Nikki Lynette
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Nikki Lynette

Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF | AFTRA

Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF | AFTRA
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"Have Fun Trying to Label Nikki Lynette’s “Roses N’ Guns 2” Mixtape (Listen & Download)"

Nathan S. 's avatar
Have Fun Trying to Label Nikki Lynette’s “Roses N’ Guns 2” Mixtape (Listen & Download)
Posted by Nathan S. on 05/18/11 | Filed under Downloads, Mixtapes, Nikki Lynette

Have Fun Trying to Label Nikki Lynette’s “Roses N’ Guns 2” Mixtape (Listen & Download)
Here's why I fucks with Nikki Lynette. Even people who are "outside the box" and "genre-defying" tend to break the rules in exactly the same way every time (see also the other Nicki, Odd Future, etc.). Nikki, on the other hand, will sing a slow R&B joint one minute, rap over a "Family Guy" sample the next and rap spitfire style over a Marilyn Manson sample the next. So if you're actually into hearing artists push the boundaries, and I mean actually, I highly recommend her new mixtape "Roses N’ Guns 2: The BADDER ASSED Mixtape That Rocks".

The album is presented by the mothership, Digiwaxx and VSOP Studios. Joining Lynette on the guest tip throughout "Roses N’ Guns 2" are Dwele, Krayzie Bone, Pugs Atomz and I Fight Dragons. All production comes courtesy of Lynette herself and Matt Hennessy.

Download link and standout tracks are below the tracklist
- RefinedHype.com


"Nikki Lynette: Today, Music; Tomorrow, The World"

It's a new day and age for independent artists: A major record deal is no longer a prerequisite for a successful career. Few people understand this better than Nikki Lynette, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and rapper. Even if you haven't heard the name, you may have heard her music — Lynette's voice can be heard in the tunes of television commercials for McDonald's, Secret deodorant and other well-known brands. Her music has been featured on MTV shows such as Jersey Shore and The Real World.

That's an impressive feat for someone without a big record deal. Lynette scored a licensing deal with MTV after placing second in the New Music Seminar Artists on the Verge competition hosted by Ourstage.com. And while it may be difficult to peg her music to one genre, Lynette's flexibility to sing and rap may explain why it's been well-received by many below the mainstream radar.

"A lot of people had a problem that I couldn't be easily put in a genre," Lynette says. "But one thing I think people have finally come to understand is that people these days don't only fit into one category anymore. We have friends from all over the world who are all different types of people. I call myself a laptop celebrity, because I do really well online with people that understand that the world is bigger than just where you're from and who you know. When the industry wasn't looking for me or didn't appreciate me, I had fans who did."

Lynette's latest mix tape, Roses N Guns, showcases her musical breadth. As evidenced by the title, she's been inspired by not only hip-hop and R&B but also classic rock.

"I listen to a lot of Guns N' Roses because I just enjoy singing old classic rock," she says. "Everybody I know tells me I was an old white dude in my past life, because that's the type of music I like to sing. That's what I'm into. I think my voice sounds great doing it."

Still, Lynette has a lot of untapped potential. She says she has other talents to explore further.

"I'm a visual artist," she says. "I design T-shirts and clothes. I sell them on my blog. The artwork on my EP is designed by me. Eventually, I would like to have a business, but I'm in no rush. I really want to build the music empire and then take over the world later." - National Public Radio


"Nikki Lynette: Today, Music; Tomorrow, The World"

It's a new day and age for independent artists: A major record deal is no longer a prerequisite for a successful career. Few people understand this better than Nikki Lynette, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and rapper. Even if you haven't heard the name, you may have heard her music — Lynette's voice can be heard in the tunes of television commercials for McDonald's, Secret deodorant and other well-known brands. Her music has been featured on MTV shows such as Jersey Shore and The Real World.

That's an impressive feat for someone without a big record deal. Lynette scored a licensing deal with MTV after placing second in the New Music Seminar Artists on the Verge competition hosted by Ourstage.com. And while it may be difficult to peg her music to one genre, Lynette's flexibility to sing and rap may explain why it's been well-received by many below the mainstream radar.

"A lot of people had a problem that I couldn't be easily put in a genre," Lynette says. "But one thing I think people have finally come to understand is that people these days don't only fit into one category anymore. We have friends from all over the world who are all different types of people. I call myself a laptop celebrity, because I do really well online with people that understand that the world is bigger than just where you're from and who you know. When the industry wasn't looking for me or didn't appreciate me, I had fans who did."

Lynette's latest mix tape, Roses N Guns, showcases her musical breadth. As evidenced by the title, she's been inspired by not only hip-hop and R&B but also classic rock.

"I listen to a lot of Guns N' Roses because I just enjoy singing old classic rock," she says. "Everybody I know tells me I was an old white dude in my past life, because that's the type of music I like to sing. That's what I'm into. I think my voice sounds great doing it."

Still, Lynette has a lot of untapped potential. She says she has other talents to explore further.

"I'm a visual artist," she says. "I design T-shirts and clothes. I sell them on my blog. The artwork on my EP is designed by me. Eventually, I would like to have a business, but I'm in no rush. I really want to build the music empire and then take over the world later." - National Public Radio


"The Break Presents: Nikki Lynette"

This femcee from Chicago has already licensed her music to MTV and VH1 for use in shows and films, and is ready to prove that there’s room for another successful Nikki in the rap game…

The Break Presents: Nikki Lynette

This femcee from Chicago has already licensed her music to MTV and VH1 for use in shows and films, and is ready to prove that there’s room for another successful Nikki in the rap game…

Posted: June 8, 2011 - 11:00 AM
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Breakout: “Pick A Side” featuring Dwele

Also Check: “The Beautiful People”

And: “Nobody Loves Me”

Name: Nikki Lynette (aka Rosey Gunz)

Age: 25

Reppin’: Chicago

My style and/or skills have been compared to: Wale, Pink, B.o.B., Left Eye, Gwen Stefani

I started rapping: When I was about 10, my big sister brought home an old movie called Krush Groove. When I saw Sheila E do “Holly Rock,” I knew what I wanted to do for a living.

