Nikal Fieldz

First and foremost, introduce yourself to the audience for the people who don´t know who you are.

No doubt. They call me Nikal Fieldz, reppin upstate rochester ny.

You go by the name Nikal Fieldz, how you come up with that name?

Actually my man gerrard came up wit it while he was cuttin my hair. He was like I should call myself "nikal ummm nikal fieldz" and that would be the graveyard that anyone opposes me get torn up and left in. I was well known for battling a while back and I actully can freestyle unlike alotta dudes so I did a song about nikal fieldz and it stuck.

Your from Rochester, NY talk about your times coming up?

I mean its just like any other city. We got the hood, we got suburbs. We got drugs, we got guns we have a ridiculous amount of crime. The thing about being a smaller city in comparison to one like nyc is when u got problems wit people u don't have to ride 4 trains to see em. Its the young boys u gotta watch out for now. These young dudes is shooting everybody 15 year olds poppin other 15 year olds as well as grown men. Its crazy up here right now. That's really the only difference aside from the networking limitations. There isn't many outlets for artist. Then you have the stereotypes. Alotta people think upstate ny is all farms and shit cuz that's where they got the prisons, all in the middle of nowhere. The radio support is pretty formatted and ur either in with someone with power at the stations or ur out. If ur out ur only hope is college radio.

When I listened to your music you have a lot of dope lyrics. Why you feel lyrics are important in hip-hop?

Because that's a lot of what hip hop was founded on. The message within the music. Expressing what issues u urself and people around u face that need to be identified so awareness may possibly cause other people to take action and help make changes for the better. Music brings hope to people that feel like they have nothing. Sort of an escape if u will. Hip hop is platform that has grown across the world.

I think outside the box and I'm no different from any other human being so I tend to write more from experience rather than fabrication. Writing songs is how I express my feelings and when ur passionate about something you almost have no choice but to write words that contain substance and meaning.

Why you think the game lacks so much lyrics today?

One is because it has become a business. Its all about money. Majority of people are so discontent with their situation in life that they want music that makes em feel good versus think about real issues. That's what has taken control of mainstream radio. So that's what's making money. So for an artist such as myself that is still on the grind yet passionate about their music its a catch 22. U almost have no choice but to conform to the demand in order to make some money and increase ur personal quality of life. Nobody wants to do what they love and starve forever while doin it. Yet I can't relate to a lot of music out now cuz I don't know what its like to blow 10k in a strip club without thinkin twice. I'd love to know that feeling just like anyone else.

Talk about some of your projects you are currently working on.

Man I'm all over the place right now. I'm working on a few things.
1 being a mixtape series that I've organized named "Lost In New York" the first installment is ready to drop hosted by Dj Noodles, Dj Annalyze, Dj Maestro & Dj 360. I've basically reached out to some of the cities in Upstate NY and created a mixtape with the standout artist from each as well as a dj representing that city.

2. Is my new street album "Hip Hops Hero"

Hosted by Dj Noodles.

That's about 70% completed right now. I have few features on their that I'm sure most of yall will be familiar with.

3rd is a Project I'm workin on with a producer outta Brooklyn named D-major that is gonna be a bit experimental. I won't even hint towards the direction were going.

Also while I'm in Shanghai, China on tour (Im currently on a flight as I respond to these interview questions) ill be workin on a mixtape with Dj Annalyze Entitled "Live from Shanghai" to coinside with the daily freestyle video blog/reality show ill be posting on my myspace as well as some other websites.

Tell me why fans should go out and buy our music.

They shouldn't just go out and buy it. They should check my myspace page or website and listen to a few songs then decide if they like what they hear. If they do then they should support my hard work by purchasing the album physically or on I-Tunes.

How would you describe your music without listing it under the Hip-Hop music genre?

Life with rhythm

List some names you would love to work with in the future.

Premo, Just Blaze, Ludacris, Scarface, Nas, and it be dope to bang on a joint wit Em for two reasons. He's respected and would have to respect me to bang on something wit me and everyone tells me to diss em. I don't take orders...lol..

In the current state of hip-hop it seems as if you have to be a dope boy, extra thugged-out, a nerd or a hipster. Where do you fit into the current state of hip-hop?

I don't fit in that's why ur interveiwing me. Hip Hop hasn't changed Rap Music has changed.

What are your views on the music scene to date and what would you change?

Man.. I'm not sure honestly. I mean the game is definitely in a different place than the 90's but the audience Hip Hop has now has multiplied tremendously. I guess I would change the way labels operate a little and start firing dudes that don't do their job. U know the guys getting paid to not take a chance on new artist. That's whack. And I would enforce some sorta independent music show for a hour or so everyday on every station.

I´m sure your are grinding hard, so what are the next big steps in your career?

Overseas tours... Bigger venues in the US... And a massive marketing web campaign.

Here’s your opportunity to say whatever it is you want to say to the people.

U can accomplish anything u desire. Don't let anyone tell u otherwise and youve already succeeded.

Check the myspace

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz - Kai derringer

For those that haven't' heard of Nikal Fieldz just yet, give the readers some basic info on yourself.

I'm an artist from upstate New York (Rochester) and co-owner/founder of Eyeconz Entertainment.

I hear your quite busy lately, performing in China, #1 single in Rochester, big 4 DJ mixtape about to pop off, how does a new artist stay focused on their craft while continuing to get their name further out to the masses?

Yeah, lately things been going great but it has been a lot of hard work. I mean I handle most of my business personally so it's hard to balance being a businessman and an artist. I mean I'm making calls all day trying to work leads and whatnot yet trying stay writing and recording. For me personally it all comes down to what you want for yourself. I'm a firm believer that any man that waits on the next man to make them successful is a fool. I just do it. Whatever needs to be done. I used to be like a lot of artist I know and make excuses like "I can't because" or "I need someone to help me do this", but now I just go at it myself like I'm the only person that can make it happen. I have a great work ethic because I came from nothing and was never happy with what I've had so I'm not one to settle. For instance when I gained that #1 request spot in Rochester my next thought was I want #1 in Buffalo and Syracuse. I've accomplished Buffalo to certain extent and when I get Syracuse I'm coming for Albany and NYC. I'm not stopping till I have a #1 something in every market across the country. As far as the music goes Its my medicine. When I don't get in the studio and record for a certain amount of time whatever the reason, I just feel like shit. Like I'm doing nothing with myself. I am Hip Hop so the inspiration comes from waking up.

Lets talk about Racist, the single, other than the titles obvious implication, what is the record about and how does a Caucasian emcee like yourself get your point across to hip hop's listeners?

The record is really about opening peoples minds up and getting them talking about something that most people want to ignore or are afraid to speak on. Granted I obviously touch on racism in the record but I also talk about the upcoming election and it's possibility of becoming a tragedy. I think a lot of people have their thoughts and opinions on everything I talk about in the song but most people speak on them from a 1 sided view. That's what I tried to avoid. I wanted this record to be something that people from all walks of life could take something from and find some truth in for themselves even if it was a color thing. That's where I think racism has found its root to embed in our society. People speak upon issues from their perception as a black, white, christian, Muslim, etc. How about trying to speak on these issues as a person? A person that wants the same successes in their life as anybody else regardless of race or denomination. We all want to live well, be healthy and enjoy life. So as far as me being a "white emcee" how about I'm just an emcee. What does the fact that I'm white have to do with it? "Nice for a white boy" is a cop out. I'm Nice period. I don't care if your white, black, yellow, or a whatever other label society has deemed fit for a color. If your good at something and it's your passion do it. The only thing I can't stand more than ignorance is wasted talent.

Nas has his new album coming out, that's stirring up quite a bit of chatter behind the scenes, how important is it for an artist to get their viewpoints out through their music?

That is what Hip Hop was founded on!!!!!! Freedom of speech. Hip Hop is the Platform for the underdog. It's the voice for the people that are forgotten in our society. The ones that have to decide whether or not to pay their gas and electric bill or buy food for the fridge. I'm one of those people. For someone to tell me I cant think or say what I feel how am I Free? I can't relate to somebody that drives a Ferrari everyday. I don't know what that feels like. Just like I don't what its like to be black. So in my opinion I think Nas Should push "Nigger" till he feels he's got his point across. If the label won't let em, white label it and work on a new album. Wal-mart won't sell it because of the title and the labels main concern is making money. That there in itself goes to show that the music has become nothing but a money thing. If Nas is as passionate about this project as he's making it out to be then he wont care that he has to give it away and do something new to the labels liking. People are going to go get it anyways. So if it's a message he wants heard he will have still succeeded. I just hope that he really has a message with this album and it isn't just a promotional plot to gain sales. I would lose all respect for him as an artist as well as I think a lot of others would.

Recently you were on BET Cypher with Hell Rell and Joe Buddens, as well as Drag On and Nina B, what was that experience like for you and how has it helped your exposure level?

