Nëk‘s new record, Spirit Flow Reloaded (Dark Mode), delivers a unique blend of jazz-infused hip hop, packed with laid back beats and a lo-fi sonic aesthetic. Hailing from Maryland, Nëk has created a sound that sets him apart from the crowd, combining jazz, blues, and hip hop to create a versatile sound that helps listeners gain knowledge and feel good.
Nëk’s sound is inspired by a range of artists, including Juice Wrld, Nipsey Hussle, XXX Tentacion, Capital Steez, and Isaiah Rashad. It’s clear that he has honed his craft, taking inspiration from these artists to create a sound that is uniquely his own. His lyrical content is rich and thought-provoking, tackling issues such as narcissistic behaviour, generational trauma, and complications in love in the modern era.
His recent record, Spirit Flow Reloaded (Dark Mode), is an impressive release that showcases his unique sound and lyrical prowess. With his jazz-infused beats and smooth flow, Nëk has created a record that’s both introspective and catchy.
His ability to tackle complex themes and create a sound that’s uniquely his own is a testament to his talent as a rapper and producer. This record is a must-listen for fans of jazz style hip hop and anyone looking for thought-provoking and innovative music.
We caught up with him to find out more about his inspirations, his new record Spirit Flow Reloaded (Dark Mode) and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Nëk below
What was your biggest highlight in 2022 as an artist?
My biggest highlight of 2022, artist wise was after 10 years of creating music I was finally able to trust in my content enough to drop and just seeing the reaction both good and bad is the best thing for me. So far I’ve seen areas to grow and what areas I excel at musically as well.
How did you first get into making your own music?
I’ve been into music for years, started out behind the scenes on the production side creating beats and even melodies for other artists. Music has been a huge part of my family since birth so I would say it’s something we all love regardless of notoriety or money. It’s our way to communicate.
Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?
I can’t say one specific artist made a lasting impression on me but here’s a couple that put things into perspective for me. The entire Pro Era Collective as far as lyrics is one of my biggest inspirations. That was one of the first times I ever heard spirituality over rap beats other than the Fugees. Rip Capital Steez. Speaking of the Fugees that’s another huge inspiration lyrically. Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel are literally the Mount Rushmore of rap for me. From a melodic standpoint, artista like Erykah Badu, Ledisi and Jill Scott are huge inspirations. The early 2000’s late 90’s really was the most profound era of music in my opinion.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?
Today I would say heavy inspiration from the late great Nipsey Hussle. I literally obsessively studied everything he did. Down to the business model he had music wise. Literally I would say the entire structure and design of the business end of music came from the teachings he had in his music as well as interviews etc.
How else do you find inspiration for your music ?
In the words of Nas, I literally draw inspiration from something as simple as a conversation I have with someone or something I encounter. Something as simple as the cadence of a deep breathe sparks inspiration for me musically. There’s literally so much to uncover and after years I feel I’ve barely scratched the surface.
How has your sound evolved since you started?
My sound throughout the years morphed from just lyrically to a really great blend of melodic and lyrical prowess. At first I would say my sound wasn’t an alternative sub genre sound it was just Hip Hop but throughout the years I’ve been able to come up with my own distinct Jazzy, Blues style of HipHop .
How do you use instrumentation to make your sound stand out?
In high school my Ap music theory teacher told me that my ears were golden, his words not mine. So depending based off the pitch of my voice I just studied which instruments best fit me. So for like example the saxophone most singers have a rather deep voice same thing with 808’s unless their using tune but I kinda jus go based off the sound of voice I came up with and add the plug ins or addition as I got to make the instruments and my voice sync.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
The best time I would recommend is when your feeling down. Needing some inspiration. Often times a change of perspective is just what we need to get us up and moving.
How did you find making your recent EP ‘Spirit Flow’?
I really enjoyed the creation of Spirit Flow. My first debut EP was something I worked on secretly for a little over 2 years. I really felt that it served its purpose as both a learning moment and introduction as myself as an artist and my sound.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
Spirituality is a way of life and not a trend. It’s more than a set of principles you read and follow. It’s the application to your life. And also no matter how horrible things can get never let your heart get so black to where love doesn’t exist or only exists to a select few.
What can listeners expect from your upcoming music?
More versatility and more constant drops. I have a huge array of sounds and concepts and things to put out there that I can’t wait for the world to hear. Stay Tuned 🙂
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
I’ve been listening to a lot money man honestly. He has a lot of game for people that come from a similar environment as me as far as generating wealth. Any artist that understands educating yourself and growing from your environment is a real one in my book. Plus, I pick up and apply those things in my life .
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
A lesson ultimately. I wouldn’t call myself a rapper or even an artist, I would just say a musical messenger. It’s a specific reason why I say certain things a certain way on a certain beat with a certain cadence.
What’s been your favourite live show so far?
Well I haven’t been able to do many live shows just a few local ones throughout the years but a dream live show to be able to do would be the dream-Ville fest and rolling loud .
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Paris. Flatbush Zombies, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Nëk.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Be yourself and the only person you have to compete against is yourself. Just because one artist does this or that doesn’t mean it’s one set blueprint to your destination. Also, you have to make mistake in order to learn. Just don’t make the same one twice – fool me once shame on you, fool me twice that’s on me.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?
Music all year and continuing to build my business and develop a strong team.
Listen to Spirit Flow Reloaded (Dark Mode) below
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