Nick Pratt

Manifest Destiny. A term that most of us are familiar with, if you paid attention in History class instead of texting some girl on your flip phone. It summed up the desire to fulfill a fate to spread American values across the land, from sea to shining sea. It’s a grand plan to say the least. So when Los Angeles-based, Fort Worth, TX-bred emcee Nick Pratt names an album after this lofty concept, the burden of proof falls squarely on his shoulders. His mission? Proclaim to the rest of the world that he can really do this rap thing and he’s not going to quit. After listening to the 14 track project, we’re convinced that he’s equipped to create radio/club hits as well as tracks of substance you could revisit years later.

We spoke to Nick Pratt via email about the new album and the time he took since his last project.



Mass Appeal: It’s been over a year since your last project. What has the time between projects been like for you?

Nick Pratt: Meticulous. I recorded probably 3-4 albums worth of material. Track lists, skits, debates about what works, etc. I was shooting videos for this while I was still shooting/promoting videos for Dark Matter. I never believed the next project would be perfect to my standards, but I figured I’d get it damn close. Make the most of my time to be as organized as possible for the release and promo. As far as the sound, just trying to be nostalgic and reflective as I could be while still keepin’ the content and production as current and relevant and, ultimately, as progressive as possible. Oh, and extra fire.

Is this project your proclamation that you’re trying to take over the entire rap game?

It’s funny you say that: “proclamation.” I was walkin’ through a parking lot the other day and somebody was jammin’ somethin’ loud on their system, but it sounded trash though. I yelled through the window and told him I was better at rappin’ than whatever it was he was listenin’ to at the time. Turned around and told my potna I was gonna start making that “proclamation” all the time. So, to answer your question, yes. This is definitely my “proclamation” that folks needa start payin’ attention. I got that shit.



From Texas to Pittsburgh to LA, how have your travels affected you as a person and as an artist?

Everywhere I’ve been represents some stage of growth. Some type of change or development in me as a person, which truly gets reflected in my music. Texas is where I originate. I grew up there. My base of understanding the world comes from that place. Some of this understanding needed to change and some was right on the money, especially in the scope of today’s racial climate. It’s crazy.

Pittsburgh was me really getting out in the world on my own. I had to man-up there. I didn’t have no safety nets and my family was far away. I learned how to be alone and survive on my own. I got to see a lot of the game tho. I watched Wiz and Mac take off and had a similar situation with my former crew jump off at Def Jam. I got to learn a lot during this time.

Los Angeles has really been about the hustle. We been bossin’ up out here. All the life lessons and all the business lessons have been coming together out here. Gettin’ knee-deep in the game and wading through these waters keepin’ a watchful eye out for these gators and sharks. All the while working and creating and meeting people. Walked through the Hollywood Hills to meet Atlantic execs when we ain’t have no car, Roc Nation, met Hollywood actors who claimed they wanted to get my shit poppin’ on their own and still at this point we pullin’ up like No Limit in our own tank puttin’ in our own work and reapin’ our own oats.



You talk about acting black at the end of the intro track. Is that supposed to express supporting or chastising such behavior like the hot sauce in the bag or du-rag? Or is it merely to point out such behavior to people who are unaware?

It’s in celebration of the fact. The song that follows is, in part, about code switching and the stifling of the Black experience. I wanted to lead with something that celebrates our Blackness even at the times when we could potentially be being “judged” the most. Identifying and “acting” Black isn’t identical across the board. That’s why the setting of this skit is a radio station. Historically, Black radio is a safe space for Black people to get on and unify about our lives and/or our interests. Mario Dones’ last project, Black Watermelon, opens up with a clip from Petey Greene, and he really sets the tone for what an on-air personality in Black radio should be and how the forum should be handled. So, no, this was never meant to be chastising or demeaning. Or even informative for the uninitiated. It was strictly for and in celebration of my Blackness. Even if somebody thinks its “ghetto.” They ain’t really for us anyways.

It sounds like you’re sharing a lot of life lessons that you’ve learned over the years. What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned so far about the music industry? About life?

Don’t quit. For both. That’s the key difference in seeing the results you want and not ever seeing them. Patience. Faith. Whatever. They aren’t based on the element that’s opposing you. They’re based on you and your mental approach. So don’t quit.

What is the goal that you set to accomplish with this album?

This is the launch pad. Everything goin’ up from here mayne. I know it. I know it. I know it.

