Nick Grant stands as a premier lyricist of his generation. The South Carolina native has provoked critics to compare him to top lyricists such as Nas and AZ. With the Return of Cool, Nick Grant proves that rap lyricism can still thrive in an era where beats can be more important than rhymes.
During a recent interview, Nick Grant gave a breakdown of some of his best lyrics on Return of Cool.
The song: “Sometime”
The lyric “I wonder would you show love if I’m average/Such a good heart my surroundings just make me savage.”
It’s just the change I’m going through as a person and an artist. At this point in my life, people treat me totally different because of this so called fame that I have now. If I was an average person, would you still treat me the same way? I went through a lot of changes throughout my life, but my intentions were always good. All of the things I went through just made me a savage.
The song: “Sing-Along”
The lyric: “It’s all the same song what you spinning it back for/I swear your last record should’ve been your last choice/Sh– is looking like radio made the trap star.”
I feel like I’m living in the time where it’s not really about the substance of the music. It’s like the same things are being played on the radio. It’s like a set-up because they are only known for the singles and not the body of work. I would rather be the person who has a great body of work versus someone who will only have the radio singles.
The song: “Luxury Vintage Rap”
The lyric: “Triple beam dream these dope fiends get lit/I never compromise my integrity for a hit.”
I’m just relaying the newer rappers as to how they want a hit record so bad that they will compromise their integrity. They will do whatever to appeal to people instead of being themselves. I know the road may take long, but it’s generally worth it because you’re being your authentic self.
How do you make sure whatever you do stays true to who you are?
I think it’s making sure you know the business. You have to get across what people want to hear while being yourself. It’s a balance and a happy medium that you have to discover as an artist.
