Nico B, a Chicago emcee of longstanding prominence in the performance circuit, released his popular first album in 2001 on Audio 8. Flo Products delivers poignant and playful street vignettes; Nico B’s phrasing is catchy, punchy yet fluid over the Record Playas jazzy boom-bap beats. For his sophomore album, Certain Sound, Nico B collaborated with eclectic producer Polyphonic and prolific San Francisco scratch innovator Flesh O.N.E. His multilingual, English and Portuguese rhymes also appear on Record Playas produced compilation album of prominent Chicago hip-hop artists, Soundtracks For Days. Transferring the spry, bustling flair of his live performances to the studio his recordings also capture an intimate sincerity. The albums were greeted with critical and popular success. Nico B performs regularly at venues throughout Chicago, the Midwest and abroad in Brazil, including the Empty Bottle, Elbo Room, Joe’s, and the Funky Buddha Lounge. He’s opened for prestigious acts such as the X-Ecutioners and performed at Rio de Janeiro’s Sound System Na Praia music street festival. His collaborators include well known Chicago artists Mix Massacre, Seel and Adad.
Born in Chicago, Nico B was raised in gritty Cicero. His strong neighborhood affinity and Cuban background instills his work with an honest social realism. While addressing individual concerns over commercialism, street survival, romance, and artistic growth he constructs a stunningly memorable style.
:: A8 Releases
A8002/CD
Nico B / Record Playas
Flo Products
A8003/12" EP
Nico B / Record Playas
Flo Products
A8005/CD
Nico B / Polyphonic / Flesh O.N.E.
Certain Sound
A8006/12"
Nico B / Polyphonic / Flesh O.N.E.
Certain Sound
A8007/CD
Record Playas
Soundtracks for Days
A8013/CD
Polyphonic the Verbose
Abstract Data Ark
A8014
Serengeti
Race Trading
A8018
Sunn / Polyphonic / Flesh O.N.E. / AM Overtone
Prostitute Karaoke Full Length
