Who is A1 Nino?
A1 Nino was born and raised in the streets of Little Rock, Ark. where gangs, drugs, and violence are on every corner. Always living his life in survival mode, often it feels like that there’s no escaping it. There’s only one thing but to hit the studio and let the pen bleed and the song cry. On the way to becoming the first of his kind from Arkansas join us on his journey.
The Hype had a chance to talk with A1 Nino to dig deeper into this artist mindset.
Hype: Where are you from and when did you fall in love with hip-hop?
A1 Nino: I’m from Little Rock, Arkansas born and raised and I’ve always been around music and loved music but it wasn’t until my brother died that I decided to make music.
Hype: Who are your musical inspirations/influences?
A1 Nino: I don’t really have anyone that influenced my style, but I listen to all types of music from The Isley Brothers, Future, Young Thug, Peewee Longway and the list goes on.
Hype: You’re from an area with a lot of history & being a first generation hip-hop artist (Internet era), how do you feel your music represents the city?
A1 Nino: I feel like I bring a different sound from what Arkansas used to. I can be melodic, I can soulful, and gritty. I can evoke painful music that makes you feel something. Most music these days doesn’t do that.
Hype: What’s life like in Arkansas for a young black male?
A1 Nino: Not gonna lie it’s tough, it’s gritty, and treacherous. Living in Arkansas forces you to become a man early. It can be a war zone, but it can also be full of fun memories you cherish. All in all keep your head on a swivel, stay with a pistol and you can be one of the few that can make it out alive.
Hype: What was the biggest lesson that you’ve learned about come-ups and setbacks that keeps you balanced in the game?
A1 Nino: Money comes and goes, and to be successful in life you gotta be able to take a loss and take risks. This shit doesn’t come over night, everyone else’s pattern and race isn’t yours, just stay the course and keep running your marathon until you’re finished and can say job well done.
Hype: You released your Happy Ending and Sorry For the Weight projects last year and you fast forward a year later, do you feel that last year gave you enough time to think clearly about what your purpose is for Arkansas hip-hop?
A1 Nino: I don’t really think about that, I use music as therapy. I feel like that I’ve solidified my role or purpose in Arkansas Hip-Hop I have nothing to prove or lose. I’m just glad to be looked at as somebody that pushed the envelope for Arkansas artists that’s here and to come.
Hype: You and your producer Space stay cooking up some fire in the studio, how did y’all master that energy to effortlessly drop records track for track?
A1 Nino: We grew up together but one day I just decided to take things serious, and can’t go to YouTube stealing beats my whole career, we were both coming up making a name for ourselves and wanted to help each other. We believe in each other like Lil Baby and Quay, Global, or Metro and Thug and just rocked out, it came natural and organic, it wasn’t forced at all.
Hype: What separates you from the rest of your peers?
A1 Nino: I feel like it’s my work ethic. When I’m locked in the booth I don’t leave until I make 4-5 songs.
Hype: Who currently from Arkansas is putting on for the state right now?
A1 Nino: BTee & No Plans Music group one of my favorites as a collective of artists, DZY501, DreamTeam Que, Jg501, 1100 Phats, Bankroll Freddie, Kari Faux, Space, Zaehd & CEO, UFN, DMitch, Ed Dolo, Sinclare, Rampage Wood, and B3DaGoat.
Hype: Do you feel like this was just all part of the plan, what are you currently working on?
A1 Nino: I feel like God got a plan, I never really had one after I lost my bestfriend and father weeks apart I kind of gave up on life, I was lost and still feel like I am but I know if I get consistent with music and get out of the streets, God gone bless me. He gives his strongest battles to his strongest warriors and I feel like I’ve been in multiple wars for a long time. I got so much music on the way it’s just about timing and rolling it out the right way and to my liking.
Hype: What advice would you give someone from your state about pursuing their dreams and goals?
A1 Nino: Don’t give up, you can do anything as long as you stay consistent. It gets discouraging but it’s a marathon keep running at your own pace until you break through.
Hype: What does success mean to you?
A1 Nino: Success means winning through adversity, making something out of nothing, and achieving the goals that you set.
Hype: Which producers/artists would you like to work with this year?
A1 Nino: Anybody that’s hard and believes in my potential and craft.
Hype: What’s next for you?
A1 Nino: Millions, consistency, wealth and health. I just want to prosper and be the best that I can be.
Tweet
Related Posts
