I really wanted to get inside the mind of nick bowens, after listening thoroughly through each piece of his work, and keeping close track of his twitter, where he’s recently been treating his growing fan-base to a variety of slick covers and freestyles, some over well-known beats that are PLEASINGLy suiting to nick’s smooth and intellectual styles, rather than just laying bars over a beat whilst its popular.

The first piece of nick’s work I listened to was his earliest tracks “free ya mind”, in which nick is self-motivated by what is made about to be his conscience talking to him. the gradual loop allows nick to express what is on his mind without rushing to get his bars out; it is clear that nick’s message is calculated, and he has a lot on his mind and a lot to say.

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This is fortunate for his audience which are showing continuous love and support on social media for each piece of work he releases, and with his next project coming “before graduation”, Nick has plenty of time to make this work his greatest thus far, after his last project “Soul Searching”, which really showcased his growth in confidence and comfort within his work between “time EP” and “Soul Searching”. As anticipation builds within his supporters, we can only wait and see what Nick Bowens has to offer in 2017.

 

Here is my interview with Nick Bowens:

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How satisfied are you with the progression of your work thus far?

 

I’m very satisfied with the progress that I’ve made in just my one year doing this, but with that being said I know that I can do better. Just takes time and work.​

 

What was your favourite piece of work to make? (i.e. most enjoyable/most proud of?)

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“Free ya mind” has to be the one that i’m most proud of. I wrote the song in less than 30 minutes. I didn’t have to force anything and I think you can hear that while    listening to the song.

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What/Who inspired you to make and share your music?

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As a kid I grew up in a broken home. With my dad in the streets/jail and my mom bringing different men around the house seeming like every week I had no one to talk to. I started writing in the fifth grade... I didn’t even think about beats or anything at the time, I just needed to clear my head. I actually still have the notebook full of my elementary level rhymes. I started playing football and stuff so I had forgotten about the music thing, but around 10th grade I picked it back up and I was serious about it. I started rapping to beats, but I had no way of getting recording equipment. Once I was 16 I got a job and eventually bought some equipment to share my music with others who might go through or feel the same as I do at times. The rest is living history.

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What was your inspiration behind “Soul Searching”?

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I started working on “Soul Searching” during the summer before senior year. The inspiration smacked for that tape smacked me in the face multiple times. I was in a place in my life where everyone was trying to feed ideas in my head of who I should be or what path I should take. I’m currently still in that place in life… I’m pretty sure I’ll be in that stage until I make something of myself. I finished up the tape towards the beginning of senior year, but I feel like I rushed it. Like I was just in a rush to drop a project. I plan for my next project to be much more progressed.

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Favourite artists currently? Favourite artists of all time?

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I listen to so much music that my favorite artists are always changing, but some of my favorite artists are the whole TDE crew, the whole Dreamville crew, Mick Jenkins, Raury, Kodak, pretty much the whole Pro Era squad, Moxie Raia.. she has a beautiful voice. I listen to a lot of Soundcloud/underground cats too like Woodrow, Ace Grand, and Curtis Roach. I wish I could list everyone that I listen to, but I’d be here all day.

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Opinions on Kanye West’s year?

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I’m not gonna lie. I’ve never been a super hardcore Kanye fan… not because I think he’s a bad artist, but because I’ve never tried to dive into his music like that. I wish nothing but blessings onto him though.

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Opinions on the Hip Hop of 2016?

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There’s been so much dope stuff dropping all year. If you say “Hip Hop is dying.” or “There’s nothing but trash out there.” you’re simply not making an effort to discover all of the good artists out there.

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Opinions on the future of Hip Hop for our generation?

 

I’m excited and worried for the future of our Hip Hop generation because I know there will be plenty of dope artists out there, but I’m worried that no one will be able to discover them because most of our generation isn’t really into the “hip hop” scene. I’m afraid that it’ll get pushed back and there will be a kid in his room making great music that will never see the light of day.

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Whats a typical weekday and weekend for Nick Bowens, and how does this coincide with your music?

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A typical weekday for me is going to school then coming home to either work on music or watch netflix for 17 hours. My weekends are pretty much the same. I don’t leave the house much even though I’ve been granted a lot of free time since I quit my job.

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What is the most fun thing you have ever done?

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Freshman year I went to this New Year’s party where I drank for the first time. We popped fireworks and shit all night. I passed out on the couch and woke up in a bed that wasn’t mine. When I checked my phone I was tagged in pictures that I took with girls that I didn’t remember meeting. I also threw up for most of that day, so my best night was my worst morning. I definitely don’t plan on drinking again.

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What life experience did you learn from the most?

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I learned the most and base my decisions off of what my parents have done. Like I said I grew up in a broken home, so there was plenty to see. From my dad turning to crack, then turning to jail, then turning to selling drugs  to my mom with her alcoholic and men situations. I’ve learned and I’m still learning…. I guess trying to make the best decisions possible, but that takes me away from a lot of experiences that I feel I should’ve lived.

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How long do you plan to stay in Texas?

 

I don’t plan on staying in Texas for the rest of my life. I plan to move as soon as I’m able to put myself in a better situation with more opportunities.

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Do you have any plans/goals to achieve in the next 5 years?

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Since I’m a senior and I’m not really popping enough right now to solely rely on this music shit I obviously have to go to college so I won’t be working at a restaurant for the rest of my life. If I didn’t like that scene at 17 I definitely won’t like it at 30. So I guess I plan on finishing college in the next 5 years, but music will still be in the picture.... I’ll just see where it takes me.

 

Whats a typical Nick Bowens outfit? Do you have your eyes on any clothes/shoes?

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Haha I guess I’m a “basic nigga” because you’ll likely catch me on the scene wearing some vans, some jeans, and a jacket. I used to really be into shoes and stuff, but I lost interest in that.

 

Where would your first show be held?

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I would like my first show would be held wherever people genuinely fuck with me, but I can’t really be picky. I’ll be grateful to perform anywhere.

 

How would you describe your love life currently?

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nonexistent, but I’m hoping for that to change soon.

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BE SURE TO CHECK OUT NICK BOWENS' LATEST PROJECT "SOUL SEARCHING", OR ADDITIONALLY HIS WHOLE SOUNDCLOUD, TO TRULY EXPERIENCE THE PROGRESS OF THIS GROWING TALENT. I ALSO RECOMMEND FOLLOWING HIS TWITTER TO ENSURE YOU NEVER MISS A NEW RELEASE. THANK YOU FOR READING.

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NICK BOWENS - EARLY DECEMBER 2016

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