You can purchase Manifest Destiny on Nick Pratt’s Bandcamp. - Mass Appeal

HipHopDX Exclusive Premiere: Buzzing Fort Worth-bred, LA-based emcee Nick Pratt is going for more than just a quick high with the visual for his new single “Elevated,” which is featured on his brand new Manifest Destiny full-length project. Directed by Kwaz Fraser, Nick is seen posted with his CSB crew partaking in a quality smoke session, but his lyrics and message reveal a deeper meaning behind The UCE-produced track, that makes for some dope riding out with the windows down music. If you can relate to Nick’s style and want to check out more, you’re in luck — the new LP is available for stream and purchase starting July 19. - HipHopDX

Sometimes, going into random situations a bit too lit can be a blast. Other times, you can make a total ass of yourself and then vow to never drink again. The new video for Nick Pratt’s new single “2DamnHard” finds the Fort Worth, TX rapper somewhere in the middle.

Without a care in the world, Pratt’s pack grab some bottles to hit up situations like a kid’s birthday party and an AA meeting, getting ridiculous in order to remind people there is a thin line between having fun and going completely off the ringer. The knee-slapping clip is the ideal concept to bring Nick’s bouncy single to life, making a clever concept record that already had lots of potential even more marketable.

Too damn hard, indeed. Pick up the track on iTunes. - The Smoking Section

Upon hearing Nick Pratt’s work for the first time, instantly it reminded of what I love about Texas so much: Distinct, unmistakable voices, unique and proficient flows and beauteous execution that most Southern rappers, that I listen to and admire, bring to the table. In recent times, the Fort Worth-native rapper — who has been dubbed a stylistic blend of Big K.R.I.T, UGK and Big Boi — released a powerful eight-track extended play with Lazy J called, “Dark Matter: A Space Age Odyssey”. The original music project, not only piqued my interest from the very beginning (“100MS”), it’s an authentic body of music with playback value.

In addition and to my satisfaction, this project has a Chopped Not Slopped version, and if you don’t know, you’ll soon start to understand my deep admiration and liking for chopped and screwed music but enough of me and my music tastes — Get to know this emerging sensational emcee by way of a short but detailed interview, in which he talks about what inspired the record, social responsibility and what’s next.

Nick Pratt by Renuka Retnaswamy

One of the first things you say on record is about racial profiling. How do you feel about racial profiling in America today? Do you feel like you have a social responsibility?

I was racially profiled by three Culver City PD officers last Summer and it was demeaning as hell. It always is. My black is beautiful, not criminal, and I hate that I have to defend myself for my birthright; the gift that is my blackness. I definitely feel like I have some social responsibility to uphold. It’s rough sometimes because I want to hear more from more influential people than myself but I know I can ultimately only do my part and try to be influential in my own way.

What inspired both songs, “Still Swangin” and “Thumping”? What does it mean to “swang” and “thump”?

I wrote these songs after riding around Los Angeles with a potna of mine and sharing stories from growing up in our respective areas and just generally choppin’ game, and the whole ride I was playin’ a gang of records that I grew up on so when I got to tha studio, my vibe was on some straight Southside story tellin’ shit. “Swangin'” is basically driving unless you want to be specific then, it’s swerving rhythmically from lane to lane, but in this instance it’s just driving. “Thumpin” is just banging your speakers, mayne. Volume turnt up loud so your subwoofer is pumpin ’til it sounds like a giant [is] thumping the inside of your trunk with his thumb.

How did you team up with Jaehill and the producers, Cassius G & Nice Rec?

Jaehill [is] like my brother, we grew up together. Cassius G [is] like my lil’ brother. I’ve known him since he was like 15 or so and I’ve been working with him and watching him grow ever since. I met Nice Rec while I was in college at Pitt; my homie Mario Dones introduced us. He had a cold DJ setup in his crib with vinyl and tapes everywhere.

Nick Pratt by Renuka Retnaswamy

What is it like to be from Fort Worth, Texas? What makes the experience unique?

I can remember growing up in Fort Worth, knowing there had to be so much more to the world than what we had goin’ on there or even in Dallas for that matter. I think it gave me a good sense of value and hard work though, especially after moving to LA. I love home though. It’s a smaller southern city so it’s all about the people and what’s going on. People have a sense of community. That gets missed when you move to a bigger city. They can be polarizing.

What’s next?

I’ve been working on my first commercial release, “Everythang Ain’t Enough”, and gearing up to drop my lead single “2damnhard” produced by Fetty Wap and Remy Boyz’s resident engineer-producer Peoples (“679”, “Again”). My attention has really been going to that and making sure everything is in order. The album should be out this Fall.

You’ve heard it here, folks. Check out the awesome new record “Still Swangin/Thumpin” by the talented Nick Pratt below: - RESPECT Mag

Texas rapper Nick Pratt releases a music video for “Elevated” and it’s definitely something I recommend our supporters check out. Nick has a spot on flow that instantly pulls you in, Check out this new video above and be sure to keep up with Nick Pratt on twitter. - The Daily Loud

Yo, Nick Pratt’s new visual for his track “Elevated” fits perfectly with Daily Chiefers.

