I think this summer is the perfect time to introduce my young dude Nivele’s music to the hip hop blogosphere.  Nivele, formerly known as Sosa (birthname Xavier Simmons), is DMX’s oldest son.  Born in Yonkers, Nivele has lived in Mount Kisco, NY for the past decade, and is entering his junior year of high school in the fall.  He’s sixteen, but you’d never know it from his rap skills, or his work ethic.  This kid is dedicated and passionate about his music, and can rap better than most grown men.  His vocab is excellent, his flow is precise, and he’s a professional when it comes to getting in the booth (he one takes most of his verses). 

Nivele and I have known each other for two years now.  He frequents the Cultural Arts Center I run almost daily, making use of the recording and production equipment we have.  He keeps mostly to himself, but is very popular, and respected by his elders for his talent too.  I posted some of his stuff last summer after he was featured in XXL magazine (see article above), both solo and with his group Hood Legacy, but since then he’s been focusing mostly on his own career and his first official project, 1st Semester, recorded professionally at a local studio with his older friend and mentor producer Black.  He’s sold a bunch of burned copies at school, but for the most part it is still unheard.  So here at Westcheddar, we are going to give it an official launch.  But not today.  Next week, on July 29th, we will release the entire project, which features production by frequent DMX collaborator Dame Grease, his high school friend Matt Millz, and some original production too (in addition to him going in over some industry beats).  Check out this three part interview I did with Nivele where he discusses his creative process, suburban lifestyle, thoughts on current and past rappers (including his dad), meeting Nas and Jay-Z and hanging out with the LOX as a kid, how he plans to make his mark as a rap, uh, excuse me, pop star, and much more…

And here’s three exclusive songs from 1st Semester, which officially drops online for free download next week…

Nivele “Gossip” over the Weezy song

Nivele “Dreams” Produced by Dame Grease

Nivele “Stalker” Produced by Nivele

Stay tuned to Westcheddar for more Nivele, including a track by track interview breakdown of 1st Semester, coming next week along with the free download of the full project…hollerrrrrr.