The Official Nikki Jean Fan Blog

Pennies In a Jar Drops In An Hour!!!!!!

2011-07-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. It has been a crazy few months. But finally, Nikki Jean's debut album is out! "Pennies In A Jar" sees Nikki Jean collaborating with some of the industry's finest, from Bob Dylan to Black Thought. I cannot wait to hold this record in my hands. You can order it on iTunes now!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI JEAN !!!!!!!!!

2010-08-25T16:47:00.001-07:00

Hit Nikki up on Twitter and wish a happy happy birthday.

She's also giving away holiday cards! :D Check 'em here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI JEAN !!!!!!!!!

2010-08-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Nikki is giving away holiday cards! :D Check 'em here.

Nikki Jean COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU :)

2010-08-25T16:42:00.003-07:00

Isn't this awesome? Msg Nikki and let her know if you can host a gig!

Nikki Jean COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU :)

2010-08-25T16:42:00.002-07:00

Isn't this awesome? Msg Nikki and let her know if you can host a gig!

Nikki Jean COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU :)

2010-08-25T16:42:00.001-07:00

Isn't this awesome? Msg Nikki and let her know if you can host a gig!

Nikki Jean COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU :)

2010-08-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Isn't this awesome? Msg Nikki and let her know if you can host a gig!

Video: Rittenhouse Row Festival with Nikki Jean

2010-05-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Nikki Jean at Philadelphia's annual Rittenhouse Row Festival

Video: Nikki Jean x Chris Buretta

2010-05-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Chef Chris Buretta taught Nikki how to make Cannoli's yesterday and they talk about it in the video....

Video: Nikki Jean - Black History Month Spotlight

2010-04-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Nikki is one of many Philly 360 Creative Ambassadors,

check visitphilly.com/philly360 fore more info's!

Nikki Jean interview w/ Spinner [SXSW 2010]

2010-03-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Village Slum)

Jazmine Valencia interviewed Nikki for Spinner.com at SXSW 2010, check it out below!

Spinner: Describe your sound in your own words.

Nikki: I consider my music to be singer-songwriter pop music.

Spinner: How did your band form?

Nikki: About five years ago I was asked to join a band called Nouveau Riche by Dice Raw and Khari Mateen.

When it was time to put a band together for my solo endeavor my only thought was to keep it in the family. Khari is the musical director and he found Michael, our drummer.

Through Michael we met Reggie and CJ, our percussionist and keyboardist, respectively. It all evolved really organically.

I think that's why we have so much fun together on stage and off. It's not just a job -- it's getting the opportunity to do something we love, with people we love.

Spinner: How did you come up with your name?

Nikki: When I was in high school there were so many Nicoles. Every time someone said "Nicole" about four or five people turned their heads. To solve the problem, each Nicole at the school got a nickname. Mine was Nikki Jean.

Click HERE to read the rest of the interview!

New Nikki Jean Website

2010-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's been up for a couple of weeks now. Check it out!!

Video: Nikki Jean - Fresh Off Tour

2010-03-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Nikki just finished her tour with Mayer Hawthorne and decided to do a new video blog to update us about how she's been and the things she's about to do (finishing recording her album etc.) and she also explains why she's not bloggin' as much as she used to anymore.

Nikki Jean Live in Dallas with Mayer Hawthorne

2010-03-24T01:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks dopechyld!

Nikki Jean & Antoniette Costa: Singer-Songwriters and Friends Forever:)

2010-03-24T01:31:00.001-07:00

Hey Look who it is!

ThrowBack

2010-02-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

Here's something for you guys that have been there from the start :)

Nouveau Riche "Love"

Video: Nikki Jean goes on tour and introduces her band

2010-02-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

Check Nikki's MySpace Page for all tour dates!

Video: Nikki Jean - The Suite903 Interview

2010-02-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Suite903.com recently interviewed Nikki, she discussed the legacy of soul in her home of Minnesota, performing with Lupe Fiasco & Co. on the Glow in the Dark tour… and baking cakes.

Thanks Summiyah

Nikki did another track with Lupe Fiasco!

2010-02-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

Nikki x Twitter

After Nikki did the hook on 2 tracks of Lupe Fiasco's "The Cool", he returns the favor and gives her a verse for her upcoming album...nice!

Nikki Jean .... ON TOUR

2010-02-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

Nikki Jean will be touring with amazing soul crooner Mayer Hawthorne starting March 4th in new York, and ending in Toronto!! So excited about this! Check the tour dates here. I really can't wait to see Nikki Jean live!!! (no pun intended). Make sure to catch the show in a city near you!!!

The Return Of Nikki Jean

2010-01-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

I randomly checked MySpace this morning and noticed that Nikki has a new profile pic up...so of course I went to her page to see what's going on...turned out that there wasn't only a new pic up, there was also a new track up in the music player!

The song is called "What's A Girl Supposed To Do?" and to be honest with you, I didn't know what to expect or in which direction Nikki would go with her new music and I guess you probably still can't tell 100% after only hearing one song but I was pleasantly surprised to see/hear that this one is actually more of a mid-to-uptempo POP song.

I really like it, I don't know if that's the first single off her album or just a taste of what's to come but I do know that I can't wait to hear more new music from her, looks like 2010 is gonna be Nikki's year!