We love dope music. Nick’s flow is absolutely awesome, and this track is seriously a perfect fit for what we usually support here at Daily Chiefers. If you want to know what you have to do to get posted on any blog, follow suit. Everything about “Elevated” is great. Check the video out above. - Daily Chiefers

After getting the year started right with his major radio single from Fetty Wap’s producer Peoples entitled “2damnhard,” LA based, Fort Worth, TX bred emcee Nick Pratt drops one for the swangers and makes some room to shine on “Eaze Up Off Me.” Produced by frequent collaborator The UCE, the track calls influence from legends like UGK and modern day Southern greats like Big K.R.I.T. Nick makes his presence felt with a catchy flow and lyrics that will get you ready for the summer with the windows down and your system bumping. Stay tuned as he prepares for his next full length release Manifest Destiny, coming soon. - HipHopDX

After his major radio single from Fetty Wap producer Peoples entitled 2damnhard, LA based, Texas bred emcee Nick Pratt drops one for the swangers and makes some room to shine on Eaze Up Off Me!

Produced by frequent collaborator The UCE, the track calls influence from legends like UGK and modern day Southern greats like Big KRIT. Nick makes his presence felt with a catchy flow and lyrics that will get you ready for the summer with the windows down and your system bumpin’. Stay tuned as he prepares for his next full length release Manifest Destiny, coming soon! - SOHH

The stresses in a man’s life can add up, so sometimes you just want to
talk your s*** and just Float, which is exactly what Fort Worth bred, LA
​based emcee Nick Pratt does with his Bay Area based producer partner Lazy J.
The video, premiering on New Music Cartel heavyhitter YouHeardThatNew
is directed by Scott Carroll and features the duo sliding through the Hollywood
streets as Nick provides a lyrical look into his day to day perspective and life
in LA over Lazy’s trippy feel beat with a Southern bounce. Fans of this collab
are in luck as the two have a brand new original project Dark Matter:
A Space Odyssey dropping in the next few weeks… - youheardthatnew

A little over a month after setting free their irresistible “Miss Thang” track, Nick Pratt and Lazy Jay opted to release their collaborative EP Dark Matter: A Space Age Odyssey on the tail-end of SXSW week. Released in conjunction with CSB Worldwide and Homegrown Outfitters, Dark Matter has the Texas-to-California connect (Pratt is Fort Worth-born but resides in LA, while Jay is based in the Bay Area) keeping it short, the tape clocking in at eight tracks even and only two features from the likes of The Uce Man of Fortilive and Julius Williams.

Though stoner music abounds (“Float” is designed to make you to do what its title implies, and “Must B The $$$” is smooth enough to roll up to), there’s a diversity of sound on the tape as well. “$100Ms” is turn-up approved, for example, and “Lil Time Wit U (Interlude)” will call to mind Rick James and ol’ school 70s funk slow jams.

Stream Nick Pratt & Lazy J’s Dark Matter: A Space Age Odyssey EP for yourself down below. Dark Matter is currently available for free download here. - Day & A Dream

Following the success of their recent collaboration project, Fort Worth bred, LA based emcee Nick Pratt and Bay Area based producer Lazy J take it down to H-Town and put some screw on the tracks with a little help from DJ Slim K of The Chopstars!

The official Chopped Not Slopped version entitled “Dark Purple Matter” turns Nick’s storytelling Texas drawl and Lazy’s funky boom-bap into the perfect slowed down swangin’ soundtrack just in time for the Summer.

Hop in your slab and roll down the windows with this to ride out – listen below! - dubcnn.com

The streets are especially contentious nowadays, but they are also full of ambition, good spirits and fun. Rising Fort Worth bred, LA based emcee Nick Pratt displays both sides on his double feature style promotional single Still Swangin/Thumpin featuring rising singer Jaehill! Premiering exclusively with RESPECT Magazine, producers Cassius G & Nice Rec each provide their own soundbeds for Nick’s Texas drawl flow and conscious bars on a cut that’s made to have the trunk rattling and your head nodding. He tells the magazine: “…my vibe was on some straight Southside story tellin’ shit. “Swangin’” is basically driving unless you want to be specific then, it’s swerving rhythmically from lane to lane, but in this instance it’s just driving. “Thumpin” is just banging your speakers, mayne. Volume turnt up loud so your subwoofer is pumpin ’til it sounds like a giant [is] thumping the inside of your trunk with his thumb.” Though this track won’t ultimately make the cut, it is a great warmup for Nick’s first commercial album Everythang Ain’t Enough, which is dropping this Fall! - thatsEnuff.com

Funky Ride

After dropping off the THE UCE assisted “Must B The $$“, Nick Pratt & Lazy J give us their Dark Matter: A Space Age Odyssey album. Coming in at 8 tracks, this is all you need to get your weekend started. I’ve personally been riding to this project for about a month now since getting my own copy after interviewing them on our podcast. I will spare you the commentary and let you listen for yourself. - Str8outdaden

Nick Pratt and Lazy J are a rapper/producer duo from California. Pratt is from Los Angeles, but is a native of Fort Worth, TX. While Lazy J is a producer from the Bay Area. Recently the two collaborated on a full-length project titled Dark Matter: A Space Age Odyssey. We recently caught up with the two to talk about the project as well as a variety of other topics.

