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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:
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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,
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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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