"Sick and twisted/I don’t want no medicine
There’s no way you can fix it/
Cuz I’m better than I’ve ever been."
Not long ago one of my guys broke me off with two digital EPs marked, “you gotta hear this.” He doesn’t say that often, so I threw 'em on my to-do list and got to it. And after a few weeks, all I can say is my man is on it once again.
The “this” in question is named Nouveau Riche. They're a 5-member clique out of Philly, PA. Co-signed by The Roots, Nouveau Riche features Khari, Joe B., Dom A. and emcee Dice Raw (former Black Thought protégé), and exquisite front lady, Nikki Jean.
Known for her contributions to Lupe Fiasco's The Cool Nikki Jean’s gotta be one of the most stunning and intriguing singers I’ve heard in years. And if you've ever seen her YT channel, The NikkiJean Project, you know she's one of the more charismatic folks out there. She sings like a cross between Gwen Stefani, Kelis and Lina. You can hear it best on On every track she sounds playful without being childish; sexy without sounding slutty; and she’s got a great vocal range, too.
I got 2 of their EPs: The 10-song The Longtail EP and the 8-song strong Free Money EP. Both joints combine Dice Raw's aggressive lyrical rhymes with funky, sexy guitar-grinding soul-clapable dance pop. What set them even further apart is the smart lyrics that elevate traditional topics of day-to-day struggle, fame, society, drugs, hood life, love, politics, sex, etc. Imagine Prince rockin' a B-Boy stance.
Better than I've Ever Been is one of the most addictive songs you'll hear all year. And unlike Kissed A Girl, you won't be jamming pencils in your ears screaming, "okay, enough; I get it already!" by the 2nd time around.
I'm really pulling for these cats, because outside of "good" and "addictive" they're just really hard to describe. I know i spent the last few paragraphs telling you this and that about 'em. but fact is, Nouveau Riche flat out rocks. they're sexy, cool, fun. Smart....
Screw it. Just download the tunage. They're free on the band's site or you can follow the links right here and here. It's worth it!