Where are you guys from?

Nick: I’m from Fort Worth, TX. Born and raised, but I live in Los Angeles now.

Lazy: I’m orignially from Southern California. But I’ve been living in San Francisco for a little over

a decade.

When did you guys individually first get into music?

Lazy: I’ve always been into music. But I started taking it serious at about seventeen or eighteen.

It’s been about 15 years (laughs).

Nick: I been back and forth in the game for a minute. I guess I started trying to rap forreal in high school. By the time I got to college, one of the dudes in my crew had got a little deal with Def Jam. Like 2009. We was doing that, but then money and other stuff made everything fall through. Since 2010 I’ve been chasing everything by myself, along with my partners. Shoutout to my crew CSB. I met Lazy through a friend of ours that he also knows. He put me down with Lazy and that’s how we got together. We passed some tracks back and forth. Then we did a tape.

What was your mindset going into Dark Matter?

Lazy: I was trying to find stuff that was more psychadelic, more of an international samples. I was trying to go out of the box to make things sound different. Then Nick added the flavor.

Nick: My mindset was in the same place. You know Texas, Cali, and the Bay have a long history. The vibe was always there. I was just trying to bring out some of that style, super trippy, real druggy. If you seen the cover, Homegrown Outfitters is a weed based clothing line. It’s just a real trippy time.

The DJ Slim K chop and screw of Dark Matter. How’s did that come about?

Lazy: That was Nick’s idea, with him being from Texas. It worked perfectly and just fit.

Nick: Slim under the toodlage of OG Ron C. Growing up Ron was my favorite DJ out of Houston, one of my favorite DJs of all time. I felt like it would be real good for the fans. Listening to anything chopped and screwed while intoxicated is great. I grew up on this, listening to Swishahouse in 97, so it seemed right.

Since you are from Texas do you incorporate that into your music too?

Nick: Yea. I don’t think I hide that at all personally. It’s in my bars, in my style, it’s who I am. I grew up there, then moved around after. I was able to learn a lot about the rest of the country but I could never lose sight of who I was. I was always bringing who I was with me. I know you seen people from Texas on TV or even met any of us… I am who I am and Texas will forever be a part of that. I always try to make sure that in my music you can always hear a little bit of that sounding through. I had a homie in Memphis who was questioning my production choices. And I was like “c’mon dog don’t do me like this.”

How do you feel about rappers biting Texas’ style in their music?

Nick: Aw man.

Lazy: (Laughs).

Nick: It’s hard. Sometimes it’s hard to take, I’ll be honest. Because I grew up in the time where a lot of niggas didn’t fuck with the South and the music we made. They was saying its a one time thing, its a fad, this and that. It was a lot of hate that they used to give on the South. Last year I did a show in NYC, I was doing a lot of rapping. More rapping than anyone there. It felt like I was in a Future Jr. show. It was interesting because everybody started adapting and changing their sound to how we been sounding all along. But at the same time some of these younger cats where 12-13 in 2007 or 2008, so that’s all they heard on the radio so I can’t be mad about it. But sometimes I wish we could get our credit.

What’s next for you two?

Lazy: Right now I’m working with this one cat, Mark Jackson, he’s out of Pittsburgh. He’s putting his album together and I have a couple tracks on their. Also doing a project on the side. My other boy Shlohmo, he’s out in the Bay. He’s doing his project too. I have some placements with other artists I’m just kinda waiting on them to see if that’s going to happen or not.

Nick: Me personally I’m working on my first commercial release. I’m going to put my first album album out.

Lazy: I have a couple features on there too (laughs).

Nick: Lazy worked with me on this shit. I got this other cat I’m working with. Just working working working. I’m working on some music for some companies and web series out here in LA. That’s the big shit now, these fucking web series.

Any last words?

Lazy: Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @Lazarus_Jay. Also check out my Soundcloud (in twitter bio).

Nick Pratt: Follow me at @NickPrattMusic, basically on everything. - Music On The Dot

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to chop it up with the talented, West Coast based, emcee/producer collab, Nick Pratt and Lazy J. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, their latest project Dark Matter has had the streets buzzing and has been featured on the likes of DubCNN, YouHeardThatNew and JENESIS magazine, just to name a few. With super chill production courtesy of Lazy J and Nick Pratt on the mic with high-energy, no non-sense flows, they are definitely a pair to keep on your radar. So, catch the interview below and get familiar!



How did you guys initially link up?

