Nickelplated L Reflects on His Growth From Battle Rap to Purpose-Driven Music
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — For Nickelplated L, growth as an artist has meant more than improving his sound. It has meant changing what he wants his music to accomplish.
During a recent appearance on Q&Updatez, hosted by New Lewi, the Newburgh artist reflected on his earlier years in hip-hop, when much of his focus was centered around battling, bars and proving himself lyrically.
“Years ago I would battle rap,” Nickelplated L said. “It was just the thrill of that, and I wanted to be known for that.”
As he got older, however, his perspective began to change. Nickelplated L said seeing what was happening around him made him think more seriously about the messages he could deliver through his music.
“Since I got older, and there’s just so much going on in the world, it was just like, ‘Yo, you know what? Let’s start making bars to raise awareness in certain situations that people’s not really speaking up on.’”
That shift represents an important part of Nickelplated L’s evolution. Rather than abandoning the lyrical foundation that came from battling, he has begun applying those skills to complete records built around subjects he believes deserve attention.
He also spoke about the responsibility artists carry when they have a microphone and an audience. Later in the conversation, while discussing Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Nickelplated L said music is never simply being sent into the world without an effect.
“Everything we do, we’re sending a message out there,” he said.
For Nickelplated L, that realization has become part of how he approaches his own artistry. He said artists have the ability to either contribute something that uplifts listeners or put messages into the world that can keep people “down or stagnant.”
His growth has also changed the way he approaches recording itself. Where battle rap once provided the excitement, Nickelplated L said he now finds himself wanting to consistently create songs.
“I definitely came a long way,” he said. “Now it’s like I want to constantly make songs.”
That evolution does not mean Nickelplated L has left his competitive instincts behind. Instead, the artist who once wanted to be recognized for battling is learning how to use that same ability with a broader purpose — turning bars into records and records into opportunities to say something that matters.
For Nickelplated L, the next stage is not simply about being heard. It is about making sure there is something behind what people hear.
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/zzR5UOrQQKw?is=CUnRj4SD4g9Ur_3o
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