10 Questions with Nardo Wick
Nardo Wick has quickly proven to be one of 2021’s breakout stars. Within weeks of its release, the confrontational video single “Who Want Smoke” soared past 10 million streams across platforms, including seven-figure performances on YouTube, Spotify, and Soundcloud, respectively.
His breakthrough appearance at the top of the year inspired one of the executives behind Judas And The Black Messiah: The Inspired Album to invite the rapper onto the soundtrack. Given just 24 hours to record his song, Nardo Wick delivered “I Declare War,”a standout on February’s chart-topping compilation on which he shines alongside some of the biggest stars in Rap and R&B.
Music gave the shy 19-year-old Jacksonville, Florida artist an outlet for expression, a mantra which carries through in his latest single “Shhh” and creates moments where the nonchalant rapper pivots to deliver raw and authentic lyrics to the camera without a flinch. Nardo is already cementing his place as one of Hip Hop’s newest stars and he’s just getting warmed up.
Tap in with Hip Hop's up next in this quick interview, where Nardo Wick gets into how he got his start in Hip Hop, working on the “Judas And The Black Messiah” soundtrack, and why Jacksonville is such a hotbed for talent. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Photo Credit: TerminallyMill
For those unfamiliar, tell us the story of your come up and how you got your start in Hip Hop.
I started rapping about a year and a half ago, but I knew that rapping is what I wanted to do when I was 14.
“Who Want Smoke” blew up, getting millions of streams across the streaming platforms. At what point did you know it was about to take off?
I knew who want smoke was going to take off when i started getting co-signs. I think someone played it in a club and the next thing I knew people were talking about it.
What was it like working on the “Judas And The Black Messiah” soundtrack?
It was a honor to work on the soundtrack and to be placed on it with those big names.
How were you able to record your song under such a tight turnaround?
I was able to record the song that fast because I knew what topic to rap about so it was easy. I also freestyle everything off top so it happens quick.
Jacksonville has been bringing the heat, with many talented artists dominating the charts. Why do you think it has become such a hotspot in Hip Hop?
It has the spotlight on us right now because of the talent!
What do you love most about your city?
The Rachetness and realness.
So, you just dropped a new Friday The 13th-inspired single and video, “Shhh”. What gave you the idea to have a horror theme?
It just came to my mind in the middle of the song to do the “ shhh shhh shhh shhh ha ha ha ha”.
A lot of your production has dark and encompassing vibes. What draws you to that sound?
I don’t know I just come up with the best lyrics to those type of beats.
Where do you want to be in life and your career around this time next year?
More elevated.
Anything else we should know?
I’m wicked.