Nick Pratt: How did you guys initially link up? My homie and CSB affiliate, Mario Dones connected us back in like 2010. Lazy did the beat for a song on Middle Finger Music and we kind of been on ever since.

Lazy J: Thru mutual friends, our boy Mario Dones linked us as well as social media, about 2yrs ago started sending nick beats, and the relationship grew from there..



When was that exact moment that you knew music was what you wanted to do with your life?

Nick Pratt: When was that exact moment that you knew music was what you wanted to do with your life? It’s hard to put a date on it, I’ve always been in love with music. I didn’t know I wanted to rap until 4th grade though. My friend Keith was rapping in class and I was beat boxing and then he told me to try it and I tried it and it was on. I was hooked.

Lazy J: Prolly right after high school, during junior high and high school i also loved girls and weed so my focus was a lil off till hightschool ended .lol!!



How has growing up in Fort Worth/the Bay Area helped shape your outlook on life?

Nick Pratt: It ain’t a whole lot goin’ on in Fort Worth, so I learned early on if you really want to see or do anything worth while you’ve got to get out of your comfort zone. You can’t be afraid and you have to take the world on head first.

Lazy J: I’m originally from SO.Cal, 805 area code.. i lived in san francisco a lil over 10 years, i do consider it home tho, greatest city in the world!!! jus being from California and goin to places in the midwest, east coast and south u see the influence everywhere from style, language and lifestyle everyone wants to b in cali, I feel fortunate to be from here..



What 3 albums have had the most impact on your life? Why?

Nick Pratt: Doggystyle, The Life and Times of Shawn Carter Vol. 2, and Chamillionaire‘s Greatest Hits (not an album but whatever). Doggystyle was the first rap cd I remember loving. My cousin’s tell me I loved “SLAM” by Onyx too. Doggystyle made me want to move to LA. That Volume 2 lived in a different space. East coast rap was always kind of mystical to me. This album was when it made sense to me. The amount of rap I was allowed to have was also real limited back then too. Chamillionaire was my favorite out the Swishahouse, and if you grew up when and where I did, that got a lot of play. Well Cham was my favorite and I thought I was the best at rappin (and was down to prove it) and listening to him kept me sharp lol or so I thought at the time.

Lazy J: REDMAN “MUDDY WATERS” — ICE CUBE “DEATH CERTIFICATE” —- AND SCARFACE “THE FIX”— Why? the skits and samples and funk goin thru muddy waters is unreal!! was smoking like 5 blunts a day to this project lol!!
Ice Cube!!! If u haven’t heard Death Certificate?? find it!!! Cube was b4 his time, talkin bout government the military gang life and white ppl lol!!!theres a reason why its considered a hiphop classic.. AMAZING!! and FACE!! This album jus hit me! idk y, face has been one of my favorites forever, the diary is right up there, I bumped this everyday for like 2 weeks str8!!! Its hard to pick jus 3 tho!





Hip hop producer Lazy J



Where do you see yourself and your career 5 years from now?

Nick Pratt: I’ll either still be writin’ and keepin’ it real or I’ll be the assistant manager at a IHOP or some shit.

Lazy J: I don’t like to look ahead that much I live for the now moment, I jus hope my family and friends are all good we all livin and doin what we love.. plus I hope my weed garden will b flourishing around this time!! lol!!



Kanye or Kendrick Lamar?

Nick Pratt: It’s a toss-up. Both extremely influential but neither really have my attention past mass appeal right now. Not because they’re not dope as much as it is I’m just focused.

Lazy J: Toss up! I take Kendrick right now,jus cuz TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY was a masterpiece of art. But YEE got classics for days…


What’s your definition of success?

Nick Pratt: Making a life out of what makes me happy. Simple and plain.

Lazy J: Being able to wake up look at yourself and know u doin everything in your power to succeed every day, anything after that is jus icing on the cake! - West Coast Keish

Past feature Nick Pratt is back again at the top of the year with another release called “Middle Finger Music” which is his follow up to The New Cool. Even though he enjoyed placements by The Source, AllHipHop.com, XXL, Nick is looking for more. Featuring production by Brandon Lee, Keelay, K. Salaam & Beatnick, and some feature help from UZOY, Mac Miller, Jae Hill, and Muzik Jones Drew, this project takes you on a personal ride of ups and downs along with musical growth. Check out what Nick says about his latest.

Middle Finger Music, is my latest and greatest body of work. There were a lot of ups and downs that went into making this project, but all and all, through all the trials and tribulations, I’m extremely pleased with the outcome. I think I found a good balance of my artistry on this project. The only thing I’m disappointed in is the fact that I didn’t do any real story telling on this project, not like I like to anyways.