My standout records and/or moments have been: When I licensed my entire project The Strong Survive EP that I wrote & produced myself to MTV and VH1 for use in TV shows & film. That rocked. As of now, music from that EP and from both of my Roses N’ Guns mixtapes are licensed to four major TV networks.

I’m gonna change the game by: Helping to usher in the new school of music that isn’t limited by genre or afraid to be creative. For a long time, I got held back because I was told “You can spit, but your sound isn’t ‘urban’ enough.” Now the fact that I embrace Rock & Pop helps me get ahead. In fact, fans of my music started a movement called Team Bad Ass because they identify with me and believe in what I’m doing. The new school is all about creative freedom. Folks are gonna have to get on board or get left behind.

My goal in hip-hop is: To become a musical powerhouse like Missy, Kanye, Pharrell, Queen Latifah, Timbaland, Will.I.Am, and the other genre defying artists who are both performers and producers, like I am.

I’d Like to Work With: N.E.R.D., Kanye,Tech N9ne, Will.I.Am, Travis Barker, Foxy Shazam, M.I.A., LMFAO, Lenny Kravitz, Justice, and Paramore, for starters!

I’m gonna be the next: The next Pharrel Williams; the first Nikki Lynette.

To check out more of my music you can go to: NikkiLynette.com, of course! Also on Twitter and Facebook. - XXLMag.com


"Chicago Afro-Punk Rapper Nikki Lynette Breaks Out"

These days the Queen of Englewood, Nikki Lynette, actually lives in Wicker Park.

And those two Chicago neighborhoods are planets apart: Englewood is deep South Side, colorful but deadly, while Wicker Park is multiculti and so hip it hurts. But 27-year-old Nikki, who dropped the boundary-breaking EP The Strong Survive a month ago, isn't feeling much tied to anything these days except her music.

"In society, there's all this pressure to be cool and in with the in crowd," she says. "But you know, after high school, you don't have to be into that anymore."

And so Nikki has embraced independence: She raps with machine-gun speed but also borrows electrifying rock licks from Guns N' Roses. She can be sassy or sad, ironic or nostalgic, and nod appreciatively at Toni Basil or Prince. And when she steps up and sings, it's a clarion call.

She just got back from a road trip in which she met with fans all over the country and realized that being herself -- suburban and South Side, multiculti and soul diva, rapper and rocker -- is a beautiful thing. "The people who came out to see me, the people I represent, aren't exactly status quo," she says with a laugh.

In person, Nikki has a soft, pretty face and a sweet, girlish smile, and she laughs easily. She wears braids and big, round glasses. But after just a few minutes around her, it's clear she's got a fierce focus.

"I don't own fear," she says, and her eyes get steely. "I could be afraid of being different, but I don't own it. I'm brainy; I'm a nerd. I like to read books along with [what's on] the Internet. We're all adults now; nobody falls into categories anymore."

Except that people still try to nudge her into one: Is she rock? Is she rap? Is she pop? Is she black enough? Tough enough? The Strong Survive is only going to add fuel to the fire: The beats are blistering, the rhymes are stinging and the guitar is electrifying. Lyrically, it's Nikki meets Prince meets Joni Mitchell meets Axl Rose.

"I say, you know what? I'm just gonna be myself."

So far she's defied the haters, defied the boundaries. A year ago she won second place in a national contest that got her in Billboard magazine and tons of press. Then, last March, MTV made her an offer. It was big stuff, real money, a break in every way.

But the Chicago boys who owned the studios where she'd recorded what MTV loved so much wouldn't give up the masters unless she gave up her soul. "It was a big lesson," says Nikki.

It meant carving a new path, a different way: giving her music away, making videos, doing meet-and-greet tours instead of clubs and concerts. It meant joining SAG and AFTRA and becoming a businesswoman. It meant reinventing, redoing, re-envisioning and re-recording her music all on her own.

(For the rest of the article, please visit the site) - TheRoot.com


"Download this: Nikki Lynette's free mixtape Roses N' Guns"

Full disclosure: Nikki Lynette is, like I am, a blogger on ChicagoNow.

Is that the reason I want to write about her free mixtape "Roses N' Guns," which dropped on Tuesday? Of course not. It's because Lynette does an excellent job of fusing party-starting hip-hop with rock foundations, whether it's the swaggering "So Bad Ass" or the danceable "72 Virgins," produced by and featuring fellow ChicagoNow bloggers and 2009 Metromix Rock 'n' Vote winners I Fight Dragons (who recently signed to Atlantic Records). Guns N' Roses samples like "Civil War" and "Take This Pill" (which rolls over "Welcome to the Jungle") are similarly striking, and straight-up dance number "Liberation Time" demonstrates Lynette's musical flexibility.

Listen: "Take This Pill"

Lynette, whose flow is quick and clever enough you may have to listen twice to appreciate all the good one-liners, gives rap-rock a good name while simultaneously suggesting that such a title doesn't apply at all. She's just having a good time blending elements of dance and soul and whatever else she likes into a fun package. It rivals Kid Sister's "Ultraviolet" for its likelihood that you'll put it on with people over. Heads will nod, and you'll be asked what that song is.

Listen: "Beneath My City"
Lynette's been showcased on MTV's "The City" and featured on Vibe.com and Okayplayer.com, which is great exposure for anyone, much less an unsigned, self-produced local rapper. Glad things are going well; based solely on "Roses N' Guns," she deserves it.

See her: Lynette meets fans and does a short performance 7 p.m. Friday at the Bassment, 1415 N. Ashland. No cover; free food!