Besides all that she's also going on tour with Mayer Hawthorne in March!

Click HERE to check out the song
and the tour dates!

Nikki Jean invites you to a "Cookie Social"

2009-10-08T03:23:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, October 13th 2009 - 6-9pm

in Philly at Grindstone Cafe
622 South 5th Street
between South and Bainbridge

Music by DJ PHSH with cookies for ALL :-)

RSVP to Summiyah@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Nikki!!

2009-08-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

So amazing how one's life can change in a year!
Keep up the wonderful work!
Your and inspiration to us all! :)

Flowerboxes and rewrites

2009-07-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

"Hello!, How are you?" lol

Video: Peter Rosenberg x Nikki Jean @ Rock the Bells in DC/Baltimore

2009-07-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

Mr. Rosenberg takes us behind the scenes of Rock the Bells.

Video features: Alchemist, Grap Luva, Raekwon, Evidence, Nikki Jean, MOP, Elzhi, Tech N9ne, S, and Uncle Q. If you want to see Nikki go to the 1:22 marker.

Our Nikki Jean Interview From Valentine's Day (Audio)

2009-07-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

You might remember that we interviewed Nikki earlier this year before she went on her road trip. We wrote it all down for you and posted it on here...somehow we never came around to post the audio file of it though but here it is now...so check it out!

And please excuse the few skips...we had some technical difficulties during the interview so I had quite some editing to do to get this file the way it is now...hope you enjoy it...

Listen/Download Here

Nikki, Martha's and Carly!

2009-07-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Yay! i hope nikki starts blogging more again!

Nikki Jean's Debut Album - February 2010

2009-07-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

via Twitter

Don't Forget About It: Nikki Jean is on FaceBook

2009-06-28T04:21:00.001-07:00

pic via Sirron Norris

Click Here to check Nikki's FaceBook Page and become a fan
today! It also wouldn't hurt if you'd tell your friends about it, too.

:-D

40th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Gala

2009-06-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

RIP Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

2009-06-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

A little late, but Michael was a great talent, a genius, and a true inspiration to billions of people. Billy Jean is one of his most memorable performances. Enjoy and celebrate some of the great music and dances he delivered for years.

Nikki Meets Smokey Robinson!!!

2009-06-27T02:19:00.000-07:00

Wow... Okay, Nikki's album will be a masterpiece, with or without, but Smokey Robinson is one of the greatest of ALL time. It will be super dope if they work together. Please Smokey :)

Roses and Second Chances

2009-06-19T13:31:00.001-07:00

Another Nikki Jean flash back

2009-06-09T23:15:00.001-07:00

nice poem nikki!

Re-up: Five Alarm Dj Jazzy Jeff mix

2009-06-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

Just for you who have requested it! ;)

Download here

Nikki Jean In The Studio

2009-05-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Performance in San Francisco tomorrow!

Hotel Utah Saloon 500 4th St.
San Francisco, CA - 8PM

Nikki Jean MySpace Makeover

2009-05-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Nikki Jean's blog just got a new look and it's pretty cool. Check it out here!!!
Hat tip to Summiyah!

TraPhik feat. Nikki Jean - Favorite Song

2009-05-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Check TraPhik's MySpace and order the Rush Hour EP

Nikki Jean on Twitter

2009-05-05T09:19:00.001-07:00

In case you didn't know...Nikki Jean is on Twitter!
Make sure to follow her HERE

Video: Nikki Jean In Cali

2009-04-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

Nikki Jean gives us a little update and lets us know that she's
in Cali right now, to find out more, watch the video!

Nikki Jean @ The Highline Ballroom in NYC - Pics

2009-04-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

via VillageSlum

Nikki Jean's New MySpace Layout

2009-04-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Click Here

Nikki Jean flash back!

2009-04-04T17:27:00.002-07:00

"Sedate Me"
one of my favs

Video: Nikki Jean - Road Trip Update

2009-03-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

Also check her latest MySpace blog entry !

NIKKI JEAN Stops by Southern Hospitality!!!

2009-03-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Your favourite singer/songwriter Nikki Jean, stopped by the Southern Hospitality a couple of days ago. Peep what they had to say:

"Now for ya'll who don't know about Nikki Jean, trust me you will. She is a phenomenal singer/songwriter who is currently on an extended road trip writing songs for her debut album. She is working with some of the biggest names in music and is definitely set to make her mark on the world. Her music is very unique with great lyrics and a voice that reminds me of a honey tangerine minus the seeds (really sweet with just a hint of tartness), really! "

Read the rest here. [via Southern Hospitality]

Also, follow The Nikki Jean Fan Blog on Twitter!

Nikki Jean To Perform In Nashville

2009-03-12T10:06:00.001-07:00

All you people out there in Nashville...it's your lucky day today because Nikki just announced that she'll perform @ the St. Augustine's Chapel on the Vanderbilt Campus.

Be there and have fun !

via MySpace

Consequence And Nikki Did A Track Together !

2009-03-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's titled "Does It Break Ur Heart???" and also features Musiq Soulchild. It will be on Cons' upcoming Mixtape: "The Cons Vol.6 - King Of Queens"

via Cons' Blog

The road trip continues!