Eyes On The Hills
When I was making The New Cool, I made a conscious decision to do a faith-based record on ever project I did from here on out. Growing up church and The Lord were a big deal in my life and my household, and they still are. My original vision for this record and the original version of this record was completely transformed thanks to the guidance of my good friend and mentor T. Riff (@Riffdaddy). He really helped Jaehill (@JaehillMusic even though he sucks at Twitter) and I develop this record into what it is now, and I might even say it’s by far my favorite song on this project.

Perseverance
I wrote this record sitting on the floor in the airport with Rick (@RICKdaDICK_CSB) on our way to LA for the Jenesis Magazine 4th Anniversary event. I was just playing Brandon’s beat (@BRANDONGOTBEATS) and the first verse just started coming to me and I really started vibing out writing the record to the point that I almost didn’t hear them call our names because we were about to miss the damn flight! I’m really pleased with the outcome of this one as well and was glad I found wise, relatable words from two of my favorite artists to add some depth and the lob to JT$ to bring it on home. I think this was the perfect way for me to finish the project.

Makings Of Me
This was Barry B’s (@BarryB_CSB) favorite record of mine for a couple years before it ever dropped. You always think history doesn’t change but I’ll tell you that the end of that damn song changed like 4 times since I originally wrote and recorded it. I fell in and out of friendship and favor with my old crew and so on and so forth but all in all it’s a real honest, bare-all type record, very similar to “Eyes On The Hills” and it meant and still means a lot to me.

Follow Nick Pratt on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NickPrattMusic
Watch Nick Pratt Videos at http://www.youtube.com/nickprattmusic - Jenesis Magazine

Rocks like: T.I. with Kanye’s beats
Grade: B

Nick Pratt has said enough about popping champagne and rolling weed. The Pitt graduate and rising hip-hop artist’s new project, Middle Finger Music, reveals that there is more — a lot more — to Pratt than the inflated and intoxicated bragging of many of today’s mainstream rap artists.

Middle Finger Music is all about Pratt. With tracks titled, “Perseverance,” and “Higher,” he has created a project with the purpose of carrying his career to the next level.

Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Pratt employs a southern slang that effects a smooth and articulate sound. His slow rhymes showcase what he calls, “lyrical effervescence,” and this accurate description is a testament to the intelligence with which Pratt raps — or, as he calls it, writes.

He uses his opening track, “The Cool is in Session,” to introduce himself, rapping over a jazz vocal sample: “DJ Premier appeared to me in a dream, he said a Texas boy can make it in the North if he believe.”
Throughout the album, in his fluid drawl, Pratt covers social issues, his inspirations and goals and his spiritual beliefs, with the thread through it all being his blatant confidence. Unfortunately, that self-focus sometimes gets a little repetitive.

The album features laid-back, more monological tracks as well as bass-heavy hit-worthy tracks produced by Delaware-based Brandon Lee. The slang and snares of “Feel Good,” featuring Muzik Jones Drew, are slightly reminiscent of Atlanta’s T.I.
Pratt’s confidence that he will make it big with his new release is summed up in this track as he raps, “I’m on that watch list, I’m hot this year, and my team gon’ make it to the top this year.”

Unfortunately, sometimes he gets too confident with his lyrical abilities. More experimental songs like “All My Love” don’t flow as well because they’re lacking in musicality.

Though he calls Texas home, Pratt has strong ties to Pittsburgh, as he has recently laid his foundation in performing by opening for now-huge Pittsburgh artists Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. Miller is featured in Pratt’s closing track, “Mac and Me.”

Along with Pratt’s self-proclaimed determination, confidence and lyrical talent, his break might be due to his choice of Pittsburgh for the setting of his debut. Like those before him, he’s trying to set the stage for national success. - The Pitt News

Everyone's been talking about middle fingers the past few days — but none more than Nick Pratt. It's serendipitous that the Fort Worth rapper, a Pitt grad who lived here for five years, dropped his latest mixtape, Middle Finger Music, the day after MIA's infamous(?) national-TV gesture. (I, for one, was more offended by the overwrought drama of the Clint Eastwood Dodge commercial, but I guess I'm different.)

There's a smattering of Pittsburgh talent on the mixtape: Nice Rec produces a track (the funny, then again thoughtful and introspective "All My Love") and Mac Miller guests on another ("Mac & Me," which starts out pretty hard, and eventually finds Mac rapping about Twinkies, ding dong ditch and Hennessy.) It's filled with smart lyricism and toes the line between informed, "conscious MC" hip hop and straight-up swagger. It's available to stream or download now at DJBooth.com: go here and check it out now. That's an order. - Pittsburgh City Paper

Texas bred emcee Nick Pratt entered the scene with his 2010 debut EP Fear of Falling, which led him to open for artists such as: Wale, Tanya Morgan, Wiz Khalifa, Dom Kennedy, Pac Div and Young Scolla.