I didn't get a phone call from Jay Z like "Yo lets do a joint", But yet I was exposed to millions of people. It didn't jump my myspace presence or anything but it definitely gives those that I was exposed to some familiarity with my name. So maybe when someone sees this interview they'll read it just because they remember my name from somewhere. It helped to the extent of being taken serious. I mean you have a lot of unsigned artist out here that will sell you a dream on how good they are (Usually they are the ones that should go back to school). I have been building a track record for sometime now and that's hard to accomplish. People that have known me for years are like "wow, BET your really doin it huh". It's really just a stepping stone to me. Something I can negotiate with when petitioning for shows or interviews with major media outlets. Before BET I heard a lot of "what have you done". I could go on for days about shows, battles and play someone a million songs that they say they like, then that question comes right back. And it's like damn. I was hoping the next time that question comes up I could say I was in your magazine..hahaha..

What is Nikal Fieldz stage show consist of?

I never know.. Energy for sure.. When I get on stage it's like a whole new world and I'm the creator. I may stick to my script, I may start freestyling. I might tell the crowd to fuck themselves if they ain't being respectful. I run off my environment. There was one time at a club where I was battling and some lady was screaming some shit and I turned around midflow and started clowning her while freestyling than brought it right back to my opponent. The crowd went nuts.

When did hip hop grab you and direct you to follow your goals of being an artist?

I'm not sure really. I'd have to say the biggest impact was my first trip to NYC. (Shout out to Santos for the ride) I was 16 and been rappin for like 5 years already but when I saw the lights and started crossing the GW bridge the feeling was like..just unexplainable.. after that trip I just knew that this was it for me. Over the years people have told me how they relate to a lot of my music and that keeps me going strong. Ill write a song and be like "This is the best song I've ever written". A song or so later I get the same feeling. I'm really in competition with myself and I think that plays a big part in all of it. I don't limit myself and the music industry is like winning the lotto. I like a challenge.

Alot of artists utilize new media such as myspace, facebook, youtube etc, how beneficial has the digital revolution helped you and other new artists get scene and heard?

I mean it's huge but I think it's heavily over-saturated already. The reach from your living room is phenomenal but it's becoming harder to gain attention because there are so many people trying to go that route. If someone clicks on 10 artist profiles and they don't like any of them how many more do you think they will check before they just start ignoring them totally. The internet is great for people to find you and your music but I think you still have to physically be visible first in order to attain a solid following.

What needs to happen for you to feel like you've made your mark in hiphop?

Exposure.. I've made my mark on a local level and a bit further but how much of an impact can a person make without really being visible or heard by the masses. My music speaks for itself. I don't try to sell it like it's great music instead, I let the listener decide. This is me, whether I end up a national artist or not is really up to the people. I'll make music regardless. My job is to make it available to people and convince program directors and journalist that my music is worth a chance to so the people have a chance to decide. It's the peoples job to decide whether they support it or not.

How can fans find you online?

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz
www.nikalfieldz.com - Full site coming soon

last words?

ummmmm...nah.. Peace
- Mr Red/IB Concept

Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Nikal Fieldz: UMA Nomination Reppin' The ROC/Get Up And Vote Now


werd: james niche

ACT:LIVE: So what have you been up to, Nikal Fieldz? We see your name all over the place, but rarely see you home.

Nikal: "Just workin’. I’ve been working on the new project, “Hip-Hop’s Hero�. I’m getting ready to wrap that up. I’ve also been doing a lot of publicity for “Almost Somebody� and as of recently, working on a video for “Racist�.

That’s going out to promote the UMA nomination for best song of the year. I’m Trying to expand basically. The same booking agent that’s been getting me and Annalyze over to China is working on a college tour for us as well."

ACT:LIVE: What are the college tour gigs going to be like for you? Is Annalyze going to be backing you up live?

Nikal: "The line-up isn’t finished yet, but it’s going to be a headline tour for me. There are a couple underground cats down in New York City that I want to link into this tour. For the college tour, the foundation is just being laid, there’s a lot more to come. What I do know is that we are going to start up in the northeast, the Boston or New York City areas."

ACT:LIVE: Are you guys flying for this tour or driving? I ask because gas is so damn expensive now for so many artists that tour. It’s a large part of the budget now.

Nikal: "I’m not sure yet, but I am looking at getting a bus. Either way, transportation is costly. I’m not Kanye West over here; I don’t have that kind of dough to be jet-setting everywhere."

ACT:LIVE: So, how was China?

Nikal: "It was fun. Last year it was like, shit, we may never come back here again, so we were balls to the wall the entire time. It was like one long fucking party.

This year we were over there a little more business minded. We had a few less shows, too. One of the clubs we performed at last year ended their relationship with the promoter we were working with, so we had like five days off a week this time.

It’s like that chick you meet, the first time you’re with her, you give it to her real good then the next time it’s like…eh." (laughs)

ACT:LIVE: Did you get to push the “Almost Somebody� CD while you were over there?

Nikal: "Because of shipping costs, customs and yaddah yaddah, I just stuck with pushing the digital thing. I would give a lot of DJs my music via jump drive. I didn’t push any discs around this time, but I was getting my music out to several thousand people a night at the clubs. The clubs were packed.

I was also scoping out some clothing manufacturers for Black Sinatra's, Don Status Clothing Company.

Black Sinatra and I have been friends for years and have been working in music together for almost ten years now.

He’s got a broadcast gig down in Long Island this week, so I plan on getting down there with him as well."

ACT:LIVE: As an American MC, I’m sure they loved you over there in China.

Nikal: "Yeah, I had fun. (laughs) It’s crazy; all these people that don’t speak English singing rap songs, its nuts.

The Asian women seem to love anything not Asian. We’ll leave it at that."

ACT:LIVE: Let’s talk about the Underground Music Award. How did you get nominated for the UMA?

Nikal: "We had submitted the single in early spring and to be nominated, really, you just need to be visible and have a track or album with a good quality production value to it. The music has to stand out and have some sort of following.

Over the past five months, between me, Brent and my publicist, we’ve done a pretty good job of locking ourselves into the underground scene.

We’re down in New York at least once a month, doing shows and just promoting. It’s just a matter of constantly being on the ball."

ACT:LIVE: Is there an awards ceremony and are you attending?

Nikal: "Yeah, the show is at B.B. King’s in Manhattan, on 34th St. It’s August 10th this year.

It’s covered by almost every underground music publication, music website and since last year, MTV covers it as well.

It’s definitely growing, this is the 6th annual."

ACT:LIVE: Who puts on the awards?

Nikal: "This guy named Jessie. He runs Hip Hop Palace online. He does a lot of seminars and publicity within the industry. He founded it.

He started it from the ground up, as is every business, but the Village Voice calls it the “Grammy� for the underground artist."

ACT:LIVE: What’s it going to mean for you if you win this?

Nikal: "There is no “if�. We got this one, man. We’re taking this one home.

When I first hooked up with my publicist I told him, I want a UMA nomination.

Next thing you know, I’m nominated.

Now, I’m bringing it home. I’m the first artist from the upstate region that’s been nominated for any Underground Music Award, so to be able to bring it back here will be an amazing feeling.

Rochester hasn’t really had its mark in the hip-hop industry on many occasions, so this is important. There’s a lot of talent here in Rochester."

ACT:LIVE: Agreed, there’s a great wealth of talent here, but, getting that talent on the ball is another thing altogether.

Nikal: "Absolutely. There aren’t as many outlets for those artists here, but the people that do have the real talent need to learn how to network. Some people just don’t have that ability to create that network.

There’s a lot more going on out there past MySpace. I’m not trying to say that MySpace isn’t a great resource, but people in the industry are branching out to other sources now."



ACT:LIVE: Have you stepped back from writing at the moment to focus more on publicity?

Nikal: "I never stop writing. It’s a balance though, at my level. When I moved down to New York City, two years ago, I was taught a big lesson in self-promotion and the balance it requires for an up and coming artist like me.

Down there, it’s an entirely different mentality. The grind is actually that, it’s a grind.

A lot of guys are making music in their basement, and it could be the best music in the world, but if no one knows about it then it goes nowhere. The local cats here need to understand that making the music is just ten percent of what you need to be doing to get up. That’s all there is to it.

Everything I make, I funnel back into my projects too. My advice to all those cats who want to do something with themselves is, stop spending money on Jordans every two weeks. I see all the money that people spend on weed, or going to the bar or whatever as money they could spend on a publicist for that month or some other investment.

Everybody’s waiting for a hand-out and the world don’t owe you shit. Go get it yourself."

ACT:LIVE: So what are your plans for shows or events at home? What are you contributing to the home base?

Nikal: "I’d like to bring some seminars up here and other artists that I know from elsewhere. I’d really like to get some bigger names to Rochester for some different shows.

I started the Word of Mouth Wednesdays because we used to have Club Red. That’s where I came up and developed my skill.

Clubs like that aren’t here anymore, so I hooked up with Provide because I had wanted to do it for a while and we found the right venue, so it just clicked.

