Rap music is very much alive and this rising 23-year old rapper, Nikkolo Ibañez Tangco, is exuding a unique vibe. Known in the circuit as N.I.T., he started writing rap songs in 2015 and released his music in 2019.
Far from his onscreen persona, Nikko is actually meek. “I’m the silent type of guy na dati ay hindi kita kakausapin except kung kakausapin mo ako. Pero madali lang akong pakisamahan. Palakaibigan ako na tao at minsan maraming kwento. At may respeto sa kapwa ko.”
Nikko actually started composing songs in 2013 upon the encouragement of a classmate. “Nakita niya na mahilig ako on things related to hip hop. Kaso hindi ako ganun ka-confident. So, every time na gagana ang isip ko ay doon lang ako nagsusulat.”
His first song was recorded in 2016 using a mobile phone. “Pero pinaparinig ko lang yun sa tropa.” Nikko is heavily influenced by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Joey Badass, Asap Rocky and more.
He reaffirmed his love for music in August 2019. “I was on an 8-days sick leave sa office due to eye infection. Nagkulong ako sa kwarto when I realized that I should do something na makakalibang. Kaya nagsulat muli ako. Jocked type beats then a love song for my girlfriend. I uploaded it pero screen recorded lang. Nung nakakuha ito ng 45 shares ay tinuloy ko na.”
Soon, Nikko was recording more songs. “Yung tropa ko na si Clint, he introduced me to Lanxxxe Beats at nagkatrabaho kame. He gave me some beats to work on at doon nagsimula ang mga sleepless days. Minsan galing work ay rerekta ako kina Lance to record. We were both just starting to work on our craft.”
His first gig was in October 2019. “ReConnect event na organized ni Kuya Ohkim ng Rekta Sa Kalye. Nagreach out ako sa kanya na kumanta ako sa open mic. Pero dahil sa tropa kong si Pau Gesi ay napasama din ako sa line up. Pinaka memorable yun kasi first gig ko tapos ako pa yung pinaka huling kumanta. Maraming salamat sa mga taong nagstay at sa Team Rekta Sa Kalye. Sobrang proud ako sa sarili ko. At nagtuloy tuloy na ang mga gigs ko.”
As he took the role of rapper N.I.T, Nikko became a sought after guest performer in venues and events such as: Rekta sa Kalye (Barberia y Tiendas) in Parañaque, ReConnect (Local Hiphop Event), Ink Skin Tattoo Competition, SGSP Alumni Gathering, Brgy. Aguho New Year Countdown 2020, Retro Fades Taguig Grand Opening, Brgy. Guadalupe Viejo Feast, Rekta sa Viejo, Sakmalan sa Barrio (Local Hiphop Event), Silid Tugtugan Cypher, and more.
“Pero marami pa akong kakaining bigas. Pagbubutihin ko pa lalo para mas humusay at ma-appreciate ang rap music. Aabutin ko ang pangarap ko na walang tinatapakan na ibang tao. Salamat sa mga taong solid na nasa loob ng circle ko kasi hindi sila tumitigil na i-motivate ako.”
Presently, Nikko is a brand ambassador with streetwear brands – Visionary Brand and Prestige Lifestyle Co.
He has collaborated with Kicker Mori of Lokalidad, Pete Cruz (sonnypete), and Mumble Rap Tawi-Tawi Collective (Mixtape vol. 1). And looking forward to do music with CREAM (Beat Producer), Rexxx, and $afe $ide Collective.
He also composes his own song like INTRO SHT, WAVES, WRD FLX, PAY-$O, SET IT OFF and more.
His advice to fellow artists is to be confident. “Kaya ninyo yan. Magtiwala lang sa inyong kakayahan. Huwag matakot magkamali dahil diyan tayo nagsimula lahat. At darating yung araw na ikaw naman ang mag-aangat sa iba upang marating ang naabot mo.”
His message for Mendira Media: “Thank you so much Sir Paul and Ma’am Cielo for giving me this opportunity to showcase what I’ve got to everyone. Alam ko na malayo pa ako sa gusto kong marating. Pero sana ito na yung simula at mag tuloy-tuloy pa. Mendira is the best!”
Mendira Media welcomes Rapper N.I.T., and – we’ll keep an eye on Nikko as he establishes himself into the music scene.