2009-03-02T20:11:00.001-08:00

A Little Flashback... Stack That Cheese!

2009-03-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Feels like yesterday.

Oh, and follow us on Twitter! /\ntoine, Jayda, Sean

'Cos we so cool...

Exclusive Interview with Nikki Jean (Part 2)

2009-03-01T12:57:00.001-08:00

In part two of our exclusive interview with Nikki Jean, she talks about her upcoming record, artists she would like to work with, and also what she did for Valentine's Day. Enjoy.

Q: As an artist of your kind, there's always a risk of having to "go POP" or stay to your roots, and then end up somewhat unrecognized. Kinda like you have an India Arie and then you have Britney Spears on the other hand, have you ever thought about this?

NJ: Yeah, but I think that people frequently misunderstand where I come from, because I got my "big break" you would say from Lupe, but I'm not like a Hip-Hop artist, I've never been a Hip-Hop artist. I've always been, and i'm not... Like I don’t consider myself an R&B artist. I've always loved Classic American song writing and songs, so that’s what my record is based upon. Good songs and good song writers. My favorite song writers are POP writers.

Not pop in the Britney Spears sense, but pop as in Carol King, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Barry Mann, [inaudible] These are all people that are my absolute heroes and I wanna make music like they made and I don’t know if that’s gonna be considered pop or R&B and I think that it’s unrealistic to assume that... Like, pop is not a dirty word. Pop stands for popular and a lot of times when you experience popular success, people say oh, you’ve sold out, you went pop. But I don’t know, I’ve always wanted to make good songs.

I didn’t start off wanting to be like a hip hop songstress or Like with NV Riche, that’s the situation I fell into I never intended to be in an alt rock, or indie rock, or hip hop rock band but that was never my aspiration either. So I’m really not worried about other people expectation so or about selling out. I really trust Sam to make a phemomenal record and I’m def going to write a bunch of songs that I believe in. There’s not going to be a single song on the record that I don’t feel good putting my name on.

Q: So if you had to put yourself in one genre... I personally don’t like or agree with the whole genre thing, but u know people are probably gonna ask you. So what genre do you consider your music to be?

NJ: I feel like it’s probably... I don’t know. I think we’ll know more when the record is done. It’s hard to say before all the songs are written and the record is done, and how it’s gonna be marketed.

Q: Speaking of hip-hop... Hip hop saved my life. What inspired you to write the hook for that song?

NJ: Lupe! He gave me the track and said I want to write the song about this. Write the hook. It was really that. He already knew - he had the whole story of the song mapped out before I even wrote the hook. He was like, here’s the track, heres the concept, write the hook and that was it. You gotta give him what he wants. (laughs)

Q: You come across as very down to earth but pretty ambitious. Where do you see yourself, musically, five years from now? Where do you want to be five years down the road?

NJ: Five years down the road, I definitely want to be really happy. Right now, just working and pursuing my music makes me so happy ‘cause I’ve been working so long to get this opportunity – it’s incredible. I think you can psyche yourself out when you start aiming for hardcore things. Like, I wanna do this, I wanna do that. Kinda like people who say ‘I wanna have 3 kids by time I’m 27’. That kind of planning could never work for me. I’d totally psyche myself out.

So I don’t do that with my career either. I just try and say ‘Right now, I want to make the best record I can.’ And I wanna work as hard as I can to promote it. I know that I wanna do every radio interview I can. Every promotional performance, every in-store. I just want to work the record as hard as I can. And I think that if I do, that work will give me the opportunity to make another record.

Which is really all you can hope for. You can hope for more, but like, this is a competitive industry. It’s a very hard market right now. I’m just tryna do my best work and make a record I can be proud of. Five years from now, I hope I’m still baking and making music, and financially stable enough to take some cool vacations, buy a house... um take care of my mum. Those are the things that I really wanna do... the things that are really important to me.

Q: What ever happened to your segment on eatdrinkordie.com? Did it ever go online?

NJ: You know what? They held it hostage. I actually sent the clip to Summiyah. They actually really, really liked it. So much that they wanted to do a bigger program about it. And they approached my manager about it, and he thought it was probably best to focus first on the music and then later on the cooking and baking later. Cause I would prefer people to say, ‘That’s Nikki Jean who sings. Who knew she was so good at baking or that she loved food so much.’ I’d much rather if people said that than say “Hey, that’s the girl who bakes cookies. Who knew she could sing. That would be not as preferable (laughs).

I think it’s just a matter of timing, and we want everyone on the same page. Focused on the record – first, and then we’ll see what happens from there.

Q: So you’re just gonna save it for later. They’re not gonna just get rid of it or try to shut it down?

NJ: Not at all. Everybody is really excited about it. Summiyah, what were your thoughts on the trailer?

Summiyah: I love it. I thought it was really cute. I loved it. I’m excited to see it get bigger, whenever that time is right, but I really liked it.

NJ: I had a lot of fun making it. It was so much fun. It made me feel like, “wow, this could be my day job!” But I could never give up going on tour. But down the road, I definitely wanna spend more time cooking and doing stuff like that. Like, it’s what I do for fun anyway and I always think you should find a way to do what you really enjoy and do it for a living. So it’s something I’m defintely open to in the future.

