Emcee N.I.C.E. has achieved some remarkable milestones, consistently shattered boundaries, and redefined what is achievable. He has excelled as an actor, entrepreneur, author, producer, and recording artist. His journey spans secular music to Christian hip hop, and he’s even racked up impressive academic honors, including a Ph.D. in Music, Business, and Entrepreneurship in 2023 from Harvest Christian University as well as an appointment as Vice Chancellor of Harvest Christian University Extension Campus Compton/Los Angeles.
Aulsondro “Novelist” Hamilton first embarked on his musical journey in 1994 with “A Lighter Shade of Brown.” the first Latin rap group to appear on the Billboard charts, opening doors for other Latin artists also featured on the group’s greatest hits in 1999. For much of his musical career, he has operated under the moniker Emcee N.I.C.E, with N.I.C.E. standing for “Novelist Is Constantly Evolving.” Emcee N.I.C.E. helped co-produce and be a part of Tupac’s posthumous album, “Better Dayz,” which went triple Platinum. He co-produced the lead single, “Thugz Mansion – Acoustic Version” featuring Nas and J. Phoenix.
Emcee N.I.C.E. has earned plenty of other accolades, including an award from President Joe Biden recognizing his philanthropy and musical staying power. He was one of the creators of “Da Jammies,” the first African-American animated music series on Netflix, and the author of the top-selling book in Amazon’s music category, “Music Release University: The Indies’ Guide to Releasing Music.”
Emcee N.I.C.E. recently sat down to share details about his life, music, upcoming events, and other projects.
Why did you switch from traditional rap to Christian rap?
In 2017, God came in and said, “Yo, this is what I need you to do.” I was like “Alright Father, are you for real?” I had released a record with an actress named Stacey Dash. We were really on the verge when her negative comments about Obama happened. It killed the record, backlash was intense, and I had to lay low. About eight months later I landed on the Billboard Hot Single charts with Suhana Machete and a song called “Tonight.” I was on the verge again, and that’s when God said, “I need you to come back to Christian rap; it’s your roots.” When I came into Christian hip hop I had five No. 1 records on the Billboard charts, including the No. 1 Top Gospel Album as an independent for “Praise.” I became one of seven Christian hip hop artists to accomplish that feat. The only way I could do this was to utilize what I learned in the ‘90s like street teams. Today, there are digital street teams, so I combined both.
What was it like co-producing Tupac’s “Thugz Mansion”?
It’s a good feeling to be a part of history with a couple of the greatest rappers of all time. I was in a group called KansasCali and we were starting to bubble when Kevin Black and his partner Delaine Roberts took interest in a group member who was an extremely talented producer, and brought him out to L.A.’s Skip Saylor studios for the pre-production, went well, then they stashed us away at a house in Modesto and every day an armed guard would bring in 2 Pac’s vocals and then take all the files making sure the computers and everything was deleted. “Thugz Mansion” wasn’t meant to be an acoustic version but the label was looking for different beats to complement the vocals. We had a legendary guitarist come in and play to the sample. Then we had the engineer mute all of the music except for 2 Pac’s voice and the guitar, and greatness was unearthed.
How does it feel to be honored by Joe Biden?
Receiving President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award, is a big deal, shout out to VZ Vonzell Washington, it’s good to be recognized for all of the work you’ve put in, look I’ve been in the music business since 1993 professionally and I’m still here. I co-own the largest faith-based hip hop radio station in the world with business partner Chanie G called God’s House of Hip Hop, partnered with Dash Radio. We became the first hip hop station in the history of gospel to win a Stellar Award, equivalent to the Grammys and 15 Spin Awards. Along with the Netflix show and being an author, I sit on the board as president of the iTL Foundation (Information, Technology & Literacy), and Urbanomics 101.
Emcee N.I.C.E. – We Will
What are some of your goals?
The first goal of 2024 was to release my album, “Iron Dove – Act II: 1919 The WAR.” My ultimate goal, though, is to be a multi-billionaire in the next 5-10 years. Not just for the money, but I want to build performing arts facilities around the U.S. independent of state funding, so they don’t get shut down when states start cutting budgets. I want to create facilities, schools that will have a pipeline to L.A., New York, Atlanta and Miami, so that once they leave school, they will have opportunities to expand their career and succeed.
Anything else you want people to know?
My book, “Music Release University” is going to help you release music, but also help in life. I apply something called SWOT, which is identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of an artist, the book has the details. I also released another book called “Songwriting Secrets – Mastering the Art of Songwriting!” In my 3 decades of music, hits have been made and I give you my secrets. I’ve understood how to maneuver and I’m still maneuvering. One lesson is for any great achievement, someone has to be the first. Why not you? Another one is to strive for perfection, so you limit mistakes.We’re not perfect people, we’re always gonna have mistakes, but if you’re striving to be the best, you’ll limit those mistakes.
He shares valuable lessons, encouraging aspiring artists to be pioneers and strive for perfection, recognizing that while makes are inevitable, aiming for excellence minimizes their impact. We are looking forward to what 2024 continues to bring him. Keep up with him on social media @emceenicela and website emceenice.com. Also, download his new album on all digital music platforms and check out his books.