- MetroMix Chicago


"Nikki Lynette – The Strong Survive EP x “City Slickers” (Video)"

Time to hear something from the real Nikki female rapper who actually knows how to rhyme. Today we get a double dose too with her releasing her latest EP and a video shot in NYC for her latest single called “City Slickers”. I haven’t even given the Roses N’ Guns tape a full once over yet but I know this shit will be dope because she is one of the better female artists out right now. Grab the artwork, tracklist and download link for The Strong Survive below the break and please pay the $10 to buy the project and support the dope indie artists out there. - Beats and Bombs


"Listen: Nikki Lynette Back At It With New EP "The Strong Survive""

Now this is one hard-working independent artist. Singer/rapper/producer Nikki Lynette is back at it with her brand-new EP "The Strong Survive", showcasing her signature blend of singing and rapping. Some of the songs have already been licensed to TV shows, and we're hearing that one of them will also be featured in a movie. Nikki is currently traveling around the US to meet her fans & supporters, and to sell the CD. Check out her upcoming road-trip stops here, listen to the full record below (click on "Buy" if you would like to download it), and don't forget to watch her videos too!
- Lou Constant-Desportes - Afropunk


"Wise Words from Nikki Lynette"

Wise Words are knowledge and tips from people working in the arts and entertainment industry. But they won’t just give me advice, they’ll also provide some to themselves. These words are from Ms Bad Ass – Nikki Lynette. So Enjoy and learn something….before she beats you up or something.

Nikki Lynette is singer/songwriter, rapper, and producer from Chicago, Illinois. In May, she released her Roses N Guns mixtape, which featured songs with artists like Mickey Factz, GLC and Naledge of Kids In the Hall. She’s also performed and opened for peeps such as Lupe, The Game, and KRS -1; and she had her music played during the Season 2 premier of Jersey shore (w/ a MTV licensing deal), as well as campaigns for Marlboro, DeVry, McDonalds – and more.

The amazing thing is – Nikki’s done all of this…without a record deal.

She’s currently wrapping up The Strong Survive EP, while also working on her currently untitled debut album. But in the meantime, you can be on the lookout for songs she’s written for other artists, as well as more commercials and television shows in which her music will be featured. Also be on the look out for the 20 city road trip she’s going on to promote her EP, starting August 31st.

While not working her ass off in the music industry, you can find Nikki dabbling in other forms of art – like drawing, painting, sculpting, and Indian seed bead looming – but she kindly requests that you don’t judge her. Team Bad ass? Shit, I wouldn’t. - Songzige.com


"MTV News | Ep.1 Jersey Shore Songs"

Season 2 has begun and with it a huge line-up of hot music.

Jersey Shore premieres every Sunday on MTV European at 2100 CET. The smash series is known for its looks, its fights and also its awesome music.

Here is the songs from the show: Ep.1

16 Frames ‘This Is Goodbye’
Anarbor ‘Always Dirty, Never Clean’
And There Were Two ‘Love Lies In Jealousy’
Andrew Ash ‘Break-Up Lines’
Andy Davis ‘Where My Head Is’
Atlantic Connection ‘This Means War’
Automatic Static ‘Hey Now’
Celebutante ‘New York Girls’
Devin Davis ‘Sandie’
Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull ‘I Like It’
Heavy Young Heathens ‘Shine’
Impirio & Cru ‘Get It In Dot Com’
Light FM ‘Heart Is An Antenna’
Midi Mafia ‘Bottles’
Midi Mafia feat. Chanel ‘Phamous’
Mink ‘Madame Chung’
Motion City Soundtrack ‘Delirium’
Nikki Lynette ‘The Strong Survive’
Phonocast ‘Boomerang’
Pyro Fighter ‘LMFAO’
Richard Vission ft. Luciana ‘I Like That’
Set Your Goals ‘Summer Jam’
Settle ‘I Saw An Inferno Once’
The Downtown Fiction ‘I Just Wanna Run’
The Downtown Fiction ‘When You're Around’
The Ruse ‘Come Here Come On’
The Swear ‘Last Breath’ - MTV.tv


"ARTIST ALERT: Nikki Lynette"

Another Chi-town artist trying to make waves outside of the Great Lakes, Nikki Lynette is an eccentric singer with a funky and versatile sound. Peep the Motown influenced “Need A Man” below… - Stereo Cupcake


"Who The Hell Is Nikki Lynette?"

Who The Hell Is Nikki Lynette?

Chicago, April 19 — Nikki Lynette's sound is a melting pot of popular music genres. Her unique fusion of hip hop, rock, and dance music has been classified by her fans as Urban Alternative. Recently, beating out hundreds of artists across the nation, Nikki Lynette was the only solo female artist to be selected as a finalist for the Ourstage.com Artist On the Verge Competition where she won 2nd place.

Never missing a beat, Nikki Lynette then immediately released the official video for her hit single Don't Say No which is receiving rave reviews and many dj plays around the country. Nikki's video release to Don't Say No has received over 11,000 YouTube views and has caught major press including ChicagoTribune.com, Afropunk.com, Rubyhornet.com and most recently a cover story on the April/May issue of H.A.S.MAGAZINE which is currently available in print or digital formats on newsstands and at www.hasmagazine.com.

Nikki is currently working hard in the studio to complete her much anticipated mixtape which features the likes of Naledge from Kidz In The Hall, Pugs Atomz, Mickey Factz, and Atlantic record's newly signed group, I Fight Dragons. Nikki's mixtape titled, Roses 'N Guns presented by DJBooth.net will be available for free download on May 18, 2010. Several episodes of behind the scenes footage of the making of the mixtape including studio sessions with Pugs Atomz and Emilio Rojas which will be released bi-weekly until the mixtape release date.

For more information on Nikki Lynette and to view the behind the scenes footage please visit her website www.nikkilynette.com or see what she's up to by following her blog with Chicago Now at www.chicagonow.com/becoming-nikki-lynette - Hip Hop Press


"Nikki Lynette: Make It Back Home [Behind The Scenes]"

Nikki Lynette dropped us this video of the making of ‘Make It Back Home’ earlier this evening – a song from her newly released EP, The Strong Survive. The video showcases Nikki’s vibrant personality in the studio and plays the song, which is dedicated to her brother who is overseas fighting the war.The Strong Survive EP is available for here. - The Young Kingz Daily


"Chi-Tunes: Local bands to know"

This Chicagoan's mixtape "Roses N' Guns" is the summer party-starter you've been waiting for. Read more about it and listen to MP3's - MetroMix Chicago


"Fresh Faces"

Nikki Lynette (Myspace) is atypical to say the least. As a female rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, Chicago on-air personality, as well as a dope multimedia designer, she’s easily smashed any stereotypes about being from the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago. Her influences are just as her look may have you assume: Hip-Hop, R&B, and Alternative music. But Lynette is striving to show a different side to the traditional topics a female singer/songwriter would usually delve into – one that hopefully opens up the doors for her style and lets people relate to her on a more personal level. She’s dropped off a few of her joints for the Blind I faithful to rock with, and as is becoming custom with our Fresh Faces category, we want you to let us know how you feel!