Q: What are you doing today for Valentine’s day. Any special plans?

NJ: I’m going to go see Caroline. I’ve been looking at the billboards for months for that movie. Even though I didn’t know what it was like, just the graphics made me think “wow that looks fly.” So today I’m gonna do that. Treat myself, and that’s the biggest thing right there. (fades out)

Q: What artists would you like to work with the most? If you had the chance to invite them to a studio session with you.

NJ: Well you know, being a songwriter, there are people I would be interested in writing for, but those aren’t necessarily people you would want to be on a track with. (fades out)

In terms of singers who have really interesting voices, those are the people I find myself wanting to, you know, like, “Wow it’ll be so cool, it’ll be such an honor to write for them.” In terms of people in hip-hop to work with, I can’t think of anyone whose work I respect more than Lupe’s. He’s really... The more you see his work, the great conversations, and how his mind works. I really believe he’s one of the geniuses of our time.

But I will tell you – a while back- my favorite rapper, Slug, from Atmosphere, was talking to me about doing a whole mixtape with me. And I was super excited... And he was like “You’re gonna be super busy and we’re gonna have to postpone it.” So when and if that could ever happen, I’ll be super stoked. Cause I grew up listening to his music, and him being from Minnesota; he was always like a hero. And how they did it; how they conquered the industry is just amazing. And how they did so much on their own terms.

Q: Has there been a specific artist that you never talked to, but when u actually met them, you were like whoa... that’s not what I thought.

NJ: Yes [laughs] Yes, over and over again. And that’s like one of the saddest experiences. They are your heroes. Especially when you love someone’s music; it’s just sometimes, I choose not to meet someone I’m a really big fan of, cause I don’t want to risk being disappointed. I know that sounds funny, but you always think “man, if I had a chance to meet them I’d jump at the opportunity. But... after a few choice meetings you’re like, “man, I’m never going to listen to that song the same way again... like man, it’s not worth it; it’s just not worth the risk.

Q:You used to have a website which now links to your myspace page. Do you know if there’ll ever be another official Nikki Jean website?

NJ: Man, there’s about to be like more official Nikki Jean sites than I can really handle. You know, a lot of the questions you guys have are the same ones that I have. You know, when is my YouTube and MySpace page gonna start looking like an official artists page?

Mmhmm, I don’t know, but um, but I think when it happens that’ll be exciting. It’s gonna happen cause it’s in my contract and I don’t know when and it’s so interesting cause there are a lot of things you don’t have control over when you sign a recording contract and I’m just kinda working hard on the record and waiting to see how the contract is going to change my life, and restrict my freedom and what’s its gonna allow me; give me the opportunity to do. I don’t really know yet.

It hasn’t really changed anything yet, other than the fact that I’ve had to sit down and talk with lawyers. Other than that, I feel no discernable changes in my life. But we’ll see. We’ll see when everything starts happening.

Q: Do you have anything encouraging to say to anyone out there who is pretty much in the same footsteps that you were, at the beginning of your career. Like, what can you say has helped you the most along your journey?

NJ: If you quit, you’ll never know if you could make it or not. If you quit, it’s game over. But as long as you keep going, there’s a chance that you could make it.

Q: You have a really, really amazing personality. What are the some of things that have shaped you?

NJ: Three things really shape my personality. My mum is one. She always stressed how important it was to treat people the way you’d like to be treated, and she didn’t allow for any kinda attitude or injustice, or anything like that. You’re no better than anyone else, but you’re also no worse than anybody else, so treat everybody with respect.

And the second thing is just, like, the grind, the hustle, will humble you. Cause you work so hard and stuff doesn’t come back. And you’re just working and working and you’re just waiting for that reward and you know there’s no guarantee that it will ever come. And when you look at it – no one deserves success. If you could just earn your success; then a lot more people will have it.

There are so many people who work really really hard and are never gonna have the opportunity to do what they love. And everyday you just have to be grateful for the opportunity you have. Some people don’t have like, running water, let alone a chance to pursue their dreams. So you know, that’s very humbling. And the third thing that’s really is amazing is that I had a the opportunity to meet a young female artist, who I won’t name. But like, years ago. I never forgot how it felt to be disrespected and looked over by someone who in my eyes had everything I ever wanted. I looked at her and said wow, she’s living my dream and she doesn’t even appreciate it. And she’s not even nice.

If I were in her position, I would be nice to everyone. Like, I’d be happy all the time. Look how mean she is. I always know that if I had the chance, I would appreciate the chance I got, and I wouldn’t be mean to people. I won’t disrespect people and blow them off and take them for granted like I saw some people do. And that made a really lasting impression to me.

Q: Final words?

NJ: This is Nikki Jean, with nikkijeanlive.blogspot.com. Thank you for listening. Keep coming back, right here. Stay tuned ‘cause this is about to be the journey of a lifetime. And I want you all to come with me. Have a wonderful day!

Q: Thank you so much Nikki Jean.

NJ: Love for you guys. It hasn’t been easy. I appreciate you guys taking time out of your day to have a chat with me. Really dope!

Q: We really, really appreciate it.

