Exclusive | Rapper Navelle Hice is Spreading the Message of Hope Through Hip-Hop
“I want people to know that no matter your race, your upbringing or where you come from, there is a common ground that we can all find to be able to relate to one another. My music can be instrumental in helping others get through difficult times in their lives as well as good times.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Pennsylvania rapper, Navelle Hice! Hice is an independent hip-hop artist and songwriter, hailing from Chester, Pennsylvania. Formerly known as the artist “Young Chief” and “Chiefy”, Navelle Hice has an extensive music resume! Navelle has made two appearances on BET's 106 & Park, performed on the Apollo stage, a Revolt TV appearance, a Daddy’s House Studios appearance, and a BET Music Matters performance as well as countless others across the country!
Navelle started Team Living Proof LLC in 2010 shortly after a life altering event, that could have left him dead or paralyzed. A few years later in 2015, Navelle made the decision to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to further his career. After this move, Navelle saw the need to rebrand himself. As a part of this process, he dropped his former stage name as well as the style and direction of his music. Since this time, Navelle has been rolling with accomplishments. He released his first album, "Faith, Hope & Love" and had a single featured on Radio One 102.5 FM
In early 2016, Navelle won three consecutive weeks on Atlanta’s City Takers “Street Heat” radio show (91.5 FM). Navelle released his sophomore album in fall of 2016 "The Hopeman" and won a GCA award in Atlanta for “Best Hip-Hop” artist. He was also one of the top 5 finalists for PHL Live Center Stage in Philadelphia. Navelle had the opportunity to attend the SXSW Music Festival as an official showcasing artist, as well as make appearances on the live Sway in the Morning Show for several years.
Navelle's next project, "Hopeman 2: Make America Hope Again" was released in early 2017. He was featured on Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 FM radio show, and graced the stage at the 2018 Birthday Bash Block Party cypher. While anticipating the arrival of his first child, he decided to take a break from touring. During this hiatus, Navelle began a new video series, #SundaySamples (2018). A new video was released every Sunday for 30 weeks. His most recent project, "Hopeman 3" was released in December 2018. More recently, Navelle appeared on High Off Life TV and performed a freestyle that gathered over 100k views. In October of 2019, Navelle was a featured guest on the Sway In The Morning Friday Fire Cypher, and did a freestyle that went viral! In one month the video has racked up over 2 million views and has been spread around the world!
Navelle continues to perform and spread his message of "HOPE". Even so, he's now known as “The Hopeman” everywhere he goes.
“I don’t believe my music is limited to one type of music genre. I believe the message in my music will reach across genre lines. I continue to strive to be an inspiration to this generation and the world of hip-hop. I'll allow those that listen, define what that means to them.”
SWAY IN THE MORNING | FRIDAY FIRE CYPHER: NAVELLE HICE
We talked with Navelle Hice in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Navelle Hice: I’ve been making music since elementary school. It was in the 5th grade that my music teacher gave us a project to write a song, and I’ve been creating music since that time.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Navelle Hice: At the time I was introduced to hip hop, I became intrigued with certain movements more than an individual artist. Some of those early influences were Roc-A-Fella, No Limit Soldiers, Ruff Rydas, Cash Money Records, Bad Boys & St Lunatics etc.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Navelle Hice: If I had a choice, I would love to collaborate with Jay Z, Kanye West, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Tory Lanez, just to name a few. I chose these artists mainly because they speak truth through their art.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Navelle Hice: I believe Hopeman III is my best project to date. I feel the music in this project is relevant for today’s time and the project itself is timeless. Hopeman III is an official introduction to who I am as an artist as well as who I am personally.
Navelle Hice - For The City (Official Video)
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Navelle Hice: You can look forward to some great music with impactful content in 2020.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Navelle Hice: My music is typically generated from life experiences. I try to put a spotlight on things that I personally go through or experience as well as things that may be relatable to others.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Navelle Hice: I strongly feel that my motivation is found in my family and knowing that I am fulfilling the purpose that is destined for me. My definition of success is becoming the person God created you to be and making your dream a reality.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Navelle Hice: I would describe my music as relatable and genuine. I believe what separates me from other artists is that my music is not geared to one specific audience or genre. My story is unique as it reflects my character, staying true to who I am and not trying to fit into standards set by others.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Navelle Hice: I really don’t believe there is a specific formula to being a successful artist. Everyone has a different journey, what may work for one may not work for another. What I can say is that faith, hard work and dedication will pay off, it’s just a matter of timing.
Navelle Hice - My, My, My #SundaySamples (Week 26)
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Navelle Hice: I would say that God is my greatest inspiration, his unwavering love for me even in my imperfections is mind blowing. He’s always there and I recognize when he speaks to me though people.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Navelle Hice: I would have to say Jay-Z because of the moves he makes and all that he’s accomplished in and out of the music arena.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Navelle Hice: Oh, most definitely passion! I believe music that is driven by passion is some of the best music, others can sense that passion as they listen, no matter good or bad.
Navelle Hice - Farewell #SundaySamples (Week 30)
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Navelle Hice: I have had to make many sacrifices through the years of making my dream become a reality. From financial to my own personal comfort. One of the biggest sacrifices to date was taking a leap of faith some years back, quitting my job and moving from my hometown( Chester, PA) and relocated to Atlanta, GA, leaving all of my family and loved ones, leaving everything that was familiar and coming to a place that was unfamiliar and where I knew no one.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Navelle Hice: I would have to say trying new things excite me the most during the process. Not being afraid of trying something different, either with a new beat selection, a new flow or new concepts. To take what I envisioned in my head and seeing the outcome become reality is pretty exciting. What could become the most discouraging thing is knowing how close you are, but, not knowing when your time will come.
Navelle Hice - Know The Vibes #SundaySamples (Week 28)
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Navelle Hice: Wow, in 10 years, I would like to see most of my dreams realized. I see myself building an empire with multiple businesses as well as making a huge impact in the music industry and communities around the world.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Navelle Hice: I would tell other artists to never compromise their integrity, believe in yourself first and foremost even if no one else does. Stay true to who they are, trust that God will open the right door at the right time and never ever give up, it will happen!
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