- BlindIFortheKds.com


"Nikki Lynette - Give 'Em Hell"

The 192nd entry in our DJBooth.net Freestyle Series comes courtesy of Nikki Lynette, the Chi-town native who hooked up with the Booth to bring fans her Roses N’ Guns street album back in May. On her brand new, exclusive Give ‘Em Hell freestyle, the currently-unsigned emcee flows over original boardwork by The Madman. Nikki Lynette is currently preparing for the September 14, arrival of her latest EP, The Strong Survive. To help promote the project, Lynette has embarked upon a month-long road trip with comedian/radio personality Nathan Fisher, who will document the journey on his YouTube channel. Click here to see when the artist will be visiting a city near you!

Readers can download a copy of In the Booth (Volume 4), featuring exclusive freestyles 91 through 120, here! Volumes one, two and three are available for download here, here and here. Keep it locked for the latest on Volume 5, coming soon! - DJBooth.net


"Nikki Lynette – “City Slickers” Video"

With the sun sitting at it’s highest point in the sky, Nikki descends upon the city to unleash her patented brand of musical mayhem. It appears that Yeezy isn’t the only Chicagoan who abides by the credo of live fast & die young. With such a poignant outlook on life, she’s ready to ball while prolonging her fall and needs your help.

Her The Strong Survive EP is ready for consumption, but Nicki’s no cheap date. Nope, mamma taught her better than that. If you wanna spend some extended time with Miss Lynette, you’re gonna have come off some of your hard earned ducats. - Smoking Section


"5 Reasons Why You Should Buy My Album: Nikki Lynette, "The Strong Survive""

1. Real Talk, My Music Rocks

You know how a lot of music these days sounds like regurgitated donkey nuts? No offense to people who enjoy donkey nuts, we all have guilty pleasures in life. But my music isn't like that. And although I am underwhelmed by a lot of the music I hear these days, I am not one of those people who are trying to make music that sounds the way it did back in the day. I would totally suck at "taking it back to the old school. My music is creative, honest, and weird in a good way; I'm not trying to be like anybody else . It's fun & musical and actually contains some real instruments. Music like that is the music of the future, in my opinion. That's mad cocky of me to say, right? Well, listen to my EP and see if I'm a liar.

2. My True Colors Shine Through

What do the movies Rocky, Dodgeball, Scott Pilgrim, The Karate Kid and Revenge of the Nerds all have in common? Aside from having kick a** soundtracks, they teach us that sometimes the little guy is the one who comes out on top. For the first several years of my career, people told me that I wouldn't be able to make it because my music didn't sound "black enough". But now I am finally starting to get a bit of recognition. In a day and age where we all have friends of multiple races on Twitter and a black president in the White House, it looks to me like people are getting bored with racial boundaries. So you should support me, the under dog. And this time next year you'll be able to tell your friends "I was up on Nikki Lynette WAYYYY before she got signed and got all skinny and started acting Hollywood".

3. All By Myself

This project is the first one that I created all by myself, from top to bottom. Of course I had the help of dope a** musicians and an awesome engineer. But this was the first project I dropped that has no co-producers, which is a big deal for me. I am [convinced of] my writing ability because I've been writing for people and selling songs for a couple of years now, and I have been singing and rapping long enough to become confident in my skills. But this is the first time I relied solely on my own beats. That was hella risky, I know. But people are feeling it, and 3 of the songs from my EP have already been featured on shows on MTV. So when you buy my EP, your $10 helps support a hard working female artist who does more than use her boobs and a** to sell her tunes. Not that anything is wrong with my boobs or a**. [Giggle]

4. Much Ado About Nothing

The TV show "Seinfeld" did really well promoting itself as "the show about nothing". But music that is about nothing bores the sh*t out of me. I'm really into expressing myself through my lyrics. So whether its a love song or a tune I wrote about my little brother going to the military, or even my materialistic ode to clothes called "Model In the Mirror", I have to actually be lyrical and creative with my delivery, or else I would start hating my life. I'm a trained singer, and that gives me a different perspective on music than a rapper who has never actually studied music. I'm not saying that makes me better than anybody else, I'm just saying that it makes me different. And ain't nothing wrong with trying something different every once in a while.

5. The Pursuit of Happiness

If you buy The Strong Survive EP I doubt very seriously that you will listen to it and afterward be pissed off [thinking] "I can't believe I paid $10 for that sh*t, I wanna slap her now!" Honestly, I don't make music for everybody. Some people don't wanna hear a whole bunch of harmonies and real instruments, or they just don't wanna hear a girl rap if she isn't talking about her undying love for the penis. And I can't say that my sound is underground either, so people who prefer that sound of music might not be into what I am doing. I'm not trying to please everybody. But I get e-mails, tweets, and comments everyday where people are telling me that my music makes them feel good or has made them happy in one way or another. - SOHH.com


"VERSES: Nikki Lynette vs. Method Man/Mary J. Blige [Directed by Court Dunn]"

2DopeBoyz.com & Director Court Dunn present the sixth installment of “VERSES”, an acapella music video series where your favorite MCs spit a verse from their favorite MCs. www.nikkilynette.com http www.courtdunn.com - 5hh.org


"Song of the Day: Nikki Lynette ft. GLC “Nothing To Worry About”"

Chicago’s own Nikki Lynette recently premiered her track “Nothing To Worry About” featuring GLC via DJBooth.net. I was GEEKED to hear that the instrumental was from Peter Bjorn and John’s single “Nothing to Worry About” which I featured back in January here on the blog, and used to love love love back in the MySpace days.

