Over the years Guyana has been seeing a rise in Hip Hop artists and N.E.B 592 is an example of a rising star. N.E.B has been storming the scene for the past seven years. He is often described by his fans as plain ‘straight up’. From a humble artiste he can explode into the fury of the best Rap session Guyana has ever seen.
“My intention isn’t to compete or battle other rappers from my city even though I’m more than capable to do so at any time,” N.E.B. said. “I respect what everybody is doing. I’m focused on N.E.B, my production team and getting my voice heard by a Major Label in the U.S. and so far I’ve had nothing short of positive feedback. I love the 592 to death but it’s a small part of my big picture in terms of my target market. I’ve already managed to acquire more than 10,000 hits on YouTube channel ‘NEB592’ alone from people around the world. My mix-tape “Microphone Mathematics” is almost complete and will be available for download on ITunes soon! It includes 15 original tracks based on my life and experiences.”
Born Delwin Neblett in the capital on October 5,1989, NEB grew up and spent his whole life in South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown. He was raised with one brother and two sisters with whom he shared a close relationship. He didn’t have much to say about growing up or his childhood, but his school life was deemed unforgettable. After completing his primary education at St Gabriel’s, he attended Marian Academy where he was honoured as the Best Graduating Student of the 2006 Class. He also attained a certificate after completing an exam in Guyana from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music.
Most people grow to love music, but NEB said the art has always been a part of him. At a tender age he found his passion for instruments; as a child he learned to play the steel pan, by the time he was in High School he picked up the Recorder and Drums.
But what really drove him to be a musician? He said, “It has always been a part of me as far back as can remember. Growing up music was always a part of my household so this came as no surprise to me or to those who that know me well.”
His motivation comes mainly from himself; he said that he has a natural drive and passion for music. That drive pushes his mind to extremes and helps put him in someone else’s shoes. He continued to say, “Music is my life, other than that my biggest pushers are my manager, my growing fan base both at home and abroad, and the ‘haters’ (people who don’t want to see me succeed), they know themselves.”
Some of his biggest influences in the music industry are Rick Ross, Kanye West, Jay-Z, J.Cole, Big Sean, Eminem, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne and Drake.
“My inspiration comes from the innate desire to not only make good music, but to produce a quality and brand of music that can be appreciated not only in Guyana, but all around the world.”
“As it relates to creativity and coming up with lyrics,” he said he tries to keep to a decent balance of concepts which are current in the market, along with his personal experiences. “I gain inspiration from any situation where I see persons persevere to overcome their own personal hardships and are rewarded with success.
“I am very versatile so I guess my songs depend on my mood.” N.E.B is currently working on his material for the year and he has no intentions of slowing down. “I am ready for anything,” he says.
Asked to comment on his mixed tape. ‘Microphone Mathematics’, NEB said, “It is intended to give the fans a first glimpse of how talented N.E.B. 592 really is, and also the level of versatility that I possess as an artiste.”
He goes on to say how a surplus of vintage N.E.B. flows along with some interesting collaborations should be good enough to keep the fans captivated and also spark their interest in wanting to hear more of what he has to offer.
When he was asked how he would promote hip hop on a national stage he said before the genre and any other forms of art can be properly promoted in Guyana, copyright legislation needs to be reviewed to protect peoples creative ideas better. “This is 2012, people need to start buying original albums, that’s the only way that the local music industry can develop and be respected and recognized throughout the region and the rest of the world. It’s not just what the fans see and hear. A lot of hard work, time and money are invested behind the industry.”
N.E.B said that everything he records and completes whether it is in his mind or studio is an accomplishment for him.He continued to say, “Before a piece of work can be labelled complete it is thoroughly scrutinized, both by me and the producer, so by the time it reaches your ears it is perfect,” he jokingly said, “If you don’t like what you hear, it might simply mean that you have bad taste.”
But what really is Hip Hop? How really does the genre connect with N.E.B. 592? The Scene had to find out. “Hip Hop probably has a different meaning to me than it would have to anyone else,” he said. “I believe that Hip Hop is basically the result of the evolution of music combined with the evolution of poetry over time. Hip Hop is necessary in today’s society because I honestly believe that it can be used as one of the key mediums of communicating important issues in society to today’s younger generation. Hip Hop creates the avenue to talk about taboo topics which young people today may otherwise be reluctant to hear about.”
In the next 5 years, he sees himself as having an established career as a recording artiste. He said “My main focus right now is indeed doing enough work to be recognized and signed by an international label, and with my drive, enthusiasm and also my genuine passion for making good music.”
His famous debuts and appearances were always in a club scene, when asked about his club life he said, “I’m off of the clubbing scene for now; I’ve had enough of that. Getting signed to a major label is my main focus.”
He is solely focused on his career; he left his job as a bank teller at Scotia Bank Headquarters to aim more on touring the world and changing lives with his messages of through Hip Hop, he said “They [The bank] were very supportive and encouraging when I decided to make the move to pursue my music fulltime.” His main interests arehis work, his life and sports.
