Charisma is defined in Webster’s dictionary as a special magnetic charm or appeal. Two minutes in a room with burgeoning rap artist, Nic Paper, it is evident that he possesses the charisma needed to charm the girls, and inspire the guys. As the first recording artist signed to Chartcontrol, an Atlanta-based production company founded by Isaac “Ike Dirty” Hayes III (son of iconic R&B legend, Isaac Hayes), Nic Paper is positioned for success with a powerful team to navigate his career in the music industry.
Nic Paper, born Nic Garner, is a native of East Saint Louis, one of the most crime –stricken areas in the Midwest. Not to be confused with St. Louis (home of rappers Nelly and Chingy), East Saint Louis resides on the opposite side of the Mississippi river divide, separating the cities into two virtually different worlds. As a teenager, Nic Paper, developed his lyrical talent in hopes to avoid the many pitfalls his older brother faced, however, the surrounding environment made it difficult for Nic to completely avoid trouble. At age 17, Nic was a victim of the frequent criminal activity in his city when he was sliced in the head with a fixed blade pocket knife, while attending a local party at a hotel. The brawl almost resulted in his death, but instead left him with 32 stitches. This wake-up call inspired Nic to change his life’s direction, and at 18, he became more serious about a career as a recording artist. Fast forward a few years later, the 24 year old rapper and his manager D.P. are introduced to producer Isaac “Ike Dirty” Hayes III through a mutual friend Felix Donnell; several track listens later, Ike Dirty signed both Nic Paper and his producer Squat to a production deal with Chartcontrol, Hayes’ Atlanta-based production company . Chartcontrol is responsible for producing hits for today’s stars in urban music, including, “Money in the Bank” for rapper Lil Scrappy featuring Young Buck. “Nic is the perfect storm,” Ike Dirty elaborates, “he has all of the elements of what a superstar is; the look, the lyrical ability, and the marketability.”
Often compared to the likes of TI, because of his charismatic persona, Nic Paper exemplifies the “it” factor needed to inspire the male fans to want to be like him, and the charm to entice the female fans to want to be with him. Nic Paper’s “pretty boy thug” appeal and rebellious nature adds to tracks on Cash it or Plastic, and the lead single of the same title, on Nic’s buzz-worthy street album made available to his fans for free on www.nicpaper.com.
Nic Paper sites TI, Jay Z, Gucci Mane and Nas as inspirations for their real and uncut deliveries, and is adamant that future fans will be inspired by him. “When the world thinks of me, I want them to think of genuine music, and get a feel for who I really am, “ Nic continues “my hood has never been represented properly.”
The perfect look, the perfect sound, the perfect team, equals a lethal combination creating the perfect storm for Nic Paper to become the East Saint Louis hometown hero.
This Valentine's Day, Deena Jonez got you covered with her mixtape "Love Jonez." You can listen to all 15 tracks on SoundCloud.com.
