Nardo Wick, whose birth name is Horace Bernard Walls III, is a rapper from Jacksonville, Florida. He became famous for his intense look and dark and gritty artistry.
He shot into the limelight after releasing the song “Who Want Smoke?” in 2021. This song was remixed by performers such as Lil Durk, G Herbo, and 21 Savage, contributing to his increased popularity.
His music is characterized by dark minimalism mixed with lyrical assertiveness, as can be observed in his first album, “Who is Nardo Wick?” It ranked at the Billboard 200. He released “I Declare War” for the Judas and the Black Messiah movie, which helped him establish himself in hip-hop.
Jacksonville’s chaotic energy influences his work, adding a raw edge to his style. He’s quickly become one of rap’s boldest new voices.
Nardo Wick’s Journey In Music Began Around 2020
Image Credits: Nardo Wick Instagram
His love for Music dates back to when he was a teenager. “I started rapping about a year and a half ago,” he said in an interview, though he agrees the idea came to him much earlier. “When I was fourteen, I realized that rapping was what I wanted to do.”
His early years were spent perfecting his craft and absorbing Jacksonville’s distinct, often gritty aura. The city was known for its frantic energy, which inspired him well. An audience was ready for someone who could realistically convey the rawness and reality of their life.
“What do I love most about Jacksonville? The ratchets and realness,” he says with a rare smile. His work reveals that energy; he sings his lyrics with such passion that they sound like they could only emanate from a world where life is as close to the edge as it gets.
Tracks That Began To Catch Listener’s Attention
The first song, “Lolli,” was not a mainstream hit, but Nardo did not stop there and continued releasing new tracks. He then continued with “Slide” and “Came Up.” Yet it was in early 2021 that he finally hit his stride. With the release of “Who Want Smoke?” Instantly, Nardo Wick went from being a local name to a renowned viral sensation.
Unquestionably, the song had an aggressive intensity, and its words were brimming with dark charisma and menace. “I knew Who Want Smoke? was going to take off when I started getting co-signs,” he shared in an interview.
“I think someone played it in a club, and next thing I knew, people were talking about it.” Along with its straightforward lyrics and hypnotic music, the track’s contagious energy made it impossible to resist, garnering recognition far beyond his birthplace.
His Collaboration With Other Singers
The Success of “Who Want Smoke?” was not limited there. Soon realizing the song’s potential for success, Wick created a remix with more prominent artists G Herbo, Lil Durk, and 21 Savage. This version introduced a new heat level while attracting every collaborator’s fans, augmenting this song’s success.
All of a sudden, Nardo Wick was not just a Jacksonville rapper. He was a budding star with the kind of early-career momentum that few hip-hop artists have.
With over 10 million streams across platforms and countless views on YouTube, Wick found himself at the center of the music industry’s radar.
He Gets A Chance To Contribute To The Soundtrack Of Judas And The Black Messiah
Just as his career took off, he received another opportunity that would only cement his place in hip-hop: a chance to contribute to the soundtrack of Judas and the Black Messiah. This film tells the powerful story of the Black Panther Party.
The soundtrack’s executives approached Wick, and he jumped at the opportunity to contribute. “It seemed insane that I just had twenty-four hours to deliver a track.,” he explains. The result, “I Declare War,” became one of the standout songs on the album. “Working on the soundtrack was an honor,” he says. “To be placed on it with those big names was huge.”
Despite the tight deadline, he delivered a track that perfectly fits the film’s intense, politically charged tone, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.
His Debut Album, Who Is Nardo Wick?
With every release, Wick continues to push boundaries, both sonically and visually. His debut album, Who Is Nardo Wick?, which includes collaborations with major artists like Lil Baby and Future, is a testament to his fast-growing reputation in the industry. Yet, he maintains a level-headed approach to fame, is focused on his craft, and knows the work required to reach his goals.
His Unique Approach To Music Creation
Image Credits: Nardo Wick Instagram
However, what makes Nardo Wick’s work resonate is his unique approach to music creation. His style is unapologetically blunt, almost minimalist in its approach.
He doesn’t rely on complex rhyme schemes or intricate wordplay; instead, he builds his songs around repetition, using simple phrases that hit hard and stick with you.
His lyrics, often blunt and haunting, communicate through sheer presence rather than complex verse structures. Songs like “Power” focus on repeated words and short, punchy lines emphasizing dominance, strength, and survival themes.
For Wick, it’s not about saying a lot—it’s about saying it with impact. In Who Is Nardo Wick?, the most menacing track, “Power,” perfectly demonstrates this simplicity.
He lists his “power,” “rank,” and “status” alongside “killers,” “guns,” and “bank,” creating a relentless barrage of words that sink in with every beat.
He Was Asked About His Favorite Parts Of Performing
Image Credits: Nardo Wick Instagram
In a brief interview, he was asked about his favorite performing parts. “The energy. The way the crowd reacts to my songs. I know I’m doing something right.” Wick’s fascination with the crowd’s reaction is clear; he thrives off the intensity he creates on stage or in the studio.
His music videos only add to the impact, with visuals that match the ominous tone of his lyrics. Take his recent video for “Shhh,” a single inspired by classic horror themes.
The Friday the 13th-inspired track features him whispering “shhh shhh” against a haunting beat, his voice mimicking the eerie sound effect from the horror movie franchise. “It just came to my mind in the middle of the song to do the ‘shhh shhh shhh ha ha ha ha,’” he explains. The effect is chilling and mesmerizing, a perfect example of how he uses sound to create an immersive experience for his audience.
Jacksonville’s Influence on His Work
His relationship with Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene is also a huge part of his identity as an artist. Wick is aware of the wealth of talent emerging from his city and takes pride in being part of it. “Jacksonville has the spotlight on us right now because of the talent,” he states.
The city’s tough and vibrant environment has given birth to a generation of artists who are not afraid to speak the truth and bring authenticity to their work that’s often missing in mainstream music. For Wick, Jacksonville isn’t just his home; it’s the place that shaped his style and gave him the drive to succeed.
He’s Gained Both A Loyal Following And Substantial Financial Success
According to Wealthy Gorilla, his net worth is estimated at $2 million at age 21. This impressive sum reflects his commercial and critical success in the music industry and the steady income his projects bring in. His reported annual earnings are around $400,000, highlighting the appeal and reach of his music.
He Also Earns From Youtube Channel
Image Credits: Nardo Wick Instagram
Wick’s YouTube channel consistently earns him income, reportedly bringing in $17,000 from his videos alone. His rising wealth is also reflected in his taste for luxury, as he’s been seen cruising in a Lamborghini, embracing the rewards of his hard work.
Wick’s wealth and success are clear indicators of his fast-growing influence in the industry, as his talent continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