It hasn’t been as big as I’ve wanted it to be, but I don’t think a lot of people are really repping the art form of it anymore. It’s an art, it’s a place to be creative and grow. Everybody’s got his fucking ego.

If they think they are the king of the shit-pile, then where else are they going?

If you think you made it to the top, then ok, you can have that. Have fun being the king of Shit Mountain. I’ll see you in New York. If you put a limit on yourself, you’re not growing anymore, you’re done."

ACT:LIVE: The song that’s nominated is your single “Racist�. That song has been generating requests like crazy on WBLK in Buffalo and all over the place online. Congrats man, that’s a ballsy song.

Nikal: "Thanks man, a lot of industry people were like, “Ehhhh, you might want to be careful with that song�.

Taking that award home will feel good to show all those people that doubted it. A nice big “Fuck you; I knew what I was talking about.�

With “Racist�, it’s all about thinking outside the box. There’s a lot more going on in that song than things about just racism.

There’s so much shit in that song that I say that people don’t even catch. Media and people by nature are just ignorant sometimes. When it comes to that song people will always try to spin it in some other direction."

ACT:LIVE: Yeah, that word has such a negative connotation to it.

Nikal: "That’s why it was the perfect name for the song. It at least catches eyes."



ACT:LIVE: Ok, while we’re on the topic…you make a reference to Kanye West and the remarks he made about President Bush on the song. Do you think people in general give more power to those negative thoughts by even acknowledging them as opposed to ignoring them?

Nikal: "I believe in the freedom of speech, so he can say whatever the fuck he wants, doesn’t mean I agree or disagree. It is what it is.

People that can’t think for themselves will just run with that.

If you’re an asshole, you’re an asshole. I don’t care what color you are."

ACT:LIVE: Tell me about the video for “Racist�.

Nikal: "I did it to put a visual out there for the song. It’s got a lot of media clips in it to emphasize a lot of the political aspects of the lyrics. I think the video will be good to raise awareness to a lot of what people are missing in the song.

The videos gonna be crazy, that’s all I can say. Its no fifty thousand dollar production, but the footage is great.

I’ve been shooting all over Rochester for this one. It’s got some really cool shots in it.

I’m editing it myself and have taught myself how to use the software. I really wanted to do it myself to make sure I get the message across in the right way.

I have to mention that “Racist pt. 2� is coming. (wink, wink)

That’s going to feature Emilio Rojas and Sha Stimuli."

ACT:LIVE: What’s Emilio been up to anyways?

Nikal: "Working, man. That boy’s a problem. That whole Wax Reform crew is sick."

ACT:LIVE: A lot of people have been wondering where the 585 Remix video is, any word?

Nikal: "That’s coming. Nobody worry. I’ve seen parts and it looks crazy. It just didn’t make much sense to release a video done in winter, in the summertime. That will be coming this winter for the city to enjoy.

We do everything for a reason."

ACT:LIVE: So, as we end this…anything you want to say to the peeps in town or fans at Word Of Mouth?

Nikal: "Yeah, learn how to hold your fucking mic right. It’s the fucking worst, the absolute worst. If I start hearing mumbles out of your mouth I’m going to start unplugging mics.

I will unplug your shit, I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again. And, just come out and have a good time. Period.

There aren’t many outlets for what we do here, so come out, have a good time and be creative. Show me something I haven’t seen or heard.

Enjoy it and support it. You never know who might show up."

ACT:LIVE: Anthing else?

Nikal: "“Almost Somebody� is in stores and on iTunes, go out and get a copy. Stop asking me for a free copy, you cheap fucks. (laughs)

The “Hip-Hop Hero� is coming soon; the website is dropping soon and first and foremost, this UMA. Make sure you go online and vote for “Racist� as best song of the year.

I’m bringing this home for upstate New York."



I want to thank Nikal Fieldz for spending some time at the Berkeley Mansion with us and being real. Like Nikal Fieldz will tell you himself, he's got a lot of haters out there and there's no reason to hate.

This dude is working his ass off and repping the ROC worldwide. Show some love for a hometown musician and get off your ass and vote for his UMA nomination for "Racist". Just click HERE to do so.

ACT:LIVE wishes the best for Nikal Fieldz in all of his endeavors, now and in the future. - Blog

removed from the big city lights, 6 hours away in Rochester NY, hip hop has a big voice. The chatter is coming from
a prolific lyrical spitting machine in the form of Nikal Fieldz. Inspired by artists like LL Cool J and understanding the indie grind, Nikal Fieldz moves forward with NO PLAN B in his quest to reach the high mountain tops of Hip Hop noteriety.

Whats good Nikal Fieldz, let the people know where your from and what you do.

Whats good man.. I'm from Rochester, N.Y....585 all day!!!! I'm a emcee, producer, songwriter and whole bunch of everything else Hip Hop needs right now!!!!!!

Talk about the Hip Hop climate in Rochester, is it well received?

In Rochester, yes for the most part aside from the obstacles you face anywhere you are. On a bigger scale however, the industry as a whole doesn't seem to take upstate N.Y. that serious yet

How long have you been slanging lyrics and who were some of your musical influences?

I have about 15 years in rhyming but really started approaching music as a career for about 10.. By that I mean I actually started to pursue networks and what not with A&R's and so forth.. As far as my influences, the first album I was able to con my mother into buying me was LL Cool J's "Walking With A Panther". I'll leave you to sum up all the artist that came after that that may influenced me.

Where is the state of hip hop today from your perspective?

FUCKED! Point Blank Period! There is hardly any integrity left within the music industry. Most artist that have some sort of message with content containing substance are either shunned, too lazy to work for exposure, or just not talented enough to bring a message in a way that is accepted by the masses.. Then you have these A&R's that would rather play it safe and collect their salary for the contract term without signing anybody because god forbid they lose their job for actually doing their job and sucking at it.. And the Dj...oh the wondeful Dj... Now i understand everybody has to eat but when did it become justifiable to charge an artist for playing a record when that is part of their job description that they already get paid for ?

Lets talk about your single Racist, it's definitely an ear opener, the angle you came from was very clever, whats the response been like? Are people really listening to the lyrics, do they get it?

The overall response to racist has been great. The angle isn't really an angle at all though because it's really just how I feel. I just happen to be able to relate from more than one side due to my surroundings. I have had a lot of people from all walks of life hit me up like they really like the song and the message it relays. On the flip-side I've received some ignorant responses as well. But I expected that considering I've attacked such a controversial subject that most people would rather leave swept under the rug. All I wanted was for people to listen and maybe think a little and thus far I've achieved that.

Saw your clip on BET Cypher, you tore it down, no flinching, you just went in. Was there any pressure to size up next to a Hell Rell, Joe Buddens or a Drag On? I mean that's good company right there.

Nah not really. I mean at first i was a bit nervous just cause of the whole T.V. thing. As soon as the filming and spittin started I became instantly comfortable. It was like I was home with some of my peoples just gettin it in for some local DVD or something. As far as feeling like I had to come properly with the rest of the artist..I didn't feel much pressure..I know what I do and do it well.. The hardest part was deciding what verses to spit.. I mean you got Joe, Rell, Drag, Traxx And Nina and each of em coming from different angles so do you go completely left field and spit some whole other ish or something that meshes well with the company your surrounded by? you know what i mean...

As a new artist on the come up, where does your inspiration come from? There are so many obstacles and challenges, how do you stay motivated to move forward?

This is all I know. I don't have a back up plan. I have a lot of people depending on me as well as looking up to me. When it comes down to it I write songs to express myself and maintain my sanity. I've never been big on talking to people about how I feel and my music kinda does that for me. So that and the fact that I'm a competitor that loves to win and loves accomplishing goals that simple minded people see as unattainable are probably the biggest motivations that i have. Besides the feeling that I get when someone comes up to me like "Your Song (whatever song it may be) almost made me cry because it is so how I feel". That in itself makes it all worth wild.

Who are some of the producers and artists you've collaborated with on your recent projects?

As far as producers one of my Biz partners Midnite (He's a Monster), DJ Sight, Heist, Harvey Bailey, Build P. Tha Coach, J Quest, and Alloy. I'm Currently working on some stuff with Dj Noodles and his camp. As far as artist I stay pretty tight knit with my team upstate.. Black Sinatra, L.I. & M.O.Z. just to name a few..Shouts to all my people gettin it in from the 585 you know who you are!!!!! I also have a crazy joint with Nina B and Noodles artist Trazz that I'll be hittin ya wit soon and some other tracks with some artist I'm sure you all know!!!!

Top 5 emcees dead or alive?

Answering this question would be an injustice to the artist that have made a great contribution to the culture that I may not be able to fit in the top 5.

Whats next on your plate?

GRIND!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a project that I'm wrapping up with four Dj's from different cities representing upstate that will be hittin soon and my mixtape "Hip Hops' Hero" Hosted By Dj Noodles comin late March early April. That and hittin China again for the second tour with Dj Annalyze.. Oh Yeah..The Album!!!! ALMOST SOMEBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How can fans catch you online?