Atmosphere - "Shoulda Known"

2009-03-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

Nikki Jean's favourite rap group. Enjoy...

PS: Interview (part 2) will be up tonight!!

Nikki Jean Starts Her Road Trip

2009-02-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday YOU have been able to read about it on here
and today the journey begins !

Have fun Nikki !

Exclusive Interview With Nikki Jean (Part I)

2009-02-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

In Part 1 of our exclusive interview with Nikki Jean, she talked to us about how she started making YouTube videos, Nouveau Riche, and what's coming next. Read and enjoy.

Q: Let's start with this, for those who don't know you, can you explain who Nikki Jean is in 3 words that best describe you?

NJ: Baking, singer-songwriter.

Q: Ok, so...about your YouTube videos, when did you decide to report the journey of you in the music industry?

NJ: You know, at first I was just doing them intermittently like I did a few, I guess in February or March of 2007 and I think that people's growing interest caused me to do it more and more and it became a really kinda symbiotic relationship where there was a certain group of people who wanted to hear what it was like and what was going on and the progress and they wanted to give me encouragement and I definitely needed the encouragement because, it's hard. So..I think that's kinda how it started, and because of that; because people were there for me when I didn't really have much happening at all, you know, the band was struggling and I was working jobs and barely able to pay my rent and people were so supportive that it made me wanna continue to take them along on more of the cooler stuff that started happening later, which I don't think would have happened in the same way if it hadn't been for the incredible people, strangers that I never met, who took the time to invest in me and my career.

Q: So...what's up with Nouveau Riche...you split up last year, correct?

NJ: Yeah, it was an interesting thing with Nouveau Riche. It's hard to be in a band and at the same time, they are at home in Philly and you are seeing the whole country with Lupe and Kanye, that's incoherent to balance so of course they wanted to be working and making music and I didn't want to stop them in that. Before I met the guys, the band had been together for 3 years and I've been singing and writing songs on the piano for probably 10 years, so before I met them I had always intended to do a solo project and it was never supposed to be an either/or thing, so as things picked up for me they just started working on their separate projects and it was a very natural kind of solution.

Q: Do you think that you'll ever get back together to record music?

NJ: Absolutely! I still sit down and have lunch with the guys once in a while and listen to the new stuff they are working on. They were actually forming a new band that was gonna sing some of the songs that I've written and I was writing more songs for that band. So we are still all on really good terms and I hope to make music with them in the future.

Q: Ok so I know that you said that Sam Hollander is gonna produce your whole album. Can you tell us what he's exactly doing...does he create the music?

NJ: Well, what's gonna happen is that I'll sit down with a number of really exciting, really cool writers over the next couple of months. And when I write the songs with them we kinda do a rough demo recording and it's usually me on the piano and singing or them on the piano and singing. Then we take those recordings back to Sam and he has me sit down with an arranger and me and the arranger work to try to make sure that the songs have a sound and feel that's consistent for the whole record. When you work with a whole bunch of different writers it would be easy to have a very inaudible record so I work with the arranger to get the feel of all the songs on the same page and after that we do a more formal demo of it where I'm actually in a studio with a good mic and great instruments and from there Sam takes the song and flashes it out.

Q: How soon do you think we can expect your project coming?

NJ: Probably August/September. That's what we're aiming for. But I have seen so many people come out and say "Yeah, my record is gonna come out here..." and then 2 years later you hear it came out...so god willing that won't be the case. I'm trying to really enjoy the process of making the record and not to become too attached with the outcome to the point where I can't enjoy the outcome. Because you can't control the outcome, there's only so much you can do... that you can control when your record comes out....

(The connection broke and Nikki came back and wanted to tell us something exciting)

Nikki: On February...I think 23rd or 24th, I'm leaving my home in Philadelphia, in my car, with my puppies and we are driving to Nashville, where I'm gonna meet up with some incredible writers. But once I leave on that day, I'm not coming back, I'm not coming home until my record is completely written, it's an indefinite road-trip.

Q: Are you still gonna do your video blogs?

NJ: That's when I'm gonna start doing them again. I'm going to Nashville, probably Memphis, Atlanta, Florida, across Texas all the way to LA and I'm gonna stop and do open mics and meet my friends across the country and we'll bowl and bake, it's gonna be so much more fun than making my record like in a bathroom and having to sit around my house and think of lyrics and be in studios every day (I like being in studios) but how much more fun is that gonna be – to be on the road. It's turning spring and it's gonna be warm in the South and I'm gonna meet people and see all types of wonderful things; that's gonna be so cool. I'm excited for the opportunity to make the record that way because I know I'm gonna be so inspired just by the landscape of the country like... I loved being on tour. I love roadtrips; I love touring; I do some of my best writing on the road. It's gonna be awesome to see the country, which I've done before, but I love doing it, it's gonna be awesome!

Q: How did you enjoy "the cool tour" with Lupe Fiasco? I know when you guys came to Atlanta, I went to that show and it was a really really good show, so how did you enjoy that whole experience?