The debut also scored Pratt online, national and international buzz reflected with several blog posts, BET’s “The Deal,” and JENESIS Magazine’s “Under the Radar” section. Hoping to match the success of his previous EP, Pratt releases his sophomore EP The New Cool, presented by BlackOutPMG, CSB, The9elements, and YNotDream.

The title of the EP, definitely works as a fitting name. The sound of the project hasn’t necessarily shifted from the first project–Pratt’s southern drawl, country grammar, candor, lyricism, wordplay and personality are all still present, however, there is a new and clear growth reflected in this project which leads to the title. Featuring production from Texas production team, Red Prodigy, and DJ YS, the EP shows listeners and aspiring emcees exactly what you need to do to make a dope project from start to finish.

First, you must have dope production—shown with most of the songs on the EP however, specifically, “Peach Faygo,” “Last Call,” “All Mine,” “Sinner’s Prayer” “Killin It,” and “dumbFresh,” featuring Prophetic. On any project, the production works with your lyrics. If your production sucks, but your lyrics are okay, you will still suffer because you need more than a few good bars, or punch lines to help drive a song.

Secondly, you must have dope lyrics and this is Pratt’s specialty. On the female driven, “Last Call,” Pratt raps in a way that I wish more rappers would when dedicating a song to a woman. You can direct your lyrics to us, but remember some of us are hip-hop heads, and have more dimensions than overly corny or explicit lyrics and with the beat, and with this part in particular, I feel Pratt remembered that fact. He raps, “So if they should yell the last call for our love/ I would stop what I’m doing to the bar I would run/ I would call out your name and tell them to bar me up/ Give me shot after shot till they say I’ve had enough but I’m punch drunk in love you’ve got me ripe/ If you say goodbye I hope it’s just for tonight.”


On the second leak from the project, “Sinner’s Prayer” Pratt says, “…but it seems like cool and Christian don’t mix and the cool means the Christian don’t exist/ And I been trying to find balance because I know I wouldn’t be here without the love you shown/ Though I’m broke and alone I aint lost and dead/ not a slave to these drugs or locked away in the Feds/ and for that I give praise/ I’m waiting for my rainbow but first I know I gotta see the rain/ but the sun will shine it’s face and the hurt will be replaced with even more of your love and your everlasting grace.”


Another notable on the lyric sector would definitely have to be “All Mine.” A song based around the aspect of all of his hard work finally panning out. The introduction to this song captivates listeners to want to have a good time, and really appreciate who Pratt is as an artist. Pratt raps, “Pour another glass, just another splash to commemorate that this has happened so fast/ I’m living a movie this is my supporting cast, not just a entourage the play a bigger role than that/ Welcome to my life, welcome to the glamour/ Far from a baby but a nigga getting pampered/ shaking off the hate/ shaking off the lies and slander/ living for the moments you can’t capture on camera.

The third lesson this EP shows is that you must have “swag.” Despite how cliche the word is, it’s necessary for a solid project. Aside from having good production and good lyrics one of the factors that drives Pratt’s EP is swag and the way he flows making his lyrics both relatable and believable. Always remember, just because you know how to rap, doesn’t mean that anyone wants to listen to you or your song could be a single. What really drives a song is the “swag” or the energy you put out which makes people want to listen to you–”swag” is key.

Personal standouts: “Peach Faygo” “Sinner’s Prayer” “Killin it” “Last Call” “All Mine” - Rawe Mag

In hip hop and the music business in general you have always be on the move. You have to be constantly networking with artists, the media, and industry people. You have to do shows for your fans. You have to stick to the cliche of 'Keeping it moving' like no other. Any artist who does not spend every non-writing, non-recording minute making moves is going to be left behind by artists like Nick Pratt. If any up and coming artist knows that branching out past the area you grew up can be both rewarded and sometimes harder than writing a catchy hook it is this man. By way of Dallas Texas and now residing in the steel city Nick has given us a bit of insight into who he is as an artist, what it means to him to spread his roots all across the country, and his thoughts on being an up and coming artist.

The9elements.com: The Dallas/Fort Worth Area is home to over 6 million people yet a really visible mainstream star in hip hop has yet to emerge from there. Why do you think that is when other parts of the state have had a lot of success over the years?

Nick Pratt: Well, the only other part of the state to have success was Houston and at the time the Dallas sound and the Houston sound were very different. The DFW sound wasn’t very commercial. When Houston was making the commercialized form of what Screw invented, Dallas had what we called Tussle music, because a lot of it was fight oriented. The first artist to get signed out of DFW was Twisted Black. After he got signed he got locked up for life. But now Dallas is getting recognized. A new artist Bone, who I’ve been rapping with for years, is signed to Def Jam. And also acts like Dorrough and The Party Boyz are making waves. Not to mention Producers such as Play N Skillz and DJ Mister Rogers have made their mark in the industry.

