Undeniably SXSW 2016 was deservingly ruled by Anderson .Paak and BJ The Chicago Kid. Pair that with 2,0000-plus performances and every rapper trying to “shoot their shot” and it wouldn’t take much for a first time/up-and-coming artist to be just another face on 6th street.
Spotlight on REVOLT: Nick Grant “The Jungle”
For SXSW first timer Nick Grant this wasn’t the case. The 15-hour drive from Atlanta, GA with his Culture Republic family that included manager and industry heavy hitter Jason Geter didn’t deter the rapper from touching down and making moves.
The evening he arrived he made a special appearance at our #REVOLTon6 held at Vulcan Gas Company
The following day we kicked it with the southern-bred rapper for his first full-length day in Austin. The five-show day was filled with random artist run-ins, shared Now & Later candy, Oreo milkshakes and a whole lot of laughs!
When asked why make this year your first SXSW appearance he stated, “ I wanted to come out here with a purpose and plan, not just here to be here. I wanted to be able to bring something and get something out of the experience.”
Makes sense since his latest project, ’88, dropped last month (via soundcloud) and last week he released the video for his single “The Plan.”
At first glance, I wouldn’t think to coin Nick as rapper but once he hits the stage it’s a different story. He’s literally like a light switch ON/OFF. His metaphors and ’90s hip-hop references are something to pay attention to.
Even though watching him perform the same set five times can get repetitive, it was more interesting to see how the audience responded to the SXSW newcomer.
While we walked the streets from one show to the next minus the “I’m a rapper look at me” thrills…you know, the flyers, the tee-shirts and the over zealous videographer. I counted a minimum of seven, “Yo, Nick Grant, I really fuck with what you doing.” All followed by “Thanks, I really appreciate that” with a side smile and a head nod.
My favorite moment happened when we ran into REVOLT favorite Dave East on Congress St. Nick and Dave chopped it up and Dave said “ oh yeah, Charlamagne [Tha God] talks about you.”
Our time together ended as we arrived to the Mass Appeal BBQ hosted by Nas and DJ Khaled. I couldn’t help but recall the conversations I heard early about him wanting to meet Nas again. It was kind of dope when I woke up then next morning and saw the below on my timeline:
Nick did a little over 10 shows in four days and from what I’ve seen and heard this is just the beginning for him.
I suggest, if you haven’t already please get familiar with Nick Grant! Don’t wait for Nas, Talib Kweli, or Dave East to get that Nick Grant feature to say that boy nice!