NJ: You know, that was a trickier show for us...that was not one of our smoother shows, I remember that show and the performance at "the Roxy" in Atlanta, Summiyah you were there too, weren't you? (Yup!) Yeah man, that was a BIG night and there were some great people there and there was an after party at the (???) Store, Trey Songz was there, and hmm, yeah there's just so many memories like that first tour was just a whirlwind because I didn’t...I wasn’t supposed to be on it. I was only supposed to do that one date in Los Angeles, but I had so much fun when I got out there that I just asked Lu like “Yo can I stay on tour?” and he just said "Yes". So all of a sudden I was out, with only one day of clothes with me, but what... if there's anything that you wanna know, about the tour, what would it be?

Q: Well actually can I tell you the story of how I made it to the Lupe show, because I wasn’t supposed to go to that show myself (Laughs)

NJ: Let’s hear it!
Yeah, what happened was I actually waited to buy tickets the day of the show, but it was sold out. So what I ended up doing was I drove down there anyway (to the Roxy) and you know how the Roxy is set up Nikki, like in the back, the door was wide open,(Laughing) so I just went through, and you know Dammo? The one who is in Lupe's band? Yeah! he just let me and my friend in and that was history.

NJ: Well that sounds like a great way to get into a show, I got into a PRINCE concert that way before
Q: Oh really??
NJ: YUP!

I was actually trying to meet you cause I saw Sarah Green, and we saw everybody else but, I was like, "Yo where's Nikki Jean?" and they were like..."Oh I don’t know" So it didn’t work out.

NJ: But, you know what’s crazy about that is I spent the whole show at the Roxy out, right at the sound booth and I still have pictures dancing around with a bunch of girls that were at the sound booth there, like I always ...I'd never been on tour before so, every night was just kinda like something new. Yeah, but it was just ... I couldn’t believe it. Like still it’s kinda unbelievable for me. Definitely the Glow in The Dark Tour too just unbelievable when you’re like, man! I was just up on that stage...Seriously? For real?? (Laughing) Like, that's crazy! So I would just constantly celebrate (Laughs) I was in constant celebration mode and it was easy to do because, for the fans, every night is fresh. So there's always someone who's gonna celebrate with you like...Man this is crazy! and they'll be like, it IS crazy! (Laughing) I really, really enjoyed that.

Q: Thats cool! So can you tell us about your experiences on the Glow in the Dark Tour? Like, how much did it mean to you...Like being around all those people? Not just Lupe, but you know Kanye, Pharell, NERD and Rihanna and all the other people you met on tour.

NJ: It was super, super fun, it was a cross between like, music graduate school, and boot camp and summer camp all into one.

Q: Talking about the tour. I know you guys probably [partied] a whole lot...

NJ: Not as much as you would think.
Q: Really?
NJ: Naw... cause a lot of times you... a lot of times you leave one place at 2am, and the show gets over at 11, that’s not much time to like, pack up and get on the bus and roll out.

Part 2 even get's better, so stay tuned !!!

New Nikki Jean Wallpaper

2009-02-20T14:26:00.001-08:00

I hope you like it.

Nikki Jean - Faithful - Lyrics

2009-02-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

How long is that shadow you've been dragging around?

What's the matter? has the weatherman got you down?

Well I can't stop the clouds from forming

but with just a moments warning

I reach out my arms and keep you warm

you ain't never gonna feel the storm

Cause' I can be faithful

I can be true

I will be with you in all that you do

I can make the hard times easier for you

if you want me to, if you want me to

You ain't gotta believe in fairytales

to get your happy ending

I'm not sure if I can be your ladylove,

whose honor is worth defending

But when your dreams are tossed and torn

I'll grab the rose right by the thorn

and all you'll see is the beauty that it brings

you ain't never gonna feel a thing

Caus' I can be faithful

I can be true

I will be with you

in all that you do

I can make the hard times easier for you

if you want me to, if you want me to

It's a privilege not a price

darling it's no sacrifice, I love you

and It's the only tie that binds

I don't much mind the hard times

never too much

So if you need to let down

we ain't gonna sink or drown

only gonna swim or soar to solid ground

When you go to the wall

with me by your side then it's got to fall

make the call

if you can't say yes just tell me

maybe all I want is all that I can get

and to be your baby

Is that asking too much?

I can't do enough to make you see

I can be faithful and true

I will be with you

in all that you do

I can make the hard times easier for you

if you want me to, if you want me to

Those are the correct lyrics now...I knew that I didn't get it all right...hmm..which song should I take next?...Yup, more lyrics coming soon !

And thanks :-)

Traphik - Rush Hour EP - Snippets

2009-02-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

In case you don't want to check all of the snippets, just skip to 5:18 and
check the track that features Nikki Jean.

Sounds pretty sweet, doesn't it?

The EP is available for pre-order on: http://myspace.com/traphik

Dj Deckstream Feat. Nikki Jean "Exit Sign"

2009-02-15T10:29:00.001-08:00

New track from miss Nikki Jean and Dj Deckstream off the new album "Deckstream Soundtracks 2" check it out!
(^^)v

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NIKKI JEAN !!!

2009-02-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for our exclusive Valentine's Day interview with Nikki Jean.

Nikki Jean talked to us about what she's currently up to, what to expect in the next few weeks and months; and also about how far she's come since her first YouTube videos and the Glow In The Dark tour.

You don't wanna miss it!!! The audio and text will be posted up later.

