Ric Nuek was born and raised in the Elm City area of CT, which was well known for being a hot spot for drugs, violence and crime. As he grew older his penchant for music, specifically Hip-Hop, kept him just beyond the reach of the inner city’s violent grasp.
Inspired by artists such as Common and Mobb Deep, Nuek at the age of 13, began writing and recording his own music. As time passed and his local fame grew, he in 1999 founded his indie label, Get Doe Records. Ric’s lyrical prowess continued to capture the ears of the inner city as well as local radio station DJ’s. His persistence in the game is paying off and one thing is clear that Ric is an artist to watch out for.
For those new to your music, you have been on your music grind for years and have seen a good amount of success in your career. Tell us about some of these success stories.
I have always been a hard working artist. Being on my grind constantly has given me opportunity and allowed me to be featured on radio, mixtapes and magazines. I have had the chance to be Clear Channel’s “New Artist Of The Month”, featured on Funkmaster Flex’s “Unsigned Talent DVD Vol. 3”, Hip Hop Weekly, Coast 2 Coast Magazine, and Slip N Slide Records’ website just to name a few accomplishments.
What inspired you to pick up a microphone?
Honestly, my father and his band inspired me with music. As far as being a Hip-Hop artist, I was inspired by KRS-One, Rakim, Nas, Biggie, and Tupac.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
My biggest challenge lately has been reinventing myself as an artist. Music changes and what the world loves about music evolves so you have to be able to adapt.
What makes you stand out from other up-n-coming rappers in the game now?
My music gives you a combination of old, new, and futuristic Hip-Hop so my music can reach and relate to all ages. Not to mention my grind is like no other.
Are you a signed artist or are you independent?
Currently I’m independent and have a couple deals in the works.
Many artists feel that signing a major deal is their main goal nothing else, is that something you are aiming for or are you aiming for more?
Signing with a major would be great however being independent and accomplishing major success is more of the road I’m aiming to travel.
What are your favorite part of this industry and least favorite part?
I would say my favorite part is to get your music out to fans worldwide and having the world get to know you through music and it makes someone’s day to press play on your track. My least favorite part is a lot of up and coming artists try to imitate what others have done to be successful with no real plan to make it happen.
Can you give us 5 adjectives that you feel best describe your music?
Ground breaking, hot, unique, new, and fresh. My music is the soundtrack to my life.
With the music industry and the economy being so challenged, what is your best advice for other up-n-coming recording artists like yourself?
The best advice I can give is to invest in yourself!
Aside from you being so musically proven, are there any other hidden talents we should know about?
I do have a comedy side and a little acting talent that I would like to be able to display in the movie industry but that would be down the line after my album releases.
Are you in the game to stay, or are you just stopping in? How deep is your passion?
Music is my life as long as I have the ability I will be here in music.
Where can we find your music online? Wanna share some links with your followers?
The best place is my official website, www.ricnuek.com. My highly anticipated album, “Long Days And Sleepless Nights”, will be released on iTunes January 2014.
