music makes for an excellent starting point . Then as my music taste began to expand I emulated subject matter based off the late Nipsey Hussle , XXX Tenacion and Capital Steez. What leaned me towards this style was the fact that I wanted give the audience a breath of fresh air not only resonate with the masses but leave them with a profound message to take home with them.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
NËK: I feel like music codes the mind of the masses and alters moods so when creating songs I think about the people that are younger than me . I agree with the fact that music heals both the creator and the listener but it’s a balance when approaching it . Often times you’ll feel one way but won’t understand fully the impact it has on other individuals so I’m very critical of myself when it comes that but not to the point it limits Artist freedom . In the words of Nipsey Hussle “Our response as a culture to being disrespected needs to change “ Love ends war.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
NËK: At this current state I am very thrilled about being able to get started the feedback I’m getting both good and bad is helping me a lot . Music is my life so with or without notoriety I would be nothing but satisfied. Music is my way to heal . it’s my version of therapy and for a long period of my life the only thing I had . However In the future I would love to build my audience more and meet more like minded individuals.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
NËK: I usually start with an interaction weither that’s in person or and a past recollection or and interaction online or energetically . It usually sparks the subject and then soon after naturally a beat finds me . I try to let most of my creative energy just flow then once the beat hits often time I just let my thoughts just flow based off the subject matter that I came up with . Tuning is usually last that way I can play the song all the way through and make sure the mastering is right and sonically is pleasing to the ears.
9. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
NËK: As far as social media is concerned I use it as a platform for business and marketing along with building connections . I’m aware of the naysayers and critics but I was told by the great Wallo 267 that “let the haters do their job “ so with that approach I don’t engage. But naturally I see and hear of course but I take criticism different than most I take it as information for growth not in an emotional sense . My mother always raised me to see what was can you be better but don’t ever stop being you
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
NËK: With a basis in fine art and graffiti I approach my music in a(n) artist sense so I let you come up with your own interpretation but I do feel it’s important that you understand the real story but I want you to be free to take away your own idea as well . What I learned from the situation could be totally different than what you learn . I would call it situational rap.
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