INTERVIEW @LAMONTRENZOBRACY PHOTOGRAPH @FEEZIEFILMS

Meet Under Ground Posse CEO Nikkle 9 as he warms up the Summer in preparation for his upcoming album, "Calivania"

Meet Nikkle 9, a producer, manager, MC and record label CEO from Chester, PA, by way of Oakland, CA. As a bi-coastal hip-hop artist and executive, Nikkle 9 delivers a unique insight and charisma which has elevated his brand. With 15 years in the biz, Nikkle 9 is a household name in the tri-state area where he is synonymous for his mixtapes, shows, and battle rap.

What began as a show that never materialized in Fresno, CA, Nikkle found himself in Oakland, California in 2017, and loved the vibe. From there, Nikkle 9 has stayed planted off of the love and reception from the area, and now calls it home away from home. The Bay area is unique in the fact that they cherish and embrace music as a whole. To date, artists such as Tupac- originally from New York, Kurupt, and even Wiz Khalifa, both Pennsylvania natives have found solace in the love and connection the West Coast has to East Coast music.

As an artist, Nikkle 9 has released six studio albums to date, with the seventh in production. Since dropping ‘God King’ in 2018, Nikkle 9 has been on a non-stop mission to let the world feel what UGP (Under Ground Posse) has in store. And in order, Nikkle 9 just dropped the street banger, “Shawn Kemp”, which has the block on fire. Produced by Vizion Iz Major of Brooklyn Vision Media, the visuals are shot by Feezie Films with the beautiful Anaya Araj as the featured model.

As CEO, Nikkle 9 wears the hat of executive producer, producer, and features on various artists projects. In addition to running UGP, Nikkle 9 also manages Stoner Simpson, who is set to release his debut album in the near future. Also, the well anticipated seventh album from Nikkle 9, “Calivania” is set to release in the next few months. The album is said to feature producers and hip-hop artists from both coasts, which will give the project an added sense of connection with the culture.

With the momentum of past success, Nikkle 9 has his eyes on progressing UGP’s position in the industry. From recruiting up-and coming producers, rappers, artists, and creatives, Nikkle 9 is impacting the culture with his sound and originality which encompasses the tri-state and beyond. Stay Tuned! UGP (Under Ground Posse LLC.)

Exclusive Validated Interview

Validated: As a bi-coastal artist, would you say you have an advantage due to bringing a balanced perspective to the game?

Nikkle 9: Yeah, most definitely, it keeps you unbias when it comes to listening to music especially when you know the history in hip hop of the two coasts. Mixing the two creates a whole new animal

Validated: Who are the artists that inspire you?

Nikkle 9: Wutang Clan, 2pac, LL Cool J, Lauryn Hill, Mobb Deep, Outkast, NWA, Too Short, Master P… shit I’ll be forever. (lol) And a few local artists who I came up with in my years of music that nobody knows about.

Validated: Who are the producers and artists that are on or affiliated with Under Ground Posse?

Nikkle 9: I don't have a in house producer yet but I have a few I work with all the time like Vizion Iz Major, Vidal Garcia, K Felon Beats and Bvtman.

Validated: What has been the reaction to the “Shawn Kemp” joint?

Nikkle 9: That shit took off man. It ended up in France, UK… not just here in the U.S. Definitely pleased with the reaction and salute to Vizion Iz Major because he played a major part in not just the production but also the release. Big shout out to bro!

Validated: What can we expect from Under Ground Posse this summer?

Nikkle 9: More shows and more music. I release "Calivania" late July or early August. Stoner Simpson has a project on the way and videos coming soon as we speak. So we on go and plan to run the summer up.

UNDER GROUND POSSE: Nikkle 9