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz
www.nikalfieldz.com - Full site comin soon
or just google me...hahaha

One lyric of yours that people need to remember you buy.

'I am the shit look at your face I know u smell it'

Any shouts?

Shouts to my squad EYECONZ!!!!!!!!!!! Midnite & Caleon down in Atl, My boy B.D. (you know who u are) Dj Annalyze, Amber J and team, The whole Inasirkl family, the whole Upstate NY...We Here this year!!!!! Everyone that relates to my music and supports what I'm Doin and def big shout out to those hatin..... I'm on my Katt Williams Shit this join the hatebase!!!! Peace Nikal Fieldz - Big Cobi

Rochester NY is 6 hours from New York City however its difficult not to feel the tremors of Nikal Fieldz’s new single ‘Racist’ rumbling through the streets of all 5 boroughs. A Caucasion rapper with a very articulate viewpoint, Nikal Fieldz opens ears and eyes and even shuts mouths with a deep look into the roots and interpretations of the worlds racial indifferences. No stranger to street cyphers, open mics and spitting bar for bar with best of them, Nikal Fieldz preps his new project ‘Almost Somebody’ and intends to keep true hip hop breathing in his lungs til theres no more mics to touch.

Whats up Nikal Fieldz, for those who haven’t heard your music, let the people know what you do.

I’m a emcee from Rochester, N.Y. with a few more talents than just mic skills..

How were you introduced to hip hop and what made you want to pursue a career in the field?

My Older Brother is really what got me into hip hop..its funny because I don’t think he even realizes it.. He’s 11 years older than me so when I was like 7, 8 or 9 somewhere around there..lol…I would stay at his apartment sometimes and hang out with him and that’s primarily what he would listen to.. I’ve always looked up to him so it just kinda became a part of me.. I didn’t realize I wanted to pursue music as a career till a few years later. It just turned into a passion i guess. I was always a writer since, geez, kindergarten I guess so it just fit. If I can do something I love and make a living doing it, then you could say I’ll never work another day in my life.

Whats the hip hop climate like in a town like Rochester, and how has the response been to your recent projects?

It’s changed a lot over the years. There used to be outlets in the 90’s like open mics and such and that has changed a lot. We used to have hours worth of college shows that only played underground (Not top 40 I should say) Hip Hop. We don’t have much of that anymore. I’m actually honored to be taking part in hosting a weekly Open Mic/Emcee Battle/Performance that we recently started up here. This new generation of emcees needs that badly. The response to my music as of late has been overwhelming “Racist” Dominated the top 20 countdown here on college radio as well as spun off elsewhere across the country. I’ve always had a strong fan base here in Upstate N.Y. but it wasn’t until I returned from a year stay in Brooklyn and Dropped The “Killin Da Suspicion” Mixtape and really proved that I was doing what I said i was gonna do. That’s when i really started receiving the support.

Now, Alot of artists claim they are on their ‘grind’, whats your definition of the word and describe your daily struggles as an unsigned artist on the come up?

In my opinion grinding is the inability to take no for an answer and doing whatever you need to do to get what you desire. I mean I annoy people to the point that they give me what i want to shut me up. By that time they usually start realizing that I’m not stopping for anyone and I may be beneficial to them later. I’ve made quite a few friends that way actually and I’m in constant contact with them now. I mean I’ve slept in the car in NYC for days on end and walked the streets of Manhattan relentlessly trying to get into offices. One time in Rochester I personally Bombed the entire strip of an area with a ton of clubs next to each other with posters so heavily that the city contacted me and said if they see another poster with my face on it I would be fined 50 dollars for each one. It looked like Avenue Of Nikal Fieldz…lol…Lets just say I haven’t stopped putting up posters.

Well, You have definitely been on your grind for a minute and things look like your breaking through the weeds into the garden, talk about your recent experience on BET’s Cypher, how was it spitting with hip hop heavyweights like Hell Rell, Drag On and Joe Buddens? and how did they react to your lyric game?

It was cool.. I mean for me it was an accomplishment to be there in itself. Not everybody that spits can say they were on BET let alone alongside established artist. I didn’t really see reactions because as you can see from the clip when I spit I was all in the camera..almost literally..lol.. Other than that this may sound cocky but I don’t feel that there is anybody on the face of this earth that you can put me next to that i can’t keep up with lyrically. I’ve put my time in and I’m far from a slouch.. Signed or unsigned artist will either respect me as i do them or end up on a side of mine that they will not like to be on.. Quote That Shit!!!!!!!!!

You Also recently interviewed with The Source, that’s a BIG look, how did that come about and what do you think that can do for your career?

Man that’s a story a half.. I’ve been on The Sources’ bones for like 3 years or so.. I hooked up with Chloe Hilliard (A writer at the source) through my boy Branden Jones and she was feelin this Joint “Maria” I cut way before Fat Joe Dropped his with the same sample. She was tossing my music around and we just couldn’t get a break. Now the staff at The Source has changed a lot over the past few years but i stayed in contact with her and just kept sending more and more material.. One day i call up and they’re like “Chloe’s” no longer with us”. I’m like damn!!!!!! Gotta start all over.. That’s when I asked for the person that replaced her and after i explained the situation he was like stop by drop me something and well go from there. He hit me days later and was like “Yo, This is dope and I believe talent should be rewarded I’m gonna go in for ya”. This was like a year ago and we just literally got the green light and interview. So the persistence has paid off. As far as the benefits I mean well see. I’ve been trying to get something in XXL and a few other Mags for sometime and I’m hoping with all that’s going on now with me they see me as a suitable artist for the various publications. The Source is a great look because even though over the years they lost some credibility the staff they have now is really on the track to restoring it in my eyes. I mean The Source has been known for exposing new artist before they really break. Just to be in the “Off The Radar” section that recently featured an artist like SKYZOO that works with legendary producers I mean I gotta be doing something right.

Ok, so your a Caucasian dude from Rochester NY and your pushing a new single Racist, seems like your timing couldn’t be better with Nas pushing the envelope with his new album title, but at the same time your coming from a completely different angle. Why did you do a record like that, and what do you want the listeners to take from and say about the record?

I mean the whole thing with Nas is a bonus.. I didn’t expect that. I wrote this record right after hearing Jay-Z’s “Minority Report” record. “Racist” was originally just the first two verses over the “Minority Report” instrumental as a freestyle, but the feedback was so crazy that i had to make it a original song. So my partner Midnite went in and captured the same feel and I wrote another verse and we really just started pushing the record right before Nas made his album title announcement.. the timing was impeccable. As far as the angle It’s just how i feel. Everyone has opinions and these are mine. I thought Jay-Z’s “Minority Report” was one sided when it came to the people versus the government. I however am able to see it from more than just the “white” side due to the surroundings I came up in. Not to take anything from him but I just wanted to make sure i made a record about the real issues in my eyes that people of all colors could relate to and understand. Isn’t that HIP HOP??? I’m a voice of the people and when i say the people I don’t mean white, black, young or old. I mean People period. There’s issues that nobody talks about or talks about in such a secluded manner or in fear of mainstream reaction that they will never be resolved. Not me, I don’t bite my tongue. I say the things that people want to but won’t. The feedback has been crazy..and I know I know..artist always say that even when we know they’re whack. For the most part people agree with what I’m saying on the record. Some have their objections to certain things I said and or word(s) I used but they are entitled to that. I choose my words carefully when I’m writing songs and every word is there for a reason. People are talking and debating the issues amongst themselves, so to me the record is already a success

In Hip Hop today with its reach, do you think race still plays a part in how listeners perceive music? and how have people reacted to you and your approach to the culture and music?

I think so for sure. I mean we as people have all been somehow conditioned to think or perceive things a certain way. Stereotyping is a natural instinct that leads the basis of an individuals survival. If a bridge looks unsafe to walk across do you do it anyways? No. But it still may be safe. I’m Hip Hops’ Obama.. People underestimate me. I don’t fit the norm if you will, but I show and prove and earn my respect. How people react to me doing what I do is up to them. I’m comfortable in my skin and what i stand for.

Whats next on the agenda for Nikal Fieldz?

Grind Grind Grind!!!!!!!!! I’m far from where I wanna be. Your all welcome to come for the ride!!!!!!!!!!

How can fans reach you online?

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz
www.nikalfieldz.com - Full site coming soon

Any shouts?

UPSTATE NY!!!!!!!!!!! 585

- Cartel/ Hoodgrownonline.com

The beauty of hip-hop today is that there aren’t multi-platinum rappers everywhere you turn. Let me explain, about 7 years ago, hip-hop was so pop conscious that all artist focused on was what would sell. The music suffered as one hit wonders and one album wonders led to a flock of imitators who also soon flopped forcing hip-hop to return to its underground roots. Real beats, real rhymes and real grind! I love it.

