NIO THA GIFT

Who is Nio tha Gift ?

Im a young man from the streets of Richmond,CA blessed with Gifts from GOD. Im here to make a statement and bring TRUTH back to HIP HOP. That’s me in a nutshell. lol That’s Nio Tha Gift aka The Lieutenant in GOD’s Army

What would you describe your rap style as?

I’d like to think of it as real,inspiring,thought provoking,soulful,creative,clever,oh yeah and did I say REAL? lol jk (kinda) Just put it like this, if you put on the right beat i’m going to put all of me into it.

How old are you?

I’m 22 years old

What’s your ethnicity?

Black,Filipino,and Japanese

How did you get into the music industry?

I was into music early. I’ve known how to sing since I was 1 year old and I’ve known how to rap since I was 6, but I didnt get serious about the business side of things until I was 18. I started my own company and the whole nine, but my main focus is always “MY MESSAGE” I believe it’s what sets me apart from other artists,plus I figured if I was going to be doing this I might as well cover all ground. I’ve never liked authority so becoming my ownb boss was pretty much the only way I saw myself going. But this has been a very long and emotional grind. I’ve had good experiences and Amazing ones,bad experiences and Horrible ones, yet and still as I reflect on my past in this game, I wouldn’t change a second of it.

I listened to many of your songs via myspace and I feel like you are a lyricist. Do you consider yourself a lyricist?

First off, let me say thank you for your support and taking a liking to my music you are appreciated and I hope you continue to support. Ok so do I consider myself a lyricist? Um yeah sure. hahaha No but on a serious note Yes I do. I’m a total HIP HOP HEAD so lyrics are very important to me as a fan of HIP HOP so as an artist I feel like I owe it to HIP HOP to spit “LYRICS”

As I watched a few of your youtube videos, I heard your soulful voice. I was impressed with your rifts and vocal range. Did you ever have vocal lessons or does your family have a musical background?

Thank you so much. I’ve never taken vocal lessons. I was in Choir for one year in middle school and one year in high school, but I joined so I could serenade the girls in class.hahahaha So I didnt really catch the lessons. But yes my whole family has a musical background. My Mom sings and writes deep poetry. You can buy her book on Amazon.com she writes under the author name “BUTTAFLI” and the title of her book is called “ECLEXTASY” that’s where I get my ability to write. My Father sings and plays the piano, my older brother plays the piano,my younger brother raps,and my little sister can sing and write her ass off! My whole life was sports,music,and everything else came after. Now my life is completely about GOD,FAMILY,and MUSIC.

Are there any other talents that you have beside rapping and singing?

I was a standout athlete my whole life until I stopped and disconnected from basketball forever so I could follow my fate of being one GOD’s messengers. I also am a pretty gifted writer and storyteller. I also draw.

I know you are an entrepreneur because you started your own label and have artists on your label? What made you create your own label?

I started SNF Entertainment so myself and other gifted artists would have an outlet to send our messages. An umbrella of Rebel MC’s fighting for a positive cause. We don’t have enough outlets for people to become successful out here because noone wants to stick together. So I decided to create a family of my own.

What are some artists that you have collaborated with? And what artists would you like to collaborate with?

I’ve worked with just about every artist in the bay, outside of the bay i’ve worked with Jim Jones,Lil Boosie,Bali,Murda Mook,Ray Cash,Chip Tha Ripper who is on Kid Cudi’s debut album,Planet Asia,Badd Lucc,grammy award winning producers “The Runners,” and 2010 grammy award nominee singer/songwriter Kevin Cossom,

Are there any producers that you would like to work with?

I’d love to continue working with THE RUNNERS I love those guys like brothers and I respect their genius. Dr. Dre,Pharell,Just Blaze,Kanye West,Bangladesh,Timbaland, and The Justice League

I saw a youtube video of you and Mistah Fab in the studio. I like to see Bay Area artists supporting one another. Your freestyle in the video was pretty dope. Would you
ever consider battle rapping?

Funny thing is I used to battle rap in high school but I never thought to make a career of it. Shoutout to the big homie FAB another dope MC from the BAY.

Before I listened to your music, I knew who you were. You are very well connected and respected throughout the Bay Area. What contributes to your following and support from other artists in the Bay Area?

Being a REAL PERSON goes a long way out here. People know through my music,through my tweets,and my facebook status updates, that i’m a very spiritual and down to earth person. I feel like people feel connected to me as a person as well as an artist. It’s all about unity I just keep it real with everyone.

Also, there was an article about you performing in China. You were the first rapper that was allowed to perform there before Jay Z, 50 cent or Run DMC. You have to tell me how that happened?

That’s a really long story.lol I had a huge write up on the front page of the business section of the Oakland Tribune in 2007 and I have all the footage from my trip there. Stay tuned for the DVD

What keeps you grindin’ in this music industry that is constantly changing?

GOD,MY FAMILY,THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD,MY HOOD,AND HIP HOP AS A WHOLE. I never worry about the changes the industry makes because I believe if I paid it any mind I would have gone crazy by now.lol All I can do is remain focused and keep FAITH in knowing that GOD will see me through when the time is right.

Where does Nio Tha Gift see himself in 5 years?

We’ll just have to wait and see.lol I’ve learned to take it one day at a time, but just know that everyday I’m going to GRIND HARD! I’m on a mission right now. I just need the people to listen and stand behind my message. Hopefully that will be considered past tense when we talk 5 years from now. hahaha

THANKS TO NIO THA GIFT FOR THE INTERVIEW !!!!!

Pictures Courtesy of http://www.myspace.com/niothagift0