Hailing from St. Louis, rapper Nando STL is ready to take the music industry by a storm. Since signing to T-Pain’s “Nappy Boy Ent,” Nando has been consistently working on strengthening his craft. A mixture of soulful melodies and conscious lyrics, the rapper brings a fresh perspective to today’s Hip-Hop.
In February 2022, NandoSTL participated in a competition organized by the popular rapper-singer T-Pain, recognized for chart-topping tracks like “Buy U a Drank” and “I’m Sprung.” Despite coming in second place, NandoSTL still emerged victorious as he secured a contract with T-Pain’s record label, Nappy Boy Entertainment.
Recently Remixd Mag was able to catch up with the rising star, in an exclusive interview. He talked about all things music, mental health, and working with the legendary T-Pain.
How did you get your start in music?
I’ve always been a musician, growing up as a kid I played drums and piano. It wasn’t until about four years ago, when I really began to take rap seriously.
Who and what has been your inspiration when creating music?
I am heavily influenced by gospel music, and live music. As far as artists go I would say Nelly, Chance The Rapper, Bone Thugs N Harmony, and of course Maxwell.
With your music being very positive and conscious, what experiences led you to this lane?
You know for me I just wanted to tell my truth, I was fortunate enough to not have to grow up around an excessive amount of gun violence. Had I grown up around that, my truth would look a little different. It’s not like I’m trying to be different, I just am different.
How have you been able to stay true to your sound, and not fall into trends?
I personally don’t find it hard, because I’ve always been to myself. Being a part of trends was never really my thing. You know when I first started to create music it was initially just for me , and other people just so happened to like it as well, so if I changed that now the people who’ve been rocking with me wouldn’t be able to so that keeps me focused.
What has music and creating music done for your mental health?
For me music has always been that, me being a creator is the unique part about it. Music is the soundtrack of our lives. There is a playlist for every stage of happiness, break-ups, sex, whatever you need. So when people are not there for you to talk to and express those feelings, music is always there.
What was the process like meeting, then singing to T-Pain?
So Pain had this Twitch competition, where about 600 of artists would compete each week for a chance to be signed. I actually made it to the last week, then I lost. After that Pain told me “You’re dope. I can’t let you go.” From then I just continued to stay consistent. I even drove 4 hours from my house to one of his shows, and after one of my songs again, he ended up signing me instead of the other person.
Coming from St. Louis, how have you handled the pressures of becoming a star?
For me I believe the city is gonna always have my back, because they’ve seen me doing this for a while. The city is creating greatness right now anyway, you know we have Big Boss Vette, SexxyRed, Metro Boomin and a bunch of other people coming up. I think the pressure for me definitely comes from being the first artist of Nappy Boy. Pain is looking to me to take the label to new heights. So in that I just like to stay true to myself and what I do, which helps the nerves.
What advice would you give to upcoming artists who are struggling?
I’d say just keep going, you know I’ve had doubts about myself. Just today I wanted to give up, but it’s feelings like those that will make the journey worthwhile. So I would say to artists everywhere just stay true to who you are, because once you start trying to change for everyone else you will lose your identity.
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