Representing the new era of hip-hop where the game takes it back to the underground is Rochester N.Y.’s Nikel Fieldz.

With rhymes and grind for days, he’s out to prove that his flow belongs with the best.

Officiallastwordonline.com: state your name and where you're from

Nikel Fieldz: Whats good everyone They Call Me Nikal Fieldz Im from Rochester New York Which Is Upstate.

Officiallastwordonline.com: Tell us how you got into hip-hop? When did you first know that you wanted to do this for a career?

Nikel Fieldz: My older brother always used to play hip hop joints around me when I was younger and that kinda is what introduced me to it. I grew up mainly in urban areas throughout most of my life so that’s also what i was surrounded by……. As far as choosing this as a career I wouldn’t say I necessarily choose it. i just kinda found it as what gave me sanity. Writing is a natural talent of mine and rhyming is what seemed to entertain my passion. I have an addictive personality so when I like something I’m all in. I like making music.

Officiallastwordonline.com: For those who haven't heard you yet, describe your style and what sets you apart from other artists out today?

Nikel Fieldz: Aight everybody, go get your mixing bowls! (laughs) Throw Nas in it, Add a touch of Common, a sprinkle of Immortal Technique, a Bag Of Jay-Z,

Officiallastwordonline.com: A whole bag of Jay! That’s serious vitamin C!

Nikel Fieldz: A few dashes of LL Cool J, a box of Canibus (2nd Round knockout Days) Mix it all up, bring it to a boil and serve hot and you have, me! (laughs)

As far as what sets me apart i guess is my willingness to think outside of the box. i say the shit that everyone thinks but is afraid to say because of the possible repercussions. I say the shit that people with the status of Jay-z or Kanye can get away with because if they offend people. I’m genuine with mines. That’s what separates me I think. Most these dudes out here are yes men. Ive been known to tell someone that can help me to fuck themselves if i feel they’re acting funnystyle. I Work hard hard and don’t expect a handout so im gonna get where im goin regardless. I aint kissin nobodies ass to get there.

Officiallastwordonline.com: What are you working on right now? Do you have a mixtape out? Are you working on a album?

Nikel Fieldz: I just Dropped The Album "Almost Somebody" And it just hit itunes. it has been doin real well upstate sales wise. It’s my favorite piece of work so far.

I have a new street album that is about 90 percent completed that Dj Noodles will be hosting. Ill be droppin the first joint off that soon. As far as an album I write at least a song a day so I’m always working on an album. I don’t think i will drop another album for a while. I’m gonna focus on freestyles and opening up this internet market a little more but who knows.

Officiallastwordonline.com: What's your opinion of the rap game right now? Do you feel like you fit into the current rap scene?

Nikel Fieldz: Monkey See Monkey Do. There’s a lot of following going on. Not many artist are trendsetting or making music they like personally. Everyone’s tryin to just make money. As far as fitting in, nah I don’t think I fit completely. I never have really.

When I started Em hadn’t blown yet so it still wasn’t cool to be a emcee that happened to be white. As far as musically I think I fit well with the likes of the up and coming dudes like Joell Ortiz, Sha Stimuli, Skyzoo Etc.

Once i beak that public eye open though. I don’t think ill have a problem rocking with the likes of Jay-Z or Lil Wayne either though. I’m pretty versatile and I definitely make music that’s relatable on all levels.

Officiallastwordonline.com: Who are some of your influences in the rap world?

Nikel Fieldz: LL Cool J, Nas, AZ, Jay-Z, Black Sheep, I was A Huge Das Efx Fan, Big L, Common, Tribe Called Quest, and i mean Shit man I could Go on for days (laughs)

Officiallastwordonline.com: What can we expect out of Nikal in 08?

Expect The Unexpected..

Nikel Feildz: Where can we find you at on the internet? Do you have a myspace, a website?

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldzand nikalfieldz.com

- Mehka/ Officiallastwordonline.com

Raptalk.net caught up with Nikal Fieldz this week for an exclusive interview to talk about his brand new album entitled "Almost Somebody", his plans for the future and his brand new reality show. Make sure you check out the new track "Playin My Life" featuring Tre Williams at the end of the interview.

What's up Nikal Fieldz, where are you from, what do you do and why do you do it?

Whats good everyone. I'm from Rochester NY, I'm a Emcee, Producer, and umm well a few other things..

Let's start with the name, how did that come about?

My Boy that i have been friends with for years (also my Barber) one day was like
"you should call yourself Nikal umm nikal fieldz" I kinda laughed it off until he explained the meaning behind it which is nikal fieldz is the graveyard that anyone who opposes me gets left in. I did a song about it and it stuck.

You have a new album out available on iTunes entitled 'Almost Somebody' - what can listeners expect and what does the title reflect?

The title reflects that fact that I'm an artist that's on the verge. I'm far from new to hip hop but the thing I've noticed over the years is that your either nobody, an underground star, or a national recording artist. As an up and coming artist there's a lot of challenges. Most websites, magazines and other outlets don't cover music from unknown artist and how does unknown artist become known if you can't get your music in these mediums. In this industry people don't tend to support artist unless they think the artist already has the means to succeed without any outside help. it's kinda a catch 22.

"Almost Somebody" in a nutshell is just me stating that I'm in that in between phase. I'm getting a lot of support and there are a lot of people within the industry that know of me and my music and what I have accomplished over the past 15 years. Now its just getting the general masses to hear and see it all. Once that completed I will be "Somebody" in everyone's eyes.

First single off the album was 'Racist' , it was #1 on WBLK unsigned top 10 countdown, featured on various sites and mixtapes- why such a controversial single and what was the overall response from listeners?

It just made sense with the times. I had that record done for about 8 months prior to releasing it and with so much going on in the media with "Racism" why not? I've always been someone that goes against the grain and making what the industry reps would classify as a first single has never been my forte. I'm not big into fabricating my music and I write more from personal experiences and feelings than I do bullshit. I like to make people think and honestly racism is something white people in general seem to be afraid of talking about.

I'm not one of those people. The overall response was great. Majority of people that commented agreed with the message or at least some of it in the song. However like always there was still some negative feedback.

You have been getting a lot of press lately, what is it about Nikal Fieldz that people want to know about?

Whether I'm another Eminem clone or not (laughs)

You were recently featured on BET's ' Cypher' at The Fight Klub with Joe Buddens, Hell Rell and Drag on, what was that experience like and how did it feel spitting with the heavyweights?

It was great. I mean this is what i do so i was gonna do me regardless. The hardest part was deciding what to spit because there was such a wide array of artist. I didn't wanna spit something that was in the same lane as everyone there yet i didnt wanna go too left. The part of the verse they chose to air was cool cuz it opened the door up for the first single "Racist". I would have rather the other verse i spit was used tho.

Your a very lyrical emcee, in today's music industry climate it seems non existent, why do you stay in that lane and do you feel that will become the norm again some day?

I don't have a choice. I have a need to make sense when i write. i cant write just a bunch of blah blah blah bullshit. I've tried and that's harder then writing something with substance for me. I think there just has to be a balance and make sure you don't go over everyone's head. besides what artist do u know that came out with some bubblegum shit and maintained longevity? I'm building my fanbase one person at a time and id much rather have the respect of other underground artist than dumb my shit down.

It leaves room for collabs and at the end of the day its all about the music for me. As far as the norm. I think hip hop is in a good spot right now. its back to being independent and that means the music will be way more personal instead of following marketing guidelines. Do i think Hip Hop will return to what it was in the 90's. nah. its a new day and time. the world has evolved and the people within it are facing different things. I just hope that we can get back to more music with substance and actual messages returning to commercialised radio.

You have a new project coming out called 'Hip Hop Heroes' and you just dropped the first single 'Playin My Life' with Ill Will Recording artist and Nas Protege , Tre Williams, how did that collab come about and what's the songs concept?

Well that came about through my man Lucky (Luckymoney Music) and Dj Noodles manager. I've been kickin with both of them for a minute and this joint with Tre Williams had been passed to a few artist but nobody was liking what they did to it. They shot it to me and wanted to see what i could do. I heard it and with in hour wrote the whole song. I recorded it and the census was my version was by far the best and most original.

I'm thinkin Tre was going towards the direction of all these dudes out here faking being something they aren't conceptually. When I listened to the joint I wanted to go at it different. most people I know would been all about how dudes aint really sellin dope and shooting people but rappin like they do. I wanted to address the artist that claim that they're emcees and on their grind.

I know what grind is and i know what an emcee is cause i possess both qualities. a lot of these dudes is gettin on cause of who they know or are related to and majority of them dudes are rappers. and its funny cuz alot of them claim hip hop is fucked up but yet their the ones that are fuckin it up. When you get something handed to you you have no respect for it so you abuse it unlike if you had paid for it yourself. So i just came at the song like im out here grindin, managing myself, payin for everything outta pocket, sleepin in da whip on da road, passing out flyers and doin whatever is necessary to make some progress. Alotta dudes never sacrificed like that. This was the song for the artist that do and or have in the past.