T9E: Austin is big for rock n roll and Houston has put out some great talent over the years, what do you think those cities are doing differently that Dallas/FT Worth is not?

Nick Pratt: Austin is big for rock and roll because of the rock and roll scene. A lot of rock bands go out there to 6th Street to get their big break. Now you have SXSW where they are bringing hip hop into the equation and its working. Houston had Rap-A-Lot. I feel like that is enough said about Houston. They showed the indie formula. Indie artist were able to make it off the strength of Rap-A-Lot .

T9E: You worked heavily with Beewirks who is based in New York how did that relationship come about with so much distance in-between both of you?

Nick Pratt: Me and Beewirks met in Pittsburgh in college. He graduated and is still here. I don’t remember how we met each other. I just remember we ended up hearing about each other. He gave me a beat CD and it’s been on ever since.

T9E: How about your relationship with the good people over at Jenesis Magazine? (Interviewer plug make sure to check out www.jenesismagazine.com )

Nick Pratt: Thomas (Agnew) is my brother. Plain and simple. Him, Brian, Brandon, Mario Dones are all my brothers. Just a group of big brothers. They’ve been holding me down ever since I’ve been in Pittsburgh


T9E: Fairly recently you were out in Los Angeles to help out with the Global Coolin Earth Day event put on by Broccoli City, LAxPapersBoys, and Jenesis Magazine. What are some major differences between the hip hop scene on the west coast and the hip hop scene in your area in your opinion?

Nick Pratt: LA showed way more love than Pittsburgh has in towards my work. LA artist seemed to be progressive and positive. It took a while in Pittsburgh for anyone to listen to me because since I was from Texas it seems that they didn’t want to take me seriously. It was like once they knew I was from Texas they were like “Oh you must be on that south shit.” In LA it was like “Oh you rap too! Do your thing.” It was all love.

T9E: Do you have any plans to collaborate with some of the artists that were at the event like Skeme, Dom Kennedy, Kendrick Lamar, or Pac Division?

Nick Pratt: Hell if I can get in contact with them I’d be damn sure happy to collab with them. I’m working on collaborating with Prophetic who also performed at the event but he’s from Milwaukee.

T9E: Your hooks are very much Southern sounding. They are very catchy. Your flow and lyrics are much different than any of the guys coming from Texas right now that I’ve heard. What is your trick to balance the two in a way where you don’t alienate your original fans in Texas but open your style up enough so you can do shows in Pittsburgh or Los Angeles?

Nick Pratt: I guess it is the hooks more than anything. That’s all it was ever about. Got to have the right approach. I feel like when you’re making a song the rapping is the least important part of it unfortunately. I always keep my raps and lyrics tight. I came up in Texas so I guess that’s what it is.

T9E: You have a new project coming out with DJ YS titled “He’s The Student, I’m The Slacker.” Why did you two choose that title and what is the concept behind the project?

Nick Pratt: We chose the title because we are both big fans of Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. The one two combo was super dope to us. If there is any DJ/rap combo that’s who we’d aspire to be like. Jazzy Jeff is my favorite DJ. The project is not a cover of the original. We don’t have any tribute tracks from the original project. It’s more of a fun summer time joint to put out. We’re trying to keep the same essence but it’s really just us having a great time.

T9E: When does that drop and where can people get it?

Nick Pratt: People can expect some promotional works to drop end of July or early August. You can find the project at www.studentslacker.com. We will have more information on the launch of the site at a later time though.

T9E: I don’t think a lot of artists realize that while you can make a lot of contact with people via social networking, there is nothing quite like meeting face to face. As an artist who has contacts all across the country is there any tips you could give to people reading this on how to start and maintain relationships in the industry?

Nick Pratt: Biggest thing I think is having a genuine interest in people and what it is that they do. Its one thing to try to network just based off what they can do for you. But, if you actually care and are able to convey that, it will make the relationship stronger. You get co-operation from people you’re trying to work with, but if you can make a friendship out of a potential work relationship it makes it that much better.

T9E: Everyone always asks what the best part of being an artist is but what in your mind is the worst part about being an artist?

Nick Pratt: Shit, in my mind the worst part is feeling like I’m better than people that made it already. Like when is it my turn? But then that’s when I realize it’s about who you know, about the time you put in. I know I haven’t been able to put my all into my music because of school, but now that I have time to focus on my craft and give it to people, hopefully I can come into my own and over time I will get the recognition I feel I deserve. Gotta stay humble and stay grinding.

T9E: What would be the one accomplishment with your music where you could sit back and say “If I died tomorrow I would be happy with what I’ve done with my music career” Would it be a collaboration with a specific artist or 100 spins a week on some of the big radio stations?

Nick Pratt: Probably neither. If I could win a Grammy credit for writing something that’s not in a genre that I work in already, that would be a good moment for me. So, something written outside of rap and R&B. I’d be good after that! - The9Elements.com