Not sure how I found out about Nikki, but I loved her R. Raven Productions studio session video for “The Best In The World”. Shortly after I saw this video, and started following her on Twitter, the rapper, singer, producer, and songwriter released her first official music video for “Don’t Say No”.

Now that you’ve been introduced to this rising star who has HUGE things happening, (including a licensing deal w/ MTV…do y’all know how big of deal THAT is?) check out the single that has been all over the internet and back. The track features Chicago rapper GLC, and will be featured on Nikki’s upcoming mixtape Roses N Guns. Love it. Shoutout to 2dopeboyz for the audio - Indie on 65


"Nikki Lynette "Beneath My City""

Nikki Lynette drops another fresh, creative track off her upcoming mixtape, Roses N' Guns as she once again adds a rock feel to her raps and singing. It is the latter skill that is illustrated on a hook that reminds me of a motivational Mary J. Blige chorus. Lynette really does her thing on that aspect of the song but that's not to overlook her rhymes and production as well. Her flow on the final verse was fun to ride with and she punctuates the ending with a dope reminder that "everyone on the top had to start from below". Production-wise the guitar really adds an addicting melody and to the feel-good vibe of "Beneath My City" - a record that I can see doin' some big things for her. Check it out above and get ready for the full mixtape, Roses N' Guns on May 18th (shouts 2 RefinedHype). Dope artwork btw, but the amount of cars on the road doesn't accurately depict Chicago traffic, haha.

- GoWhereHipHop.com


"Chicago Artist Nikki Lynette Bops to a Different Beat"

In the hip hop scene, artist Nikki Lynette is far from a cookie-cutter image. With the release of her new mixtape Roses N’ Guns on May 18, Lynette and her music are destined to stand out as her sound spans across both the hip hop and rock genres.

The Chicago native says music plays a major role in her life, and recalls it entering her life as a child and growing when she fell with love with hip hop in high school.

“I used to make up songs for my little brother to help put him to sleep, and I loved singing ever since,” comments Lynette.

She doesn’t classify herself as just a hip hop artist because of her style of music, which Lynette admits is often described as “urban alternative.” She says her unique style was an issue when she first emerged into the music scene.

“At first, I was told by deejays and others my music wasn’t ‘urban’ enough,” admits Lynette. “I grew up a hip hop punk kid, so it’s engrained in my music.”

The former hip hop punk kid admits she loved science growing up and aspired to become a marine biologist. But Lynette could never escape music as she ditched school to battle boys, with whom she gained respect as one of few female rappers who dared to challenge them. She says music was and is a place where she is happy.

Lynette admits the state of hip hop, both mainstream and underground, is in an interesting place right now, especially online for artists.

“I’m still a fan of hip hop,” she says. “It will be okay as long as we don’t consider ‘mainstream hip hop’ the only one across the board.”

Lynette adds artists should look to try something new in hip hop and go outside the parameter of it.

“It took too long here for rap and hip hop to accept electro,” she comments. “They were using it in Europe 10 years ago.” She mentions that mainstream artists like Kanye West, Kid Cudi and others made the electro sound popular in the U.S.

Lynette’s talent gained national attention recently when she sent some of her music to MTV. As a result, the nationally-syndicated cable television network told Lynette they want to license some of her work.

As an artist and producer, Lynette admits it was through trial and error that she gained her education in the music industry, which is an aspect many musicians today lack in their skill set, in addition to formal training in their craft.

“Unfortunately, artists can’t just look at themselves as just artists,” she says. “You have to be talented and business savvy. You need to know how to do business with the label so it’s not just the label doing business with you.”

With the new opportunities with MTV and the new release of her mixtape, Lynette doesn’t plan to stop moving anytime soon.

She says, “My life kind of rocks right now, and I want it to rock harder.” - Gloss Magazine


"Artist Spotlight: Nikki Lynette"

Making her debut on KN.com just a little over a week ago, the beautiful and multi-talented Nikki Lynette is ready to drop her new mixtape, Roses N’ Guns. Hearing a few cuts off of the upcoming mixtape, I was instantly intrigued by the Chicago emcee; who is also a singer, producer and songwriter. So I hit her up on Twitter to get her story. This punk rock hip-hopper is in a league all of her own and is sure to get heads turning when her tape drops later today. So until you hear it, consider this your first impression of Nikki Lynette…

Where you reppin:

Chicago, Illinois. And also Venus. Throw ya V’s up.

Introduce yourself:

Hi. My name is Nikki Lynette. I’m a singer, rapper, producer, songwriter, and visual artist who’s dropping a dope ass mixtape on May 18th. You might have heard my music recently being played on MTV’s hit reality show, “The City.” Or you might recognize my voice from doing countless television commercials; the most recent ones being for McDonalds, Secret Deodorant, and Nationwide Insurance. But since I’m a laptop celebrity, you’ve probably never heard of me at all. BUT YOU’RE HEARING OF ME NOW, MOFO! So there.

Is Nikki Lynette your real name? If not, how did you come up with it?

Yup. That’s my real name. Well, close enough to it anyway. Next question.

Main musical inspirations:

Outkast, Lenny Kravitz, N.E.R.D., No Doubt, Lupe Fiasco, Incubus, Gym Class Heroes, Rage Against the Machine, Portishead, Nas, Missy, Lauren Hill, Goodie Mob, Tupac, The Roots, Common, Kanye, and my grandma.

When did you fall in love with hip hop?

I’ve been in love with hip hop since 14 years ago when my older sister went back to college at the end of summer and left behind 2 tapes, Illmatic and Tupacalypse. They were the only 2 tapes I owned, and my walkman at the time was shitty so the radio only picked up one station that only played soft rock. So those albums were welcomed additions to my musical landscape. I started rapping when I was 12, and I hid it from my mom cuz I knew she wouldn’t approve. I didn’t come out of the emcee closet til I was 15, but by then I was actually good at it so my mom couldn’t help but be supportive. Thats what she gets. LoL. (I love you mom, I’m just kidding!)

