It’s been a crazy ride in the past two years for Nike Nando. At one point, he even questioned himself if putting out music was still something he wanted to continue doing. Now with a re-energized passion and drive, he’ll be returning from over two year gap since the release of his last mixtape, Love Day. So before the release of his new mixtape SprdLv later tonight, I got a chance to chop it up with the rising DMV artist about a couple things that led to the creation of this project. Hit the jump to read the interview.
Explain the meaning behind the title, SprdLv.
NN: It’s sort of explains itself. But to me it has deeper meaning. It’s a way I’ve decided to live my life following a very harsh two years. I want to even show the people who’ve hurt me that I want nothing but the absolute best for them.
How would you describe the sound of this project?
NN: I would like to say that to me it sounds really laid back and chill. Something you can drive to and feel good about yourself.
You’ve been in the game for a considerable amount of time now, was it easier getting the features and beats you wanted from people this time around? What was the recording process like recording this project compared to your previous ones? Was there anything in particular that inspired you?
NN: It was a lot easier to reach out for features then again it wasn’t. I originally reached out to Vinny Chase to get on Grand Marnier but his schedule was really hectic so we didn’t actually get a chance to make it happen. The song still turned out really dope though. Beats were very hard to come across. I had one sound in mind and majority of the beats I received did not fit my vision. But what particularly inspired me was my best friend whose in the industry gave me a talk and told me that a lot of local guys are on they’re last with opportunity. The ball is in my court even if things aren’t the way they should be. Also how I got hated on back in my own city of Bowie. All of that inspired SprdLv.
How did “Double Dragon” with Tabi Bonney come together? That track goes hard.
NN: Tabi has been a artist from here I’ve looked up to since forever. I contacted Tabi one night on twitter and the rest was history. Hopefully we can make more tracks in the future. I’d love to do a EP with him…Keep your fingers crossed. [Laughs]
Looking at the final tracklist, why was ‘1988‘ not included on the project?
NN: I felt that track was a little too old and I wanted to do something really fresh for the release of this project. It was just a snack for my loyal listeners.
That means the only song we’ve seen visuals for off the tape is ‘Platinum’. What other song can we see receiving the visual treatment?
NN: Yeah, but Im gonn a wait till after the tape drops to see what’s everyone’s favorite track is and go from there. Haha. Maybe.
What are some producers or artists you would’ve liked to work with that you weren’t able to?
NN: Vinny Chase definitely. ASAP Twelvy, Casey Veggies & Bun B. Some producers I’d like to work with are Cookin Soul, Harry Fraud, Statik Selektah and Tone P.
What other plans do you have for the rest of 2013? What goals have you set for yourself this year that you’re trying to accomplish?
NN: Just to become a smarter businessman and know when to quit when it comes to certain things.
Nike Nando’s SprdLv hosted by DJ Grady is set to drop tonight at 8PM EST.