You just came back from a 30 day tour in Shanghai, China, how as that experience and how was the response to your shows?

Man china is crazy. I was there last year for about 5 weeks and 4 weeks this year. The HipHop culture over there is refreshing cuz to them its like its just started. its really all about people having a good time and doin what they enjoy. The crowds go crazy. I mean its like im the biggest star on the planet. Dj Annalyze and I would rock 2 hour sets which majority of it i would just be a hype man and keep the crowd rockin. For the rest we would mix in my performance tracks and i would rock my songs or drop freestyles over instrumentals.

You have to be careful the way you rock there cuz the attention span is short. For an unsigned artist it was an incredible experience to have em embrace me cuz the scene in china is very controlled by the government and they really only know the top 10 songs from last year this year. they're pretty behind.

Talk about your new reality series, what's the name and what's the reason for the show?

The reality series is called "Your Gonna Love Me". The reason behind it is basically to give people a visual of what i do. I like to have fun and sometimes i do some outrageous shit. I'm not one of the people that you meet and forget about. I seem to make an impression on people. Alot of people think im an asshole when they first meet me cuz i say the shit people think and don't say. im pretty outgoing. usually the people that hate me become my closest friends with time.

Where can fans find you online?

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz
www.nikalfieldz.com

Any last shouts or plugs?

Shout to Midnite, Caleon, Black Sinatra, The whole Eyeconz and Don Status Team, Dj Noodles , Jamal, Trazz and the Fixyaface camp, L.I., Dj Sight, MOZ and the Left Lane Camp, The whole Upstate NY, My Man Lucky From luckyMoney Music, I wanna thank all the staff at 103.9 Wdkx and 93.7 Wblk for all their support.

And Make Sure you Go Cop That GTA4 Soundtrack produced By DJ Greenlantern. Shouts to my man Dwayne Collins And Donte Hawkins Both whom are featured on it. - Dub

Rochester, New York native and Eyeconz Music Group co-founder, Nicholas "Nikal Fieldz" McGuinn, is no stranger to Hip Hop culture. At age 11, he began experimenting with language and expressing himself in poetry and rhyme. This experimentation blossomed into a life-long passion and love affair with words that continues to this day.

Nikal Fieldz is known throughout Upstate, NY for his witty lyrical content, and in your face attitude. He has more than earned the respect of his peers, after years of honing his skills in many of Rochester's various Hip Hop events, such as Club Red's notorious weekly battles and freestyle sessions. Couple that with recent appearances on BET's Rapcity, and repeated song postings on the industry standard hiphopgame.com � and you can only arrive at one conclusion: He's got to be doing something right.
His most recent effort, the critically acclaimed "Almost Somebody," is drawing a great deal of attention. The record boasts a number of hard hitting tracks, but it is the controversial and politically driven "Racist" that stands out. It has increased awareness of Nikal Fieldz in Upstate, NY, and enjoyed a number of high positions on various college charts. Not many artists can lock their region and the internet at the same time.

Nikal Fieldz has performed and collaborated with up and coming and established artists, such as Hell Rell, Drag On, Joe Buddens, Nina B, Will Traxx, Young Buck, Papoose, Big Lou, Skyzoo, Torae, DJ Kay Slay, and DJ Envy. He is currently working on a project with the syndicated DJ Noodles (FixYaFace, Sirius Satellite, & Buffalo's WBLK 93.7 FM), while awaiting a return trip to China with fellow Rochester native, DJ Annalyze. With all that to look forward to in addition to an up and coming feature in The Source Magazine's "Off the Radar," 2008 looks to be a very promising year for Nikal Fieldz!

Now today RapCapital.com is gonna kick it with Nikal Fieldz and get indepth

For those that are getting to know you for the first time let em know the meaning behind your name.

Nikal Fieldz is the place that anyone that opposes me gets left in. Kinda like a graveyard they get buried in after challenging me.

Coming from Upstate NY's city of Rochester does it seem more of a curse then a gift being so far away from NYC's hiphop scene?

It�s a double edge sword I guess. I mean being that I�m from Rochester I don�t necessarily feel the pressure to be or do what artist are in NYC are doing. It gives me the opportunity to be who I am without being a follower and stay true to what my music represents. The main problem I�ve seen is that I�m not taken as serious I guess coming from a small city and the outlets are very limited here. I lived in Brooklyn for a while so I got to see firsthand the opportunity your surrounded by just being in the city. Being that it is so saturated with people you really have to go to the extremes to stand out. After my return to Rochester I applied some of the techniques I picked up down there and my buzz skyrocketed with nothing but college radio support at the time. Unfortunately that only does so much so I�m headed back to the city soon. As an artist you have to stay in the scene and be seen by the people that are really making it until the networking opens up on a more personal level.

Theres not too many real spitters left nowadays.... does staying true to the artform like you do keep you from main stream radio play in your opinion?

Nah, I don�t think so at all. I�ve written plenty of records and remained true to myself that were �Radio Hits�, in my mind anyways. Hahah. I think it is the money that plays a part now. If you don�t have the financial means to really work a record and rally support it�s almost impossible. There are so many people trying to capitalize off music now that even people in positions to possibly be that extra hand you need aren�t likely to lend it. Some have their own artist they are tryin to break, some just want money and some are just collecting a check and afraid of taking risk. Now if you had an artist and heard one of my songs that you knew would outshine them or your boss would trip cause he lost a discounted show from Lil Wayne cause he was one spin short that went to me, would you wanna extend that hand?

When did you decide "This is what I want to do"?

I never decided that this is what I wanna do I just do it. It�s natural for me. I live this. Anybody that has known me for over 10 years can tell you the only thing that�s changed is my frustration range. I make music and I want people to hear it. So being an artist isn�t all about just getting in the booth anymore. You have to promote yourself and find new ways to market something that is becoming less profitable as far as cd sales go. I�m good at shameless self promotion. Just yesterday I was almost arrested in Rochester�s Monroe ave area for standing on the corner selling cds with a sign that read �Nikal Fieldz Cd�s $3�. Now mind you that in the past two days we had 3 shootings that lead to the death of the victims not including shootings that weren�t life threatening. Yet the cops are worried about me selling cd�s. I�m just doing what comes natural and maybe I�ll make a living off of it. I�ll stay doing this whether I get paid for it or not.

You have collabed with alot of familiar faces from Young Buck, Papoose and Joe Budden ...what was it like making music with some of hiphop's elite top spitters?

Well I never actually made music with any of the above. I threw an album release party up in Rochester and wanted it to be big. We don�t have a lot of stuff like that up here put on by independent artist. So I, a friend of mine named Dre Bon And a new web based company NuPlay.tv all came together and threw a big bash. Together we brought up Young Buck to headline, and a rep from BET�s 106 & Park to do giveaways at my release party. That�s how the Young Buck thing came about. As far as Papoose goes that was just me opening up for him with like 10 other unsigned artist (lol) at the 721 showcases in NYC hosted by Kayslay. Now the whole Joe Budden thing came about when I made my appearance on BET�s Cipher segment on RapCity. I kicked it wit em after the filming and he seemed mad cool and down to earth. His music is dope and I respect him highly as an artist so I got his contact with intentions of collabin on a joint. I hit em a few times but he never responded. So it is what it is. I�m not looking for someone to solidify or co-sign me which I think a lot of artist look at the up and comers like just that. My music does that for me. I just respect talent and Joe is someone that if I heard on a local level I would reach out to like �yo lets bang on something�. It unfortunate that we didn�t link cuz not to be cocky or anything but there aren�t a ton of artist shining in the game right now that I would reach out to whether I was a big artist or in my current state.

What is your main goal in the music industry?

I don�t have a final goal to be honest. I don�t limit the possibilities. I just wanna make the music that I wanna listen to and maybe be able to feed myself while doing it. I�d love to get in a position where I can reach back and pull some of the talent Upstate into the light and or anybody for that matter that is talented. Right now I�m just looking at all angles of the business. I�m looking for my �Money Maker� so to speak so I am able to really go at the music without concerns of feeding myself. When I get paid for shows it goes right back into the music by way of promo or free cd�s or whatever so right now I�m still on the grind. But that alone has made my progress reach limits that some never thought possible. I have some big things in store for this year I�m just taking my time and making sure I have everything in line so I can capitalize on it all properly.

What were your inspirations coming up?

Life.

For someone that never has heard a song by Nikal Fieldz..name one that will make them an instant fan?

Your Gonna Love Me

Here at rapcapital.com we like to ask questions out of the norm so the fans can get a broader understanding on you...so here we go ......

Obama or Hillary?

Obama� The race speech sold me. I was for him before but that closed the deal.

The best food spot in Rochester?

Anyplace open with a garbage plate after the Bars close.

Before getting into hiphop what were you doing to make a living?

The same thing I�m doing now. Whatever pays the bills.

Would you sign to Suge Knight's new label?