Current projects we should be looking out for:

On May 18th (today), I’m dropping a mixtape on DJBooth.net. It’s called Roses N’ Guns: The totally bad ass mixtape that rocks. My mixtape is a rap/rock/pop mash up that features collaborations with Mickey Factz, GLC, Pugs Atoms, Mr. Robotic, and Atlantic Record’s newly signed rock/power pop group, I Fight Dragons. The project also features production from Matt Hennessy and me (Yeah, I produce. I mentioned that already.) It will be presented by DJBooth.net and sponsored by Digiwaxx.com. Two tracks from the mixtape have already been licensed to MTV as a part of the licensing deal that I signed with them that recently landed two of my album songs on consecutive episodes of MTV’s hit show “The City.” The three songs from my mixtape that premiered on DJBooth.net are already being featured on prominent music sites such as Vibe.com, Okayplayer.com, 2dopeboyz.com, and KEVINNOTTINGHAM.COM! Good shit, right? Yeah…Roses N’ Guns is my masterpiece.

Previous work that we should know about:

I put out a project called Who Leaked My Demo? last year, and I released a single a few months ago called “Don’t Say No”. I was about to sign a single deal for it but the label was on some hot garbage so I pulled out and just released it on the net. Its got about 15,000 views right now. Go internet! I also released a mixtape a few years ago called The Hard Candy Mixtape Volume 1. It was hosted by Lupe Fiasco, I didn’t know him well or anything. Lupe was just the only person who was willing to host it at the time because the DJ’s I reached out to about it told me my music wasn’t “Urban” enough. What’s funny is I was trying to sound more urban at the time because I had heard that criticism before. Oh well. It wasn’t til I stopped trying to fit into that genre that people gave a damn that I exist anyway.

If you had to pick one song (doesn’t have to be your own) that defines your career to date, what song would that be?

It would be 2 songs. My song called “Beneath My City” and Lenny Kravitz’s song “Fly Away.” You’d have to hear those songs to understand.

If you weren’t doing music, what would your occupation be?

I would have gone to Florida A&M and majored in Marine Biology. Science is fascinating. I forgot to mention that I’m a nerd, huh? Or did you already figure that out?

Why should the readers and fans give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?

Ummm… everybody should like me and give me candy because I’m superior to all other rappers ever! That’s what I’m supposed to say, right? Nah….I have to be honest. I don’t make music for everybody. My music is hip hop and pop and punk. It’s commercial as hell, but it’s different. People who like - KevinNottingham.com


"Nikki Lynette: Beneath My City"

Let’s tune into some Girl Power! The Chicago based singer/rapper/producer/visual artist Nikki Lynette comes through with “Beneath My City”, the first leak off her upcoming mixtape Roses N’ Guns. Enjoy! - KevinNottingham.com


"Verses: Nikki Lynette vs. Method Man & Mary J Blige (Video)"


Verses: Nikki Lynette vs. Method Man & Mary J Blige (Video)

For the sixth installment of our exclusive series with Court Dunn & Restless Films. Nikki Lynette goes a capella with Method Man & Mary J Blige’s classic collaboration. - 2DopeBoyz.com


"Nikki Lynette ft. Mickey Factz – Glory Box"

I meant to post this young lady up a while back. Well now she has a record with Mickey Factz so check it out and also peep her song with GLC that I also included below. - DdotOmen.com


"Audio: Nikki Lynette "Nothing To Worry About" feat. GLC"

Here's a new song from Chi-Town emcee/producer/singer/visual artists, Nikki Lynette entitled "Nothing To Worry About" featuring windy city comrade GLC. I've heard Nikki's name circulating around a lot recently, and now we can expect much more with her new mixtape, Roses N' Guns: The Totally Bad Ass Mixtape That Rocks, set to drop on May 18th. This Peter Bjorn and Jon flip serves as the first leak from the tape. - OkayPlayer.com


"Nikki Lynette IN STUDIO (Radio Interview)"

Nikki Lynette is a hot name at the moment. She's a local gal w/ a lot of heavy hitters in her corner. She stopped by our studio to debut a new track & talk about the excitement of momentum. You can hear our chat below...

- Vocalo.org


""Becoming Nikki Lynette" and "I Fight Dragons" Radio Interview by Interview with Alex Quigley on WGN"

Nikki Lynette and members of "I Fight Dragons" join WGN 720's host Alex Quigley in the Showcase Studio to discuss their blogs, "Becoming Nikki Lynette" and "I Fight Dragons".

- WGN Radio 720


"Nikki Lynette "Model In The Mirror (Fashion)""

Chicago's Nikki Lynette rolls out a brand new video for her new, catchy single "Model In The Mirror (Fashion)". The concept is both fun and engaging as Nikki interacted with her Twitter followers, Facebook fans, and Afropunk for the 'unofficial official' video. The pictures show her fans and herself posing like models in the mirror, which makes for an entertaining collage of fun and sexy poses. Press play and you won't be able to walk away. Furthermore, Nikki lets us know that the blogs can officially release the the mp3/wav file so if you like Nikki's verses and can't get that hook out of your head, then don't hesitate to add the song to your collection above! Want to reach out to Nikki? Well, she's part of the ChicagoNow network with us so check out her fresh blog here and find out more about what it's like to be an artist in the music industry. Enjoy!

- ChicagoNow.com


"Nikki Lynette - Beneath My City [Premiere]"

Nikki Lynette has to be a time traveler. It is the only way that this Chicago representative could make such a an authentic 70’s-esque sonic adventure like Beneath My City. Taking all the woes and triumphs of her native city, Nikki truly raps and sing her heart out as if she has the weight of the world (or at least Chicago) on her shoulders. Utilizing her extensive skill set, this unique talent uses Beneath My City to show off her producing, singing, and rhyming skills over a funky guitar-infused instrumental. While her self-produced beat may sound retro, Nikki is lyrically progressive, sprinkling intelligent tidbits upon the listeners while holding their attention with an interesting flow. Nikki Lynette’s next project, Roses N’ Guns is being hosted by DJBooth, so to say we’re looking forward to it is an understatement. But, with glowing reviews about Roses N’ Guns’ first premiere, Nothing to Worry About, I think Beneath My City will shine just as brightly, and have YOU trying to time travel forward to its release date on May 18. - Vibe Magazine


"Buzz/Nikki Lynette out to prove black girls can rock out, too"

Chicago rapper, producer and blogger grabs attention with her distinctive style
By // Frances Moffett

It’s not every day that an artist refers to herself as a weirdo. But then, Nikki Lynette is not your everyday artist.

