Many say that the true feeling of expression is being sacrificed for the almighty dollar. That the music that once dwelled only in the streets of New York is now battling itself to keep its true identity while it grows. Though hip - hop music is highly saturated with artist of different backgrounds, sounds, and hometowns, many still believe that the creativity factor that once made hip- hop such an innovative sound has been lost to the overwhelming demand for "commercial songs".

As the battle ensues, along comes Washington DC born Nicholas Baker (formerly known as Nick L Bagg) who before anything else is a lover of all music. He believes hip-hop has no boundaries and should be pushed as far as she can go. Being a hip hop artist as well as a producer he feels he can impact the music industry with heart felt lyrics and soulful music. 

Baker's music can be best described as versatile. By blending and experimenting with all types of sounds, he tries to find new and innovative ways to take the music to another level. He prides himself on being a "True MC", who can attack any type of music with a various amount of different flow styles. Whether through his lyrics or through his music, Baker's goal is to make people aware and change lives. Touching a wide variety of topics with his sound, he strives to inform, help, and comfort others.

Born Devin Gross, the child of a single parent home (mother), Nicholas was introduced to music at an early age. His grandfather sang in the church choir and his uncle always listened to the latest music on the airwaves. Not knowing the impact these listening sessions would have on his future taste, he always just enjoyed the music for what it was; Classic. In fourth grade Nicholas began lessons on the trumpet. He played instruments all the way through grade school but it wasn't he went to Fairmont Height's high school, in Landover, MD, that his true love for music began to form. His Music teacher, Mary Cole, helped him realize that music was not just a hobby but that it was a passion and it was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Growing up around violence, drugs, and crime did not always make it easy to stick to his plans but he knew there was a destiny for him to fill. He went on to attend Hampton University where he studied Music Engineering. Determined to learn all there was about recording he stayed in the studio perfecting mic skills and learning music production.  

Now signed to the Maryland based Mid East Records and co- founder of Bully Music Group, with artist/producer Donnie Brasco, Nick is prepared to make his mark on the music industry.  So be on the look out for that DC bred, the one and only "Heir to the Throne", Nicholas Baker!!!

Nicholas Baker

Location: Maryland 

Contact:  myspace.com/nicklbagg  - myspace.com/mideastrecords - Mideastrecords.com  email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Urbansteez.com Interview with Nicholas Baker

Urbansteez.com: Tell us your name, and what area do you represent?

Nick Baker: Nicholas Baker, DMV-  DC,MD,VA

Urbansteez.com: How long have you been pursuing a career in the music industry?

Nick Baker: 7 years

Urbansteez.com: What were you into before music?

Nick Baker: I have always been into music one way or the other. Whether strictly from a fan perspective, learning to play instruments, to pursing my career it's always been my passion.

Urbansteez.com: That's a good look!! As an artist how would you describe your style and why?

Nick Baker: At this point I would say eclectic cause more then ever I am trying to push the envelope with my music and try new sounds and styles.

Urbansteez.com: If you had your pick which label to be signed to, which label would it be and why?

Nick Baker: I would probably say GOOD Music, Kanye West label because they seem to be releasing music that pushes the envelope and steps away from the bandwagon of what everyone else is doing.       

Urbansteez.com: I see... fa sho!! Who in your future would you want to collaborate with and why?

Nick Baker: Honestly I would have to say Mint Condition, one cause I love the live sound and to me they are one of the illest bands around. And Stokely is an amazing vocalist. I would say Lauryn Hill as well no explanation needed on that one.

Urbansteez.com: I still have mint condition in the rotation, Stokely can flat out blow....What are you working on now, and when can we expect to hear more of you?

Nick Baker: I am currently working on my third album entitled The Blue Water Symphony

Urbansteez.com: Who are your influences?

Nick Baker: Jay-z, Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, Common, Just Blaze, N.E.R.D, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and the list could go on and on. I feel I can find influence in all music which is why I have such a wide variety of music that I like.

Urbansteez.com: What do you think of the hip hop / music world right now?

Nick Baker: I think music is in a slight crisis as far as album sales go not only to the rise of downloading albums, but to the lack of artist development. It seems to be more important to get a quick hit then to groom artist to have long lasting careers. There are a lot of puppets in the industry right now who have that one hit and the rest of the album is lack luster. I say give people an album worth buying and they will. Give them just a single worth buying and they will download it.

Urbansteez.com: That's wassup! I like the logic behind that!! Where do you see yourself a year from now?

Nick Baker: this time next year we plan to be doing the promotional tour for the new project, so keep your eyes and ears open for that.

Urbansteez.com: What will you do with your first royalty check?

Nick Baker: Probably get another keyboard, save some, freshen up the ice game, pay off some bills, can't get too flashy off one check gotta let it stack a bit before the big purchases come.

Urbansteez.com: When you make it big, what car will you first purchase?

Nick Baker: I really dig that  Mercedes S550, or a Phantom if you really want to get fly with it.

Urbansteez.com: Watch out pimpin!! I feel that..What's in your sound system right now?

Nick Baker: I am digging some of the Gym Class heroes stuff,  the American Gangster album, surprisingly that Danity Kane joint, the harmony work and vocal arrangements are crazy. And lately I been into Curtis Mayfield.

Urbansteez.com: Which female in the game would you pursue first and why?

Nick Baker: Probably Lauren London simply cause youngin is gorgeous and she seems to have a good vibe with her.

Urbansteez.com: How can fans contact you in the future (myspace, email, PO box, etc.)??

Nick Baker: myspace.com/nicklbagg, myspace.com/mideastrecords, Mideastrecords.com, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Urbansteez.com: ANY SHOT OUTS???

Nick Baker: Shout out to my Mid East Records Fam, J Blaza, M. Forbes, Donnie Brasco, Feel "Da Boi" Mason, J. Steele, Pro, Ms. Drea, Beba, Obsession Band, all the DMV, Black NITTI, Atif, Ivan T, any true artist in the game keeping the art form alive , Be Easy

Check out Nicholas Bakers hits, " Believe it" and "Hands up" at myspace.com/nicklbagg, Oh Boy!!

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