Nikki D was … Read Full Bio ↴Nichelle "Nikki D" Strong is an American female rapper.
Nikki D was the first female rapper signed by Def Jam Recordings. She signed with Def Jam in 1989 and released her debut single "A No No No", in the same year. It was produced by Sam Sever. The single's video featured Flavor Flav and computerized images of the other Def Jam artist. Later Nikki D released the more commercially acceptable song, "Daddy's Little Girl" some two years later, which hit the Billboard sales charts.
Before this Nikki D was on tour in Europe for a year with fellow R&B artist Alyson Williams. Nikki D recorded songs with Moby, Queen Latifah on the Set It Off soundtrack, with Redman for his Muddy Waters album, EPMD, Naughty By Nature, Flavor Unit and Suzanne Vega.
In 1998 Nikki D was the vice president Of A&R at Flavor Unit Records for two years. Today she is the marketing manager at Phat Fashions, the apparel company that houses Phat Farm, Baby Phat, and Atman.
Discography
Album
1991 Daddy's Little Girl (Def Jam)
[edit] Singles
1989 "My Love Is Raw"
1990 "Lettin' Off Steam" (Sony)
1991 "Daddy's Little Girl"
1991 "Hang on Kid"
1991 "Wasted"
1993 "Freak Out"
Lettin' Off Steam
Nikki D Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They gon' really sweat you now, gee
They gon' really sweat you now
When I make a move, you better be at a stand-still
I'm holdin up the banner for the annual mic drill
Mistress of the rhyme, Sever pick up the drum stick
And hit you with a rhythm only Nikki can deal with
See, this is a different phase, and you won't be gettin fazed
You ran your mouth, no doubt, I'm on a rampage
Damned if I'll be good, I turn this track to a gangster
And roll up on the bitties who are jokes and pranksters
Step to the crowd, work the mic like a symphony
Steady rhymin with conviction, let's see who can get next to me
If I'd get deeper, you would drown, it's best to pull out now
Searchin for a remedy to get rid of me, no how
You be a memory mimickin me, cause you got bold
Suckers sippin on soup, gold tooth, put it on hold
Cold shootin the gift while others riffin a dream
You can base if you want, but I'm lettin off steam
Shootin the gift, lettin, lettin off
Shootin the gift, lettin, lettin off steam (4x)
You want to know the star status when I walk in the studio?
A mic's there, tracks spare, and I'm ready to do me some
A trooper gettin ready for a real live renegade
Waitin for a rookie with a mic and a bad name
So step into my dome, you be a victim of megablast
True trendsetter puttin rhymes on a higher raft
Rough be the look, pullin sturdy the mic stand
Fiendin for a battle? Take it up with my fans
Go 'head and call me a rookie, and I be hookin your show
10 times the rhyme and your crowd goin petrol
Shootin the gift while others riffin a dream
You can base if you want, but I'm lettin off steam
Shootin the gift, lettin, lettin off
Shootin the gift, lettin, lettin off steam (4x)
Yo, yo gee!
Hey yo Nikki, they gon' really sweat you now, gee
Hey yo, check this out
Nikki D lettin off steam, boy
First female rapper on Def Jam Records
Yo, it's the Flavor Flav, I'm on there to
And if Flavor Flav ain't on your records, then your records ain't really hot
Yo Nikki, kick it!
Go 'head and tell it, I smell it, it's creepin right through your veins
want to race your next release date doggin my name
You breathed, I hear it, come back and burn you on the spot
Another homicide in case you want to beef a lot
No challenge is small, don't let me give them my all
You will have ruined your own train, yeah, take a fall
I take it and break it and make you a mystery, gee
Have em wonder what keeps hidden my stage underneath
No freedom, I beat em and eat em just like a lunch
But of course there's a big mouth, I cold just crunch
Cause the poet will flow it and kick it just like this
'Try to hit but don't miss, cause I be throwin a fist
You get tough, I get puffed, call your bluff in a sec
Try to step and get stepped on, step back when it's mic check
Shootin the gift while others riffin a dream
You can base if you want, but I'm lettin off steam
[Repeat: x4]
Shootin the gift, lettin, lettin off
Shootin the gift, lettin, lettin off steam
The lyrics of Nikki D's song "Lettin' Off Steam" demonstrate the rapper's confidence in her abilities as a female MC at a time when women were just beginning to make their mark in the male-dominated hip hop scene. She raps about asserting her dominance over the mic and proving herself to anyone who doubts her skills. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "Shootin' the gift, lettin', lettin' off steam," refers to her lyrical abilities as a form of release and a way to blow off steam.
