Y'all already know who it is. It's Yo Boy Nokey. Chi-Town Representa to be excact, but i am going to shed some light on who Nokey is.
Raised on the Northside of Chicago. Got his blessings from the Southside (51st & Federal 69th & Perry). Child Of God Foremost, Father second. Grew up in a musical family -Uncle, Brother, and Mother were Dj's.
From a young age Nokey knew a lot about Commercial Music. Embracing acts like LL Cool J, Tupac, Biggie, & Jay-Z. Living with his Nigerian Father for the upper-half of his life Nokey would listen to classical music often, and that classical music was a major influence of changing his stage name. (Nokey, meaning Knowledge of Music). But music wasn't also his first passion. Nokey is also a talented basketball player. That talent earned him several Scholarships, which he took full advantage of.
Nokey Graduated with a degree in Business Marketing from Cameron University, but instead of persuing basketball,Nokey opted for the family dream, music. Utilizing that Marketing Degree Nokey focused on becoming the most innovated and hottest up and coming artsit to hit the scene. As most artists do, Nokey pack up his mpc and headed to the Atl. What the industry likes to call grind mode.
For the next three years Nokey produced for local artists, promote for local clubs, direct videos for up and coming talent, model for fashion shows, and auditions for roles in movies. All while doing this, Nokey was able to produce 3 mixtapes, but of the three "The Hood Made Me" Volume 1 seen a lot of success, with record sales of 10,000 in the streets of the Atl alone. But he didn't stop there, he quickly produced "The Art Of Dro."
On this hot album Nokey teamed up with 1st 2Bust, A hot 17 yr. old producer from the southside of Atlanta. This collaboration would be a monumental one, sparked form this would from the production and media company known as Star Born Media & Production. Nokey's hard work, networking, And Determination, helped him in merging creative minds with CTE and HI-FLI Tones.
"Swagger Like Us Freestyle/Feelin Myself"
"I'm On It Freestyle" Slick P. Tribute
Check out Nokey's interview with Kim Ellis for The Essence Of Grind Aniversary Magazine Below: NOKEY UNDER THE RADAR.
How Did You Link Up With C.T.E.?
I first met Young Jeezy at a private party in Miami, I was there promoting my mix tape “The Hood Made Me” I told him I wanted him to take me under his wing. Because his money and influence was crazy long in the streets and I was feeling the whole movement and I felt it could help my independent grind. I exchange contact info with his former assistant Twin. Twin then linked me with Kinky B (co Ceo of CTE), and Ace (kinky b former assistant) who called me in and gave me my first industry opportunity.
This Year You've Directed Your !st Major Video “CORPORATE THUGGIN.” What Was It Like Working With USDA Through The Whole Process?
Well, Young Jeezy is very particular. He knows what he wants and how he wants it. So I guess you can say he co-directed the video because he sat down with me and suggested every frame. In the beginning he came to me and said that all the footage that we been archiving, he wanted to put it all together to show the whole CTE movement, from the street dream tour, to private parties, on the road, to the tour bus and the whole nine. When we finished the video Jeezy took it to New York to show Jay and LA. And Next thing I know I see my shit on MTV and BET. Then everybody started calling me asking how much I charge to do a video just like Corporate Thuggin.
So You Are A Rapper, Producer, And Videograpger. How Important In Today's Music Business Is It For An Artist To Wear More Than One Hat?
Right now it’s mandatory. It’s the whole essence of grinding that motivates me. The more you grind and the more hats you were the more opportunities you have to generate wealth. I learned that from people like Jamie Foxx, Kanye west, and 50 cent, all three started off hustling one craft and then implemented that skill into the music they make today. Which is why I’m in the studio recording working on my mix tapes and album and doing videos at the same time.
What's good? When you get a chance please stop by my page and check out my new single "Hola Hata's" and my remix of Beyonce's "Diva". Oh yea' it's new pics and videos up too...thanks
Coming through to shead my blessing on this wonderful day. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you if you celebrate the holiday today, and if you don't than HAPPY THURSDAY!! :o) Hope all has been well!