Don�t know em personally I had to see what he is really like in person.

back to the norm

What new projects are on the way?

�Almost Somebody� is the album I�m pushin now. I promise you�ll be impressed.

The 1st installment of �Lost in New York� Mixtape series that I�m presenting hosted by Dj Noodles, Dj Bac-Spin, Dj Maestro and Dj 360.
A Best of Mixed By Dj Annalyze And �Hip Hops Hero� Mixtape/Street album Hosted By Dj Noodles

Any new features or producers?

I have a Banger with Nina B & Trazz (Dj Noodles Artist) that ill be letting loose soon. Also A joint with Nas� artist Tre Williams that I�m waitin for the official green light on.

Got a banger with producer M-Phazes and working on some stuff with Noodles as we speak.

Theres some joints on the table with Sic Osyrus, Sha Stimuli, SKYZOO, Emilio Rojas and a few others.

Where can the rapcapital.com viewers check yall out on the web?

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz
www.nikalfieldz.com � full site comin soon

Any shows coming up?

April 15th Faces in the Crowd showcase in Manhattan and then ill be
Overseas in Shanghai, China with Dj Annalyze for the entire month of May

WHY THE F*&k SHOULD ANYONE READING THIS COP YA CD?

Cause then they can�t complain that all the new music they are hearing sucks.

It was good kicking it wit you ..best of luck in the future.

Good kickin it wit you to, and the best to you as well.

- RapCapital.com

What's up Nikal Fieldz? Congrats on the win for the UMA Best Song of the Year! Let the people know about you and your movement.

Just grindin man and thanks homie I appreciate that. As far as a movement..umm ..well I wouldn't call it that. Everyone says they got some movement and majority of the people that say that aint doing shit in my opinion so I try to not label what I and my team do as a movement. I will say we workin though.

You have had a rather hectic year- touring overseas, dope album, a lot of press and online presence and now the win for UMA song of the year, how do you feel about all this positive progress in your career?

Once again Thanks and yeah its been an incredible year so far. Between Myself, J Hatch, B. Derouen, Greg at Shocksound and My Eyeconz team we've made a ton of progress. I've accomplished every goal thus far I've set for myself since Dec 07. The timing has been perfect "Racist" caught steam just as Nas was hugely publicized for his album title and insinuated content (Though I've been pushing the record for well over a Year). The progress came just as it was needed. I got to the point to where I started second guessing myself and what I do musically and was becoming open to other options when, BAM!!! Everything started poppin. I'm not one of these artist that knows someone that knows someone and kisses ass to get favors. I've put a Grind in for over 15 years now and developed my own network and built my own fanbase without any real major co-signs. To know that all this is happening off of genuine hard work and talent is a great feeling.


Talk to us about the climate of hip hop in Rochester NY?

It's Crazy up here man. I mean Upstate in general is real talented. In Rochester alone I could go through naming at least 5 to 10 artist off hand that get it in. Theres a strong circle amongst the few that are really out here working and gaining attention outside of the area on a bigger scale. Then you have Buffalo that has quite a few talented artist as well and the network between our cities is growing tremendously everyday. Toss Syracuse in there and Upstate is a force to be Reckoned with. I think the beautiful thing of it all is that everyone maintains their individuality as artist which creates healthy competition. One person raises the bar and everyone has to step there game up. Upstate as a whole has givin up on the thought that a label is coming to pick any one up that wont go hollywood so we going in hard for ourselves independently.

You've had a lot of radio support as well as DJ Noodles mixtape support, what's the importance of all that especially in your own backyard?

You know man its real important. The crazy part is Ive always held people down where I'm from and never tried reppin another city like alot of people have. Even when I was living in Brooklyn I repped 585 (Rochester area code). The bitch of it all was I had general support from people around me and people that knew what I was doin behind the scenes. As far as major support like Radio and most Djs thats all come as of late. I kinda gave up on trying to get it to pop in my hometown for a while and took what I was doin to cities outside of Rochester. I mean in Rochester I'm Nicholas McGuinn to people. I've lived there almost all my life but in Buffalo I'm Nikal Fieldz. People see you a bit different. I gained some radio support In Buffalo, popped up on BET with some well known signed or formerly signed artist, did an album release party up here that we had Young Buck headline and suddenly it became OK for people to like me I guess. Nothing changed as far as me as a person or an artist but my hometown seen that I was reppin them and that I wasnt playin with what I was doing. Since then its all kinda been uphill from there. For me thats an accomplishment in itself because I know how people here get down. Major artist get boo'd off stages if the crowds in a good mood. I know a few BIG artist that have had bottles and garbage cans thrown at them up here while performing.


Nikal is def a lyrical dude, do you feel people respect that or overlook it since lyrics aren't the most important thing in regards to being an emcee in todays music world?

Its a mixture. I mean other artist respect what I do because my writing and conceptual approach is almost unmatched by any artist out there right now. I'm passionate about my music and put myself in it completely. Granted I have some stuff thats fabricated for sense of entertainment value but 90% of music is based on what I know and have been through personally. I have A joint Called "Tell Me This Is A Dream" where for each verse I flip different storyline scenarios. In the second verse I go round about a chick I been wanting that ends up giving me HIV. I've had quite a few people ask me if I have AIDS because of that song because it seems like its a real experience by the way I describe the situation in the verse. Now these are the same type of people that are in the club rockin to "Get Silly". I take writing a song like a good actor in a movie. I mean if its real life based that comes natural to me but when its fabricated I do my best to put myself in that mode of the character that has gone through it so I can draw the emotion out of it. I literally sit and think to myself that its happened to me and try to feel what it would feel like to be that person. I got one joint that I never released about a man losing his wife in a car accident that I literally dropped a few tears writing. Now u tell me how can anyone ignore that kind of emotion?


Let's talk about your album 'Almost Somebody'- take us through the approach. From beat selection to concepts to promo to where you are now with the whole project.

The title "Almost Somebody" in itself came from the fact that I have so much going on behind the scenes that most people never even see. I have relationships at labels and stations across the country and they all like what I do musically but nobody has pulled the trigger. I have people I don't know come up to me like yo your music is dope keep doing what you doing your gonna get it. Its like musically I'm a Big Artist, the prob is the people that can can or won't push me to the next level are the ones that I'm in with. I'm standing next to someone that has no clue who I am or do yet two steps away there's a kid asking me to autograph my cd. As far as the music goes theres a few joints on there that literally sat in the comp at the studio for over a year or two because when I wrote them I was like this is hot, its timeless, and needs songs just as strong to surround it. Concepts come from what the beat makes me feel. If its a hard angry beat, I'm gonna come hard and angry about whatever I'm not not happy about at that point in time. I let the beats choose themselves. I've been at this long enough to know that forcing my hand on a song usually ends up in a joint that will never see the light of day. When I hear a beat and instantly have half a hook or a few bars of a verse that just come naturally I know theres something there. I know within moments of hearing a beat whether I'm gonna use it or not. On the otherhand, sometimes I like a beat but just might not be in the right space at that time to write what it makes me feel depending on whats going on in my personal life. I'll sit on those and come back to em a month or two maybe even a year later sometimes and end up writing a song thats crazy (At least in my opinion). As far as promo I hooked up wit my boy Brent that ..well lets just say was in a better position than i was financially. Hes always been a fan of my music and I was like yo I need some help, I know what needs to be done and how to do it to get this to pop but i don't have the funding. He handed me a grand before he left when I asked him for $700 for something promotional and was like do it and lemme know what else you need. I was like WHOA... hes in..lol.. Finally somebody sees what I see.. needless to say I explained to him my plan and what the outcome would be from each step and so far I've been right on the money every step of the way. I put together "Almost Somebody" Dropped "Racist" as the first single to college radio through my man Greg at Shockshound Promotions, hired J Hatch as a publicist and just went to work. The album is still doing numbers, the feedback is still great from new listeners and Racist smashed college radio and hit number 1 on almost every station it touched as well as brought me a win for Song of the Year at the 2008 Underground Music Awards. I'd say I'm still in a good spot with the album because its barely reached the masses.


Now that the album is out and about, tell us about the Hip Hop Heroes project and what you hope to gain with that.

Almost Somebody is the Album. I went in on it like an album and its my take on what an album is supposed to be and or sound like. There are very few things I would change on it now thats its done and out. It my opinion its a classic Hip Hop album and if I dropped on a major scale with that this year it would have been at least in the top 5 albums of the year excluding NO ARTIST signed or unsigned. As far as the Hip Hops Hero project with DJ Noodles its about wrapped up minus a few mixes. I got a couple of features on it from underground artist that people are familiar with. I went in on it like a mixtape except with all original beats from producers I know or have met through mutual friends. So I didn't follow any real format aside from the fact that its Hip Hop. I spit on some Hip Hop Shit over all Hip Hop Beats till I felt like dropping a hook if any at all. As far as the features like I said earlier I rock hard with artist from upstate so on this project I stayed more in the lanes with the known underground artist like Sha Stimuli, Donny Goines, A Pinks, Emilio Rojas, Clap Cognac, Nina B, Trazz, Tre Williams and a few others who are featured on the project. I just wanna drop something hot and give it away on some Hip Hop shit with dope artist.