The verses of the song showcase Nikki D's clever wordplay and clever rhyming schemes as she takes aim at those who seek to challenge her. She calls out those who talk a big game but can't back it up and emphasizes her own talent and originality. The line "Damned if I'll be good, I turn this track to a gangster" speaks to her willingness to buck conventions and push boundaries in her music.
The song features a guest appearance from Flavor Flav of Public Enemy, who adds to the track's energy with his signature hype-man style. Together, Nikki D and Flavor Flav create an infectious and memorable hip hop anthem that has stood the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
When I make a move, you better be at a stand-still
I am a force to be reckoned with, so stay ready when I come through
Mistress of the rhyme, Sever pick up the drum stick
I am the queen of hip-hop and my producer will bring the heat on the beat
See, this is a different phase, and you won't be getting fazed
I have grown and evolved in my artistry, and I won't be shaken by anyone
Damned if I'll be good, I turn this track to a gangster
I'm not interested in being a role model, so I'll embrace my edgy side on this track
Step to the crowd, work the mic like a symphony
I am a skilled performer who knows how to move a crowd with my words
Steady rhymin with conviction, let's see who can get next to me
I am confident in my craft and I challenge anyone to try to match my skills
If I'd get deeper, you would drown, it's best to pull out now
I have a depth to my music that some may not be able to handle, so it's best to back off if you can't keep up
Searchin for a remedy to get rid of me, no how
People may try to knock me down, but I won't be getting out of the game anytime soon
Go 'head and call me a rookie, and I be hookin your show
Don't underestimate me just because I'm a new artist, I have what it takes to rock the stage
Another homicide in case you want to beef a lot
If someone wants to start a feud with me, they will lose because I am lyrically ruthless
You get tough, I get puffed, call your bluff in a sec
If someone tries to act tough, I'll prove them wrong and expose their weak spot
Try to step and get stepped on, step back when it's mic check
Don't get in my way or try to challenge me when I'm on the mic, or you'll regret it
Shootin the gift while others riffin a dream
I am delivering quality rhymes while others are just dreaming of success
You can base if you want, but I'm lettin off steam
You can judge me if you want, but I'm going to express myself honestly and confidently
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICHELE STRONG, SAM CITRIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
susanfit47
Sample list:
Bob James - "Nautilus" (1974)
Brothers Johnson - "Ain't We Funkin' Now" (1978)
Uncle Louie - "I Like Funky Music" (1979)
The Politicians - "Free Your Mind" (1972)
Public Enemy - "Louder Than a Bomb" (1988)
Chicago Gangsters - "Gangster Boogie" (1975)
Ralph MacDonald - "Jam on the Groove" (1976)
Rhythm Heritage - "Theme From S.W.A.T." (1975)
Wanda Jackson
What date in Ginuwine So Anxious Music Video From Midnight Love Intro is Debuted and Ended?
What Date in Silk Meeting in my Bedroom Music Video From Midnight Love Intro is Debuted and Ended?
What Date in J-Shin One Night Stand Music Video From Midnight Love Intro is Debuted and Ended?
What date in Color Me Badd Thinkin Back Music Video From Midnight Love Intro is Debuted and Ended?
What Date in Geoffrey Williams It's not a Love Thing Music Video From Midnight Love Intro is Debuted and Ended?
What Date in Keith Washington Make Time For Love Music Video From Midnight Love Intro is Debuted and Ended?
Kevin Eaddy
The first lady of def jam real hip-hop never dies,salute to Nikki D
CFGodwell
Nikki D and Allison Williams for the R&B.
TheCaramelSkin
One of the best to ever do it #SaluteNikkiD the First Lady of Def Jam
Keezie27
She definitely had skills. Talented. Love this song and video.
Osia Wideman
I always thought that Nikki D was one of the dopest MCs to come out during that time
Juan Carro
Highly underrated. Queen Nikki..
Richard P
Agree
Phillip Young
Another TRUE rap classic!!!
Lincoln Finley
She got gas.......thats the shit I enjoy.....lyrical talent. Beats and bars!!!! Mixing scratching...and BASS!!!!
CodyCole80
Back when sistas used to style themselves and their hair for their videos. Check Nikki’s back bun in the beginning. 😂 Love it. 👍🏾