Nothing happens overnight. If you want to be successful, it's a must you stay down for the come-up. You need to understand that things will go left before they go right. Therefore you must be patient. You're going to lose sleep stressing about seeing the top, wondering if this dream can even be a reality. People close to you will disappear because the journey to the top is a lonely road. And once you understand that, then you will see the top.

Nothing Happens Overnight happens to be this upcoming rapper's motto and campaign. You may have heard of the St. Louis based artist NHO Nelly, she released her sophomore mixtape Before I Go. It comes packed with 16 songs full of potent lyrics and powerful meaning. If it's your first time hearing this artist, we guarantee that you will say the same thing we said; "she's up next." with her lyrics, dedication, passion, and fan base, she's bound to pop, maybe even take over the whole rap scene. Get to know the rising star below.

Everyone has a reason why they started creating music. What would you say is yours? Therapy. I have always had a passion for music since a child, as I played many instruments and sang. But when I got older and started recording my music, I saw it as a therapeutic release versus a hobby or something to get me rich. I still love playing instruments as well. It's something about creating beautiful sounds, whether, with a piano or guitar, that satisfies my soul. 

You just put out "Before I Go: The Mixtape" how was it creating this body of work? Oh, man. There are so many words I could use. [laughs]. It was more challenging to create this body of work than creating my debut project "Fool: Fail Out of Love." The pressure was on me to create an extension of that project and come better and harder. Consistency is what my supporters like the most about me. It's like being a butterfly in transformation. This project is a testament to me being halfway out of that cocoon, slowly spreading my wings, and finding myself.

After listening to this tape, you are very open; it almost seems like your mic is a therapist. Would you say this is true? Right on, most definitely. I don't come from an upbringing or environment where therapy was encouraged. It's not that it's looked down upon, but it's more so everyone expects you to be "stronger than" the powers that be at ALL times. Growing up in St. Louis teaches you always to have a guard up, so for a long time, even the thought of therapy made me feel less than or weak in a sense. I've grown out of that mindset and even encourage others to try. But for me, the studio and mics work. 

In the last question, I mentioned how open you are in your music. Have you ever slipped up and said something in your lyrics that you weren't supposed to say? [laughs], it depends on who you ask. I will say that I never try to make music out of spite. It's a difference to me. I was making music from pain or other emotion versus spite. Ultimately, I'm just telling my story, so if you are or have been a part of my life, then be prepared. I probably have a few bars or even a song about you. 

In your song Off-Season, you mention how you had to take a season to get yourself right. How are you doing now? Better. Much better. This song took me some time to get in a studio and record. I wrote it during one of my more mild seasons of depression. "Off Season" is a testament to growing pains, and it's also a song about me feeling at war with myself and trying not to take it out on everybody else. I was a loose cannon at the time, and taking that season off helped get my mind right. I did a lot of praying, meditating, and yoga.

You mention your team a few times on this tape; who is all on your team? So there's me, then there's:

J Lee (My big brother & NHO Partner)

NHO Prime (My right hand & Label Affiliate)

Janae Inspire (My PR & 1NELIFE Clo. Owner)

Ninique (Assistant & Social Media Manager)

Chill Darryl (Videographer)

NiqosStudio (Engineer)

Your music production is really soothing and regal. Can you explain how you picked this sound? Thank you. That's usually the vibe I'm going for, more or less. I make music based on how I feel. So when looking for the right production, I'm listening to the beat to see if I feel something. If I feel moved by the instrumental, I know I'll be able to put my words on it and instantly have a great song. It may be my therapy but making great music that people feel and relate to matters just as much.