“Nobody’s any one way, and I’m not,” says the rapper, singer and songwriter who splits her time between Chicago and New York. “And I think most people are like that. Most people don’t want to be labeled. They don’t want people to have expectations of how they should be, who they should be and how they’re supposed to act. I’m that person; I’m that weirdo. I’m everybody’s weird friend.”

But being everybody’s weird friend works to Lynette’s advantage. She has been garnering nationwide attention and fans of all backgrounds with her innovative sound and distinctive style. Her music is a synthesis of hip hop, rock, techno and pop. And she’s worked hard to get her technique recognized. Although with the recent release of her mixtape, “Roses N’ Guns,” she wasn’t sure that listeners would get where she’s coming from.

“I was concerned that with the subject matter I'm talking about in the songs, people weren't going to like it,” she explains. “I'm not covering any R&B songs, I'm rapping over a Guns N’ Roses song and Nirvana’s ‘Smells like Teen Spirit.’ But I felt like if I was honest and I kept it personal, it would be something that people have never heard, and as of right now, it works for me.”

All-around music junky

Lynette, who is also a producer, blogger, personality for "The Blast" by Digiwaxx Media and all-around music junky, started performing around the age of 15. Now in her 20s, she says that being a black woman in the music industry, particularly one with a hard-to-pin-down sound, has been difficult for her. Yet she insists on doing what’s true to her—whether people are listening or not.

“I’m creative. I’m not scared to try something new."

—Nikki Lynette

“Sometimes I get annoyed by the limitations that are attached to female entertainers because I sing and I rap and I produce, so sometimes I feel like some people expect me to be R&B,” Lynette says. “They expect me to make booty-shaking songs for the club, and I ain’t that chick. I can't make myself do that.

“For so many years, people were telling me, ‘You’re a good rapper, but you’re just not urban enough, you’re not black enough, nobody’s going to play your music.’ But at the end of the day, I think people probably should appreciate that I'm not trying to be something I'm not.”

Lynette describes herself as a multi-media artist, and on her website says, “I’m a cross between a homebody and a socialite.”

As she continues to burnish her brand, Lynette has in place an MTV licensing deal for her music and a new album in the works. The album will be self-funded, she says. “I’m going to sell all my worldly possessions and use the money to fund my album because I don’t need a lot of crap, I need an album. I already started packing up all of my stuff that I want to sell.”

Proving black girls can rock out too

Lynette works hard to prove that black girls can rock out too. And with songs like “Don’t Say No,” “Take this Pill,” and “Glory Box,” she’s on her way to putting that impression out there.

“I’m creative. I’m not scared to try something new,” she says. “I hope that eventually I go down in history as somebody who innovated a whole different movement. I want to be one of those people who helps break down the barriers between different genres of music and different styles, because there isn’t anybody who does that anymore. - Jet Magazine


"Mixtape Of The Day: Nikki Lynette – Roses N’ Guns"

Every Monday through Friday we’ll be dishing out a hot new mix for you to use to get through your working day. Chicago’s Nikki Lynette is on the very brink of superstardom, and for good reason – she’s megatalented as an MC, songwriter and producer. Her first mixtape, “Roses N’ Guns: The Totally Bad-Ass Mixtape That Rocks” just dropped, and it’s a sweet introduction to somebody who’s name is going to be in your mouth in the 2K11. - Heavy.com


"Nikki Lynette - Roses N' Guns"

Nikki Lynette loves Guns N' Roses, and she's not afraid to admit it. In addition to titling her new mixtape Roses N' Guns, she peppered it with references to late-'80s/early-'90s rock 'n' roll juggernaut. Samples from "Civil War" and "Welcome to the Jungle" undergird two of the songs, and she name-checks Slash approvingly.

To be sure, the GN'R theme may sound a little gimmicky, but this isn't some mediocre rapper trying to draw attention to herself by slapping a multiplatinum band's name on the cover. Just listen to what she did with the Guns material: By taking the acoustic verse riff from "Civil War" and putting some lead electric guitars on top of it, she created a haunting and entrancing backdrop for some thoughts about military conflict. And the "Welcome to the Jungle"–based track, the autobiographical "Take this Pill," is a lyrical highlight.

If it gets the attention it deserves, Roses N' Guns will set the stage for Lynette's proper debut album, which she's putting together now. Her clear fondness for blaring guitars is a major asset, and her producers do a good job of putting this element into the hip-hop context—which, as we've learned repeatedly during the sordid history of rock-rap, is tough to do. Listening to "So Bad Ass" and "Darling Nikki," one wonders why so many artists have stumbled trying to work distorted guitars into hip-hop songs.

On top of that, Lynette is a talented rhyme architect with tremendous verbal dexterity. At her best moments, her ability to rhyme multiple syllables rivals that of Tupac or Eminem, and her ability to spit words quickly almost (but not quite) brings Twista to mind. She's not a bad singer, either, as she shows on R&B- and soul-flavored songs such as "Glory Box" and "Liberation Time." And genre simply isn't a reality for her: In addition to rock-rap, R&B, and soul, she includes touches of funk ("Beneath My City") and even club pop along the lines of Kanye West's "Flashing Lights" ("Don't Say No").

Unfortunately, her storytelling skills are underutilized. Most of the songs here are merely long strings of boasts ("So Bad Ass" is a particularly bad offender on this front), and while she does a good job of presenting her raunchy bad-girl personality with flair, she doesn't always do so through a coherent narrative. When she does stick to a topic besides her own badassness—such as on "Civil War," "Take This Pill," and the anti-religion "72 Virgins"—she's captivating, so she should do it more.

