Nesto the Owner Q & A

I first heard Nesto on Tech N9ne's collabo album Sickology. The track was In the Air along with Craig Smith. It was one of my favorite tracks on the album and led me to want to seek out more of his music.

Since then, I've become a fan and have enjoyed listening to his music. I found out about his Career Killer mixtapes and really enjoyed his style and personality on the mic.

I reached out to Nesto and he was kind enough to respond.

This was conducted 7/2014

DPG = Me
NTO = Nesto

DPG: Where exactly are you from? 

NTO: PHI Double LL Y!!!! Lol Philadelphia.

DPG: What artists did you grow up listening to?

NTO: Biggie, 2PAC, LL Cool J, Dmx, Jay-z etc. The list is crazy!

DPG: When did you discover that you were good at writing rhymes?

NTO: About the 7th grade.

DPG: Where do you find the motivation for your music?

NTO: Everything around me in my daily life sends some sort of inspiration. I'm inspired by just waking up and being able to continue chasing my dreams!

DPG: Do you remember the first track you ever recorded? 

NTO: Yes LOL!

DPG: The first time I heard you was on the Tech N9ne’s Sickology album.

DPG: How did you get on the track In the Air with Tech and Craig Smith?

NTO: Well, I've been knowing Tech for about 10 years now. He was doing an album and wanted some of the dopest MCs from KC. Honored that he choose me for such a big record. I got the beat with no hook or Tech,  just the beat and wrote exactly what the track spoke to me. Great song and experience for me.

DPG: After that, I began to search out more of your music. Through Tech, I've been able to discover a  lot of talented KC artists.

DPG: Do you think he’s done a good job of helping out the local talent in KC? 

NTO: Absolutely! I wouldn't have half of my Nestonians if it wasn't for Tech! 

DPG: I’ve told you in the past that I think you’re Career Killer albums are really good. You had features from JL, Kutt Calhoun, Ces Cru, Big Scoob, The Popper, and Codak Carter amongst others.

NTO: Thank You bruh!

DPG: Are you happy with how those albums turned out?

NTO: Yes. They were meant to give a breathe of fresh air to the Music scene and I think they will be heard and spread for years to come.

DPG: Why didn’t you press those up and try to sell them?

NTO: I wanted people to know that I'm Human and I understand that people wanna get a taste test before they buy anything new. So, I gave you a taste in hopes that people would love it and go to Itunes and purchase my albums. Thanks and Big Shouts to everyone that did support me and grabbed themselves a copy.

DPG: You released the album Manimal back in 2011.

DPG: How did you come up with that album title?

NTO: My aggressive style. Half Man, Half Animal.

DPG: How did the album do? 

NTO: It did well. Even with a limited amount of physical copies we still did good. In stores and at the venues.

DPG: How do you determine who you are going to feature on one of your albums?

NTO: Normally, I hear a person on the song as soon as the beat drops. I have close relationships with every person I have collaborated with. So I know their style and what they would sound dope on.

DPG: When an artist ask for a verse or hook from you, do you care if their music is good? Or is it strictly a business thing with you?

NTO: It depends. Normally it's business as usual but I have turned down a few tracks before. Not because of lyrics more on the production side.

DPG: I know that you’re featured with KC artists a lot, but have you been on tracks with any big named artists outside KC? Is so, who are the artists?

NTO: No, just the Home Team.

DPG: Do you think that artists make more money going on tour then actually trying to selling an album? 

NTO: Yes. Its hard to sell albums nowadays since everybody wants to make singles, so its best to build a core fan base and travel.

DPG: You put out the album No Remorse last year. I thought it was a great album.

DPG: Are you pleased with how it turned out?

NTO: Absolutely! I had fun and everyone loves it just as much as I do. Shouts to everyone that helped me create that!

DPG: My favorite track has to be the Jungle with JL and Irv Da Phenom. I really like that beat.

DPG: How did you come up with the idea for that track? Did you hear the beat first and then decide on it?

NTO: Thanks fam! The song is featuring Irv da Phenom and JL. But yeah Evsclusive "My Brother" made the beat and he added these animals in it. I was like YOOOOOOOO LOL. So we put our heads together and said lets talk about the Jungle meaning the streets, but incorporate the animals in the jungle that you hear throughout the record.

DPG: What was the motivation for the track SavedMusic?

NTO: Lets do something no one is doing. You're Welcome! I Saved Music!

DPG: I believe that you were planning on working on Career Killer 4 at one point. Is that true and if so, why did you decide to scrap that idea?

NTO: I normally work on 2 projects at the same time and if one has something that my Nestonians will love I normally go with that idea. Not saying I wont work on it in the near future, but I think my albums are what make me a unique artist. 

DPG: You were featured on Kutt Calhoun’s I Been Dope TheTown remix. I like both versions. How did you get on that track?

NTO: I be in the studio with a few guys on Strange and when I be in the lab wit Kutt, we just have chemistry. I wrote the hook for Strange Money and I Been Dope the Original with Tech. When he needed the remix its was only right that I hold my fam down. He does the same for me on my albums. Shout out to KUTT! Go get his album cause it's dope!

DPG: What music are you currently working on? 

NTO: My New Album EARLESS! My best work lyrically IMO!

DPG: Are there any artists/producers past or present that you would like to work with?

NTO: Too many to name. I'll say this. Any producer that I know can push me to elevate my talent to the next level I would love to work with.

DPG: Is there anything else you’d like to say or promote?

NTO; Put God first and anything is Possible! Shout out to my NESTONIANS!!!!!!!!! EARLESS Coming Soon!

DPG: I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I look forward to your new music coming out! Thanks! 

NTO: Thank You bruh! Stay Up!

Follow Nesto on Twitter @NESTOTHEOWNER

Go grab his new album EARLESS that just dropped on 12/30/14!

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More Q & A sessions to come!

Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine