Raised in Oakland, CA, Nappy Nina performed slam poetry throughout her adolescence before moving to Brooklyn, New York, in 2012 in order to pursue music full-time. Nina released her debut EP Naptime in January ‘15.
Let’s hop right into this lead entry, ‘Out The Park,’ featuring Swarvy — Tell me about this particular track; how did it actually come to fruition?
‘Out The Park’ was made last June, though Swarvy made the beat back in 2021, he played it for me and as soon as I heard it I felt drawn to the drums and wanted to make something that sounded BIG and bragged a little bit more than I usually do.
Of course ‘Out The Park’ comes courtesy of your forthcoming new LP, Nothing is MY Favorite Thing — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
Shit feels like it's moving too fast right now and I'm trying to slow it down by making things with Swarvy that force you to take time for. We both think it's important to move with intention in what feels like the end times. This record requires attention and is best to listen to when you have nothing else to do.
How then does Nothing is My Favorite Thingeither differ and / or compare to previous Nappy Nina efforts?
I think all of my records stand alone as their own thing but this one is probably the most cohesive piece of work I have to date. It's a full journey into a world Swarvy and I built for ourselves in studio sessions in both L.A. and Philly, hectic shit was happening around us while recording but we were able to dial in and make this music.
What particular string of events led to your initial linking up with industry veteran / producer and A&R extraordinaire, Mr. Dante Ross, ultimately inking with his Stimulated Music imprint?
It all started with a DM, he heard something I did and reached out seeing what I was up to next. Dante has been really supportive and It feels important that we are working together, as the first artist he signed to Stimulated I’ve had a chance to sit back and admire the legacy I’m a part of in Hip Hop.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music -- When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Nappy Nina?
I’ve always been interested, music has been a force in my life since I was in the womb foreal. I grew up in a musical community and both of my parents influenced me heavily with their music choices in the car or shows they would take me to. I wouldn’t say I was encouraged to be a musician but I definitely saw the possibilities of being a professional artist since I was young.
Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I'm from Oakland, California, and spent time growing up in Union City, California, as well. I have hella influences. It's hard to say who were the strongest but growing up in Oakland I was listening to a lot of local shit like The Attik, The Pack, Zion I, Mistah F.A.B., and then was really into Jay-Z and Missy and a few Nas tracks. I would pick Reggae records out at my dad’s crib and was really into the roots, my inspirations were and are still all over the place.
In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
I don’t think I classify it. I like finding as many different pockets that I can over interesting production and whatever that comes out to sound like is my sound.
As a lyricist, when you sit down to pen your rhymes where do you draw inspiration from?
Just the day to day, I am a witness to everything happening around me so I always have my eyes open and head on a swivel, I never know which little things that happened in my day are going to make it back in one of my tracks.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Right now I’d say Queen Latifah, I been doing a deep dive back into her catalog and there is just so much heat! Plus she had the illest fits in all her old videos, I’d love to rap with her and make something for both coasts.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
L'Élysée Montmartre in Paris, because of the the song ‘You Got Me’ by The Roots.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Whew! Loaded question, I think some really beautiful, unique and important things in Hip Hop are being made now / have been made in the last five years. I also think there are some traditions and restrictions in Hip Hop that shoulda been long gone.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Staying inspired and remembering that my practice goes on whether people are watching or not.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I want to make films. I have written a few short scripts but definitely think it's a tool I’m looking forward to sharpening.
What’s an average day like for you?
I wake up at like 6:30 / 7 go to my local skatepark to chill, smoke, set some intentions for the day and then I get it. Some days that means typing away on my computer for a day job and on better days it means making music, or learning something new or collabing with homies.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
I always appreciate folks who support, I love chopping it up after shows or online, it's a really beautiful experience getting to listen to someone tell you what they feel or experience when they listen to your work.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Finding outfits, lol! Shopping is my weakness, I don't have the patience. My favorite part is the making and the collaboration. I like being pushed and pushing other artists to step out of their comfort zone.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Doing the thing you want to do doesn't always feel good, the lulls are going to try to take you out, don't let them. You have to find a way to always trick your mind into knowing that you are great and that it's undeniable and that it's only a matter of time before everyone else knows.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I mostly see myself on the beach, listening and reading and swimming as much as possible. I'd love to tour with a trio within that time and have some big stages under my belt.
As for the immediate, what's next for Nappy Nina?
Nothing Is MY Favorite Thing LP from myself and Swarvy and touching stages in as many places as I can.
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