Nessly strives for singularity. The Atlanta-based rapper, singer, and producer carefully ensures that each song stands out just as much as his colorful psychedelic aesthetic does.

“I like to say, ‘Every song is a collector’s item’,” he exclaims. “That’s the goal. It has to be one-of-a-kind for me to put it out.”

That philosophy continues to serve him well. At the age of 12, he began rapping in the basement of his brother’s buddy under the influence of Gorillaz, Sade, Santana, and a personal favorite—Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak. Post-high school, he forewent college to pursue his dream, teaching himself how to produce, mix, and engineer. Cultivating a following, he would sell clothes in order to buy Greyhound tickets to perform countless underground shows in Toronto and New York City.

As his Soundcloud quietly grew, Drake’s OVO Radio became an early supporter, featuring the likes of “Alive,” “Giddy Up,” and “Season.” Meanwhile, Pharrell’s OtherTONE played “Catch A Vibe.” 2016 saw him release not one but two projects, namely Still Finessin and Solo Boy Band. In 2018, Nessly released his Republic Records debut project Wildflower to critical acclaim.

Garnering praise from Complex, Pigeons and Planes, and Noisey, The Fader wrote, “NESSLY sets himself apart with his sound,” and XXL described how “[he takes] his sonics to an untouchable level that will challenge the industry.”

“The music I make is meant to be inspirational,” Nessly states. “It’s for the underdog. It’s empowering.”