Tu Phace ft. Nikki Jean - Say Yes

2009-02-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

Ok...we haven't heard that much of Nikki lately...
but this track is definitely great !

Make sure to visit Tu Phace's MySpace Page !

Nikki Jean is Back !

2009-02-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

It's so nice to see her again !

Vote for "Tell the Truth"

2009-02-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hey People!

Thanks to a nikki jean fan, i was told about a poll over at the "radio milwaukee" blog featuring miss Nikki herself!
Every week on "Are you feeling this" they feature new music from artists that are not heard on mainstream radio.
So make sure you go vote and support the Nikki Jean movement!

Vote here for "Tell the Truth"

Who would have known?

2009-01-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

Just one year ago, Nikki Jean was featured on Lupe Fiasco's "The Cool"
with "Hip Hop Saved my Life" and "Little Weapon". Now She's a Columbia Recording Artist.

See how much can happen in one year?? Follow your dreams everybody!!! Anything is possible! Let Nikki Jean be your inspiration...i know she's mine!
(^^)v

Nikki And Her Dog

2009-01-02T04:59:00.000-08:00

via MySpace

The Best of 2008

2008-12-30T21:33:00.000-08:00

What a year this has been, people. Asides from me hanging out with JayBee today in Atlanta, here are some highlights of 2008 (in no order).

What was YOUR highlight of 2008? Share with us!

Obama wins.
Nouveau Riche releases "Free Money" and splits up :(

Nikki Jean featured on CNN Special.

Nikki Jean tours with Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco on the epic "Glow in the Dark"

Nikki Jean signs record deal with Columbia.

Thank God for the wonderful year that was 2008. All the best in the new year peeps!!!

Merry Christmas (with Alicia Keys!)

2008-12-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Since we couldn't get a Nikki Jean Christmas carol, enjoy a fellow pianist and singer/songwriter, the awesome Alicia Keys.

THANKS to all our readers. You guys have been awesome. What a great year we've had! Merry Christmas to you all, from all of us here. And special shoutout to Sean, JayBee, and Mal.

NIKKI GETS BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVER!!!

2008-12-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

On Christmas eve, Nikki Jean unveils the news of her new record deal from Sony/BMG/Columbia Records.

THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!!

Nikki Jean is now a Columbia artist! WOW. Sorry, but I'm ecstatic!!!

Congratulations Nikki, this is also a Christmas gift to all your fans. We're proud of you, and wish you all the best.

Timothy DeLaGhetto and Nikki Jean

2008-12-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

They actually recorded a song together called "Favorite Song"
it'll be featured on DeLaGhetto's upcoming CD - "The Rush Hour EP".

GOOD Music

2008-12-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

Common's new album just dropped today. I've listened to it twice, and it's gold. Props to The Neptunes for the excellent beats. Go pick yours NOW!!!
Support creative, good art.

An inside look into the making of The OddISee...

2008-12-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Do You Want A Christmas Card From Nikki Jean ?

2008-12-01T16:48:00.000-08:00

Just Click Here

We Miss You Too !

2008-11-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Nikki Jean Works On Her Record

2008-11-21T02:24:00.000-08:00

Get People To Vote !

2008-10-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Nikki Jean On "A Rosenberg Oddisee"

2008-10-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

You can download Peter Rosenberg's 6 track EP for free now.
Nikki is featured on there with a track called "Tell The Truth".

Download the full tape here

Or just get Nikki's track here

via RosenbergRadio

Dig Deeper

2008-10-27T12:50:00.001-07:00

Damn..I Was Excited For A Second

2008-10-24T12:28:00.003-07:00

I guess that's what she wanted

Nikki Jean Featured On "A Rosenberg Oddisee"

2008-10-22T03:43:00.000-07:00

On October 30th Rosenberg will be dropping
“A Rosenberg Oddisee”,

a six song EP recorded in one day
and produced entirely by Oddisee.

The EP features tracks from Buckshot,
Skyzoo, Nikki Jean, and more.

Rosenberg Radio

Nikki Jean Pics

2008-10-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

nikki and jack davey

nikki and patty

nikki and talib

does anybody else miss seeing nikki's cat but me?? lol

Nikki Jean Was Booooowwwwling (Jim Jones Voice)

2008-10-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

Bowling info

2008-10-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2008 from 4-7
3525 W Carson St # 82
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 802-7010

The Industry Shakedown Interviews Nikki Jean

2008-10-18T08:49:00.001-07:00

Here's one of the questions:

m! - Have you met a celebrity that you were anxious to meet, only to find out, that particular celeb was a complete cornball?

NJ - It's been my experience that most celebrities are slightly corny. But I appreciate it, because it makes me feel more at ease about being a dork. Sometimes you meet someone who you REALLY idolized, and they completely disappoint you, and then you start to despise their work because it's painful to know that someone who came up with something so brilliant actually sucks in real life and no matter how much you tell yourself to take it easy, because you suck in real life as well, it doesn't help, and in the end you feel like you just found out Santa Claus wasn't real... and kind of dread the day you'll give that feeling to someone else.

For the whole interview Click here

Did anyone notice that we are the "Nikki Jean Fan Blog"
and that we never did an interview so far???

Voting - Round 5

2008-10-16T02:36:00.000-07:00

Vote for your favorite verse !

