Nickelus F. aka Daniel Jones, and I say his government name for a reason, is a real person in every sense of the word. Formally known as Nick Fury named after a comic book character, he declares himself "VA's Hometown Hero", and he's adamant about that statement.

Now, he is known for being in BET’s 106 & Park's “Freestyle Fridays” coveted Hall of Fame. He sat down with me to set the record straight about his history in battle rap and why he believes you should include him among the greatest to ever do it.


Q: How long have you been rapping?

A: I've been rappin’ for a long time...I'm a young veteran. I been rappin' for about 12-13 years, started some time around 5th grade but wrote my first song in 6th grade.

Q: What got u started?

A: Truthfully, I don’t remember. I THINK it was at this lul’ [little] summer camp and we had this activity of writing a song. Everyone did songs singing, just changin' the words of regular songs.

Q: You are mostly known as a battle rapper, but you kind of have an issue with that, why?

A: Yea... I hate that. I mean it is what it is though. I started out with that. I got my first recognition when I was 17 at the Source Unsigned Hype battle, and consistently kept my name out there by battling. But as I got older and living life and goin' through all types of obstacles and pitfalls, I started writing as a way of dealing with things. So now it's a lot more personal. All that I'm sayin' is how I feel, and what I truly know. I don't speak anything foreign to me. Often, due to my history on the battle scene, people tend to write off the fact that I'm actually talkin' about something. If you tune in and really pay attention and take in what I'm saying you'll get a glimpse into my personal life. Most of my raps are inspired by actual conversation I've had with people explaining my views...and they just happen to make hot bars.

Q: If that's the case, what made going on BET's 106 & Park such an important move for you?

A: Well 106 & Park wasn't something I initially wanted to do. I didn't wanna do the battle thing cuz it had been a few years since I had really been doin' it. I had been in "artist mode" heavy, but my partner Radio B., had to slap a little sense into me and remind me that it’s national exposure. Its something that I already knew how to do, and did with ease. So I did it. It was a great way to get a lot of attention quickly. It's like giving your buzz an adrenaline shot.

Q: What's the feedback been like since you appeared on the show?

A: The feedback has been good. The labels been talkin' and the streets have too. People pay me to do things now, can't complain about that. But I can say I hadn't experienced real hate, like straight up random hate from n----- I’ve never laid eyes on until I went on TV. I mean I've had haters in the past, but more for reasons such as, I was completely irresistible to their girl [Laughs]. But since bein' on TV, there's been an increase in the straight up, no reason hate. I like it though...makes me feel loved.

Q: I noticed you just put out a new mix tape called "The Relapse", online free for everyone to download. What was the premise behind that idea?

A: I put out the free mix tape, "The Relapse", to promote the real new mix tape "Cut the Check 2" with DJ Rerok. Not sure how good its workin’ though, cuz people seem to like "The Relapse" a lot. Truthfully, "The Relapse" is just a bunch of catalog freestyles and songs that hadn't been used yet. I record a lot, I have a huge catalog. I could drop a new mix tape every month for a year at least, of just old songs in the catalog, stuff that's still hot though, no trash. Still, this one's just promo for "Cut the Check 2”. That’s the hot one in my opinion. I do a lot more on there. Different types of concepts and approaches. "The Relapse" is just beats and rhymes. I like that too.

Q: The first "Cut the Check" mix tape is awesome, and I can't wait to hear the new one. Now, you’ve finally achieved some serious national exposure, do you still feel underrated and underestimated?

A: Yea, cuz’ I need to be considered the best.

Q: Listening to "The Relapse" mix tape, I heard several times you referring to yourself being better than Lil' Wayne. Are you calling him out?

A: Nah, I'm not callin’ him out. I like [Lil'] Wayne, but they callin' him the best and I feel I'm just as nice if not nicer than him. I been mashin' for a long time. [I] been had the crazy metaphors, punch lines and wordplay. Just go back and listen. I been keepin' up with the n----- in the game. I feel I can compete with the best bar for bar. I go in, and I’m a gladiator, what can I say? If it wasn’t him they called the best, I'd be at the next n----.

Q: I agree that you should be listed as one of the best. Why do you think you haven't got the recognition you deserve, and how do you plan to change that?

A: Ummm...I'm not sure. One is that in the past, I've focused so hard on being nice and gettin' better that I never focused on my grind. That was the key aspect that was missing. I recorded a lot, yes, d--- near everyday, I had plenty of work ethic but no grind. That's really all I can say. You gotta grind to get recognition or you gotta get lucky, that's it.

Q: Isn’t THAT the truth. You are known for "reppin'" VA in everything that you do. Do you really feel like VA is behind you?

A: Yes and no. The people (as in the common folk), yes, they are behind me. They tell me all the time. I get a lot of love just walkin' around in the streets. I need to get VA's radio stations behind me, BAD, [Laughs]...we workin' on that though. My team and I are working very hard on that.

Q: What is your take on the other rappers from VA? Is it all love?

A: Yea man, I get nothing but love from VA rappers, and I got nothin but love for VA rappers. I can't collab[orate] with every n---- that ask me, but I'll listen and bump all of 'em. We all in this together 'cuz we still trying to get out that barrel. It's hard

Q: You call yourself VA's "Hometown Hero", what does that mean?

A: Cuz everybody wants to be king. I never wanted that spot. I don't see myself above no one else. I'm with the people. I'm in the grind with everyone else. When I get recognition or I accomplish something, I do it with my n----- back home in mind. I do it for hometown, to give my people something to talk about and hold on to, [a] "hometown hero".

Q: Well I think the people can respect that whole-heartedly.

A: It's the truth

Q: Do you have any last shout outs or remarks you want to get in?

A: Yes, Rayni Day Entertainment. That's the label I got with my partner Radio B. Co-Ceo's. We got a lot to say and we stand for something. Our music is made to inspire, and evoke emotions of all types. All of us take pride in our bars and what we're actually saying. We go in! [Also], download "The Relapse" [mix tape] at www.nickelusf.com, hit me on Myspace at www.myspace.com/nickelusf, and if you got beats and wanna send me some, [send to] beats4nick@gmail.com.