In the song I say “No matter who is in the crowd the show still goes on” because it’s so true.  People are going to walk in and out of your life all of the time but no matter what, you still have to live your life and move forward and that’s what this song is about.  Not letting anyone stop you and continuing to build yourself up and taking care of what you need to talk care of. 

Creating this video was important to Niki, as her aim was primarily to reach many by expressing relatable scenarios .  This is the time she felt most comfortable displaying who she really is, her every day life, her struggles, her focus, and where he heart is at.

I wanted show people a little bit of my daily life, what’s most important to me, which is the balance of motherhood, music, work, and school, so it was only right to have all three of my sons in this video.

“The Way of Life” is produced by Chill Shump and is set to appear on Niki’s forthcoming EP, Every Now and Then.  Peep the Edwin Escobar directed visual at the top of the post and be sure to drop us your thoughts in the comments section.

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The post RESPECT. Premiere: Niki Ellis – “The Way of Life” (ft. Shyytown) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

New Britain, CT artist, Niki Ellis returns to her stomping grounds to deliver a powerful and motivational new video for her latest single, “Walk With Me.”

The video is directed by the team at Edwin Escobar Films, who followed the rising emcee to her old neighborhood to capture some dynamic footage of Ellis alongside her friends and family. It’s all soundtracked by the New Britain artist’s uplifting verses, which center on the message of believing in yourself to go out and achieve your dreams. Beyond her inspirational lyrics, Ellis is just an absolute beast on the mic as she flows effortlessly over the banging instrumental.

The message heard within “Walk With Me” is actually at the core of her entire upcoming album, Faith Over Fear. The project is a deep and thoughtful dive into the concept of overcoming any fear of failure you may have while shoving aside the judgments of today’s society. And if “Walk With Me” is any indication, we’re in for a seriously strong listen when Faith Over Fear arrives in the coming months.

Check out the visuals, and stay tuned for more leaks and visuals off Faith Over Fear, which is due out later this year!

Niki Ellis Online
Instagram: @nikiellismusic
Twitter: @nikiellismusic
Facebook.com/nikiellismusic
Soundcloud.com/nikiellismusic
YouTube: Niki Ellis Music
Snapchat: nikiellismusic

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The post RESPECT. Premiere: Niki Ellis – “Walk With Me” (Video) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

While New Britain, CT native Niki Ellis was raised on hip-hop by her father (who was a DJ), everything changed when she heard Lil Kim’s classic “Not Tonight” remix in 1997. It was her first time hearing women rap and Ellis knew, even at a young age, that she wanted to be an MC. And on her debut mixtape, Unexpected, she has put her all into staying true to the genre she loves while also pushing it forward.

The 11 tracks on this project are just as inspired as they are diverse. Even though Niki Ellis tackles a variety of sounds and topics, her commanding voice and flexible flow keeps the tape grounded and very much of her making. And you’ll know that as soon as you hear opening track “All Day,” a massive and braggadocious banger featuring singer Autuore (who appears on several tracks).

Ellis keeps the momentum going strong throughout Unexpected, whether she’s delivering an upbeat and summery jam (lead single “Feel Good”) or switching things up for a bouncy, flossin’ anthem (“Lights, Camera, Action”). Other highlights include “Good Love,” which pays homage to the slick R&B-rap joints of the mid-’90s, and super-tough closer “Time of Your Life,” which features New Yorker, Brodie Fresh.

Toward the end of the track “Boss Up,” Ellis spits, “I see a lotta people with the ball that never shot/ I’m the one who kept runnin’, still haven’t stopped,” and it’s perhaps the most telling line on Unexpected. That’s because it exposes her hunger and drive, both of which led her to join the Air Force at 21 years old. During her service, she found the time to build connections across the globe and continue perfecting her craft. If that doesn’t show her passion, what could?

Unexpected is available for purchase on all digital retailers, and you can also listen via DatPiff.

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The post #MusicMonday: Niki Ellis Releases Her ‘Unexpected’ Mixtape appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Hailing out of New Britain, CT, Niki Ellis returns to solidify her position in hip-hop.  Today she unleashes her latest offering, “Feel Good”, off her forthcoming album entitled, Unexpected, which is due this summer 16.  On the track, she calls on the assist of Autuore M.a.y.a to lace vocal stylings over exceptional production by Flawless Tracks,which provided the finishing touch.

Born in 87, and raised during the Golden Era of hip-hop, music has always played a major role in Niki’s life.  With her father being a dj, listening to him spin on a regular basis definitely caused a spark of interest in the culture.  Growing up, she recalls the first time listening to female emcees rock.  It was 97, and the track was Lil Kim’s smash hit and ladies anthem “Not Tonight (Remix)” which featured Angie Martinez, Left-Eye, Missy Elliott, and Da Brat.  Since then, she was inspired and fell in love with the idea of being a female rapper.  At that point, her pursuit began.

At the young age of 8 years old, she learned to write verses and moved her way up to full songs by Middle School.  Winning numerous talent shows through high school, she was sure this was the right path for her to take.  Joining the Air Force at 21 to help further her career, Niki has made musical connections all over the globe and has been able to rock on stages from her home state, all the way to Japan.

Currently settled back in CT, she’s gearing up to release the follow up to her first EP, Beautiful Struggle.  With her drive, determination and love for the music, you can be sure Unexpected will be lit.  Make sure you peep the track below, via Soundcloud, courtesy of RESPECT and feel free to let us know your thoughts.

https://soundcloud.com/nikiellismusic/feel-good-ft-autuore/s-ILnX9

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The post RESPECT. Premiere: Niki Ellis – “Feel Good” (Feat. Autuore M.A.Y.A) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.