Click here

Voting Round 3

2008-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

You know the deal...
vote for your favorite !

Click here

Voting Round 2

2008-10-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

And once again it's on !

Choose your favorite verse.

Click Here

Nikki Jean and Miss Jack Davey in NYC

2008-10-13T03:28:00.001-07:00

via MissJackDavey

Help Nikki Jean - And Vote !

2008-10-11T02:30:00.000-07:00

Vote here

It wouldn't be fair to tell you who I prefer, right?

Thanks to Summiyah for sending this in
What's up Anthony ?

2 New Nikki Jean Pics

2008-10-10T02:42:00.001-07:00

Pics via Kris Ross

Great pics...

doesn't she look awesome?

I guess they took some more in that shoot.
You'll probably see them on MySpace soon.

Nikki Will have A Cooking Segment On EatDrinkOrDie

2008-10-07T03:20:00.001-07:00

Should be interesting

Check the Site

Nikki Jean Talks Blogging and More

2008-10-06T02:43:00.000-07:00

Send her a video of you reciting your favorite hip hop verse
and the winner of the contest will receive 2 dozen of their favorite cookies.

Chester French

2008-10-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Visit them on MySpace

Nikki Jean - Fallen Angel

2008-10-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's been 10 years since the last King Britt presents SYLK130. Now a new album titled "Swoon" will come out soon. King Britt brings in Nikki Jean on Fallen Angel which is part of the highly anticipated new album. An album of all lovesongs, Fallen Angel is one song that combines the moodiness of David Lynch, the sonics of Bjork and the soul of Philadelphia.

Check it out and get it via

Common and N.E.R.D

2008-09-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Watch Common and Chad of N.E.R.D. bust some dope-ass breakdance moves on stage. Damnnnn...

From the "Common & NERD - Seeing Sounds of The Invincible Summer" tour.

Don't miss them in your city!!!

Can't wait for Common's "Universal Mind Control" album. The guy is a LEGEND.

This Is Hilarious

2008-09-25T01:57:00.000-07:00

Nikki and Brandon from SEFG re-create a typical conversation.

:)

Muja Messiah Feat. Nikki Jean - So Far So Good

2008-09-24T02:36:00.000-07:00

Nikki does the hook on this track !

Taken from the Muja Messiah album
"Thee Adventures Of A B-Boy D-Boy"

Nikki Jean Is Back! - Talks About Fruition

2008-09-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

I posted those pics of Nikki a couple days ago
just scroll down and click the link to the website

Get In Shape With Nikki

2008-09-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

For the LiveJournal community

Click here

Nikki Jean - Arize Mag Interview

2008-09-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

A lover of lyrics and multi-talented Singer/Song Writer are just a few of the things you can use to describe Nikki Jean. After viewing just a few of her videos on YouTube and numerous daily posts on her Myspace page, you quickly understand that her success is far from being an overnight thing. Her vocals and attention to lyrics is what makes it hard to take your ears and eyes off of her. Arize had the privelege to sit down with Nikki between her hectic schedule, on tour with Lupe Fiasco and others during the "Glow in the Dark Tour", and really gave us a better understanding of who Nikki Jean really is as an artist and as someone whom you cant label as just a R&B singer.

Arize: Being an indie artist, what do you think lacks in todays music industry? And what do you think the creative differences are in indie as compared to major music companies?

I think the music industry is in a state of transition. . so stability is one of the many things lacking. Some people say that the industry lacks creativity or innovation, but I think you just have to know where to look. In terms of companies, I don’t believe in good ones or bad ones. The people who run the companies are what make them functional or not. . so I believe in good people, who are passionate about music and musicians. There are people like that at major labels and indies, you just have to find them.

Arize: What R&B does Nikki Jean listen to? I would assume you’re so critical to others as well as yourself just off the simple fact that your voice and sound is so unique and 100% Your sound.

Yikes. . I’m not a big R&B listener. . I think that being surrounded by the artists I’m surrounded by (primarily hip hop) and being brown has caused me to get a few good looks in the R&B genre, and has caused me to be classified as an R&B artist. I don’t mind it, I just think it’s inaccurate. . . its like when people think I’m Latina. . I love latino people. . they’re beautiful. . in all their shades and incarnations. . some of my favorite food is Mexican, Dominican, etc. . I however. . am not Latina. In terms of R&B, I like Bill Withers, I like Smokey Robinson. . I like good songwriters.

Arize: The video blogs give us a insight of who Nikki Jean is…You even put a blog up about the day you quit your job…How have people accepted you as a person after all these blogs? And has anything creepy ever came from these?

People have been extremely supportive, there is always a the occasional heckler, but for the most part I would say blogging has been a great experience for me. More and more people recognize me from the blog, and THAT is crazy. . nothing really creepy yet. . God willing we can just skip that whole thing.

for the whole thing

Click here

Nikki Jean - Excercise Your Rights And Your Body

2008-09-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Nikki Jean Models For Fruition LV

2008-09-13T00:10:00.001-07:00

Make sure to check their website for more info.
Those outfits look fresh.

Click Here

Nikki Jean - A Playlist

2008-09-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

You should listen to all of those tracks because they are all awesome