There's nothing wrong with a young artist with room to grow, however, and between Lynette's genre-bending and her rapping skills, there's little doubt that she has the talent and drive to hone her craft into something even more impressive than this mixtape—which, by the way, is available for free at www.djbooth.net. - Antimusic.com by Robert VerBruggen


"Chicago R&B artist Nikki Lynette Takes Cubby Bear Lounge by Storm"

Nikki Lynette, a fresh faced hip-hop ingenue, has become something of a fixture on the independent Chicago hip-hop scene in recent years. Whether modeling along with her backup singers, singing a commercial jingle, writing lyrics for rap artists or interviewing people such as reggae master
Sean Paul

, she has her hands in all aspects of the entertainment medium. Her songs can be found on sites like MySpace, as well as through her own website.

Her sounds are reminiscent of the artists that she calls her musical inspirations: OutKast,
Lauryn Hill

, Prince and Queen. As a result, much of her music is energetic, lively and designed to make your hips move to the beat and has a signature all its own. She breathes life and fun into her music, which can best be called hip-hop punk.

She is a Chicago native and will be performing one last time at the Cubby Bear on August 27th before she relocates to New York City to record a full length studio album. - http://www.popmatters.com


"Nikki Lynette Knocks Subterranenan Dead"

I attended a showcase at Subterranean last week. I'm not particularly a fan of the hip hop performances in the line up as much as I am a fan of cheap Coronas. I am pleased to say, however, in the midst of boisterous male rap acts who sounded like a crappy remix of everything we have already heard in 2009, Nikki Lynette's performance made me glad I didn't just pick up Coronas from the corner store.

Though her set was a bit short, as were all of the acts at the line up, it was the most energetic 8 minutes of the entire evening. She flows between singing and rapping easily, and I'm not talking about cutesy club rap. Nikki is a lyricist. The line in her opening song that stood out in my head but really sums her up is "I'm brutal but I'm beautiful, push you back like a cuticle." And Nikki did just that. I was blown away by her performance, and I wasn't surprised when half of the audience followed her and her yummy background singers out the door after her performance. So for once in my life, going to a bar for drinks and running into a hot girl actually turned out to be a GOOD experience. - Madd Cool Magazine


"Don't Sleep: Nikki Lynette"

I know that when it comes to new music from the states I’ve veered largely toward Atlanta, and a lot of it is because of a particular type of swing that’s signature to folks like OutKast, Janelle Monae, B.o.B., etc.. But I’ve definitely had my eye on Chicago also, a lot of great funky music is coming out of there. I spotted Nikki Lynette on Blind I and she’s pretty fresh…multi-talented and makes that kinda bounce I dig. - adrizzle.com


Discography

The shows that have licensed my music include, Jersey Shore, The City, Mob Wives, Single Ladies, Beverly Hills Fabulous, The Real L Word, Basketball Wives, 10 on Top, The Chicago Code, and more.

Previous releases:

Roses N' Guns 2: The BADDER ASSED mixtape that rocks (2011)

The Strong Survive EP (released 2010)

Roses N' Guns: The totally bad ass mixtape that rocks (2010)

Featured on the Ford Fiesta/DJBooth.net Till Six In The Morning compilation mixtape (2010)

Whatever I Want (single, released 2010)

Model In the Mirror (single, released 2010)

Don't Say No (single, released 2010)

Who Leaked My Demo? (released 2009)

The Hard Candy Mixtape, vol. 1 (released in 2006)

Photos

Bio

Last year proved to be pretty big for Nikki Lynette. In addition to taking home the Chicago Independent Music Awards for “Best Alternative/Hip Hop Artist” and “Performer of The Year,” she also received nationwide recognition after winning 2nd place in Ourstage/New Music Seminar’s “Artist on the Verge Competition.” As a result, Nikki secured a licensing deal with MTV, landing her music on several of the networks top rated reality shows. Her subsequent, genre blending release, "Roses N’ Guns: The Totally Bad Ass Mixtape That Rocks," racked up over 6,000 downloads online. Soon Nikki's fans formed a movement around her music and dubbed themselves "Team Bad Ass." “We call ourselves Team Bad Ass because we’re not like everybody,” Nikki explains. “We’re individuals. We don’t think that just because you’re from a certain race or country that you have to behave a certain way. We respect individuality and do what we want to do.” It is this same profound sense of individuality that has been the cornerstone of Nikki’s existence, earning her accolades from everyone from producer Rodney Jerkins and Detroit crooner Dwele to Chicago’s own Lupe Fiasco and Justin Tranter of the rock band Semi Precious Weapons.

Following the success of her first Roses N' Guns mixtape, a mash-up of hip hop, punk rock, and pop that exemplifies the foundation of Nikki's sound, Nikki Lynette released a second project, "The Strong Survive EP," which she produced, wrote, and performed herself. Soon after the release, MTV and VH1 opted to license the entire project for use on their networks. To date, Nikki Lynette has licensed music to shows on MTV, VH1, Fox, and Showtime. In 2011, Nikki released the 2nd mixtape entitled "Roses N' Guns 2: The BADDER ASSED mixtape that rocks." In a little over a month this project has already garnered Nikki significant press, including being feature in XXL Magazine's "The Break" column. "I've decided to re-release my mixtape," Nikki Lynette reveals, "because now that I know people love it so much, I wanna put more energy into promoting it & marketing it. My fans can't be the only ones, spreading the word...I have to do it, too." A new inductee to the Artists & Brands company, Nikki's impressive dossier includes voice over and jingle work for McDonalds, Nationwide Insurance, and Secret Deodorant to name a few, as well as song placements (Marlboro, DeVry) in nationally syndicated commercial campaigns.

Nikki's recently released mixtape serves as a primer for her debut full-length album, "The Popularity Contest," which features production from Da Internz (Justin Beiber, Robin Thicke), Brian Prokopow (I Fight Dragons), film score composer Ethan Stoller (V for Vendetta, Sherlock Holmes.) With the success of the past 8 months in Nikki’s palm, it’s easy to see why The Popularity Contest may be one of the most talked about albums of the coming year. When it comes to her upcoming album, instead of divulging specifics about the highly anticipated project she simply restates her tried and true mantra: “My record is gonna be bad ass. But I don't wanna talk about the new album too much because if I decide to trash the whole project and just release an entire album of me covering songs by Vanity 6, I wouldn't want anybody to be surprised.”