Live show is very important when it comes to a new artist, describe yours?

Energetic and amusing.


You recently shot a video for 'Racist' off the 'almost somebody' album and it got nominated for a UMA then it caught on to the blogs like wildfire. Describe the song and its concept because some people are a little taken back by a white rapper doing a song about racism.

The song is basically just breaking down Racism in my eyes as a social standing versus actual skin color. The powers that be don't really care if your white or black they just care if your a valuable asset. What can a broke man do for a rich man financially. Nothing unless its manual labor at a low cost or even free (The Root of Slavery). I touched on political points about 9/11 and how we all became racist towards people of arabic decent at that point in time. I also touch on the current elections. I just wanted to write a song that would make people think outside of the box and was relatable to people of all color. Go listen to the song..lol.. And as far as a white rapper speaking on racism first of all, I'm an Emcee not some white kid that raps. There is a difference between an emcee and a rapper. And last I checked Bush hasn't taken away the 1st amendment just yet. I think people just weren't expecting a song of that nature to come from me or any other "white" rapper. I've actually received more backlash from other white rappers and people than any other race. Figure that one out....The concept for the video was basically that no one is listening. I'm talking about some real shit with real issues instead of selling you a billion dollar I'm rich off coke and have all the women in the world story. The masses are ignorant to what goes on around them because most people would rather be someone other than who they are. So anything that helps them escape their own life is good for them in their mind instead of thinking about the truth. That's why commercial radio is the way it is.

In the video I go through clips of riots and what not for the first verse while I'm performing on a large stage, the clips show mainly black people fucking up white people while I have a silloute of a KKK rally in the backround. That was me trying to show the extremist from both parties. One side you have a cult of white people that hate black people for being black and on the other you have black people whoopin white peoples asses with bricks and shit after the Rodney King incident even though the white people they were beating had nothing to do with the actual officers involved. The second verse shows me giving a speech on a football field and in a lecture hall while it flips to me handing out stop racism pamphlets like the Christians do and people take them only to toss em away without reading them. In the third, I basically go through a ton of location shots and a scene where I'm telling statues of Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass about all the craziness of September 11th and things going on with the government that in my opinion would have them bugging out if they were still alive. The video basically in the end just relays the fact that nobody is listening. I'm here talking about real issues in a way that most artist aren't and when it comes to Racism most people seem to look the other way.

WATCH THE ‘RACIST’ VIDEO HERE

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So, its Aug 08, 5 more months til 09, what's the goal for the rest of the year for Nikal Fieldz?

GRIND!!!!!!!! Ive seen alot of people get complacent after minor success and then they disappear. I WILL NOT BE ONE OF THOSE!!! winning this award was huge for me and after I returned to Rochester I'm feeling like OK I won.. blah blah blah.. whats next.. So its business as usual. I'm going into overdrive now. Ill Be dropping my new project with DJ Noodles and intend on dropping another before the years end. I'm also in the last stages of shooting my reality/documentary show that is scheduled for submission to Viacom in September. What that may bring who knows.


Where can fans find you online?

www.nikalfieldz.com

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz

Any last shouts?

The WHOLE 585!!!!!! and Upstate NY... Big Shout to everyone that voted for me. Stay Tuned!!! I want to thank everyone at that helped me promote the nomination and Big shout out to OPIEY...!!!!
- Corey Hill

What's up Nikal Fieldz? Let the world know about your movement.

No Doubt. We Moving. All I'm going to say is music, fashion, production, promotions and video.

You have been on fire this year in the press and you have been growing this undeniable buzz, what is it that attracts attention to your project?

Thanks for noticing I appreciate that. It's just hard work from myself and a lot of the people that I've surrounded myself by. I think the music speaks for itself and the fact that I'm white makes people curious. We present our stuff well. I guess you could say we play like big boys in the little league.


Earlier in the year you dropped a controversial record 'Racist' and followed it up with a video that had the blogs on fire. The record took some time to pop but eventually got nominated and won you UMA 'Song of The Year' take us through the year in regards to that song and how it all snowballed.



I was sitting on the record for a few months. It was originally a freestyle over the "Minority Report" beat but everyone around me was like man you need to make that a real song. So my partner Midnite went in on the boards and brought me back a head nodder. I wrote a 3rd verse, recorded it and then it was review time..lol.. There were mixed feelings and a lot of people were like man people ain't ready for this. The big thing was whether or not to leave the N word in the song or not. I and my inner circle decided to take it out would just take away from the sincerity of the song so we took a chance and ran with it. I hooked up with Greg Burke from Shocksound Promotions through my man L.I. and he started working it on college radio and it took off. Topping out at #1 on almost every station it touched. I linked up with J hatch through Amber J from Ravenel and Hatch was like man this record is big. We started blasting it and it was slow at first. It seemed like people were scared of the record and possible reactions it may have drawn. We just kept pushing, submitted for the UMA's, and not long after online interviews started popping up. It got burn in Buffalo on 93.7 WBLK and retired at 6 weeks at #1. It started popping up on websites and really just grew its own legs. I got notification it was nominated for Best song of the Year and I was like time for a video. I shot it with some help from a few people and taught myself how to edit it on Sony Vegas and Boom. We blasted it and it was Google's' 13th most blogged video of the day. The rest is history.

I heard a rumor about a 'Racist' pt 2 featuring another rapper with a big buzz out of NYC, care to speak on that?



It's produced by OZ and actually features 2 artists. One being Emilio Rojas who is originally from Rochester but relocated to NYC about 4 years ago and yes another that has a tremendous Buzz out of NYC that yall know as Sha Stimuli. They are both extremely talented and they are phenomenal writers. I'm pretty anxious to drop. You should see it within the next few weeks

Late last year you were on BET Cypher with Drag on, Hell Rell and Joe Buddens as well as up and comers Will Traxx and Nina B, speak on that whole experience.



It was cool. I mean at first I was like man I hope I don't forget my shit. That was my first national T.V. appearance and I wasn't sure what to expect. As soon as Drag Started spittin I was like man I'm good. It felt like I was on the block in a cipher. So it was like home to me. I went in with two verses and they used only about 8 bars and conveniently ended it with the word racist..lol.. I was hoping for a little more time but I guess it was a blessing in disguise.

One of the things I always tell new artists is to lockdown their hometown and create a buzz so everyone within a 20 mile radius knows their name, you've got Rochester NY on lock right now, how did you do that and what were some of the key relationships you had to start the ball rolling for you?



I wouldn't say I got Rochester on lock I do however have a lot of support between there and Buffalo. I mean I co own a studio with two incredibly talented people that we have operated for over 7 years together now. I've been doing this since I was 11 and literally since I got real serious like this is what I want to do at the age of umm 14, 15, maybe 16, I've traveled back and forth to NYC just trying to meet people and get into the offices. I've sacrificed a lot, I have a big mouth and don't take no for an answer. I think everyone I've met along the way has played some sort of part in where I am today. I believe one second of another person's time affects your life in some way or shape just by meeting them. People that laughed at me made me work harder to prove them wrong. People that support me make me work harder so I don't let them down. It's a win win for me. I'm a good dude at heart that is an asshole when I'm offended. My good side is a better side to be on. I think most people see that because I don't wait on anyone. I'll do this all by myself if I have to. I love working with other people when it comes to making music but don't mind doing it by myself either. I have a great memory so I'm always on my Fuck me now Ill Fuck you later shit. I have no respect for people that forget where they come from. In Rochester we've seen a few people do that. Ill never be that dude.

Let talk album, 'Almost Somebody' it's available on iTunes, what can listeners expect? And what has the feedback been thus far?



Feedback has been great. I haven't received as many written reviews as I'd like but the ones I have have been great. People definitely love the content and direction of the album. I went in hard. The production is phenomenal. The album is real, the concepts are crazy and overall it really is a great body of work. There's a song on there for everyone. In my opinion "Almost Somebody" is an album that sounds like what an album should sound like. There isn't very many of those coming out anymore.

Who were some of the producers you worked with on the album?

I stayed mainly in my home base for the project. I got my partner Midnite on there who is incredibly talented. DJ Sight who is dope with finding ill samples, my man Build P. Tha Coach who killed "Your Gonna Love me", Jay Quest on there with a banger, and my man Harvey Bailey all of whom are from Rochester. I also got my man Heist reppin Baltimore, and Alloy reppin Connecticut who both produced stand out tracks.


So what's next for you?



Grind, more press, new song, Ill be dropping my new project with Dj Noodles very soon, and I have a Reality/ Documentary show that is being presented to Viacom this September. Work Work Work…

Where can soon to be fans find you online?

www.myspace.com/nikalfieldz

www.nikalfieldz.com

- J Hatch