Nickelz

Nickelz, born Khavaughn Shannon, is a hip-hop artist based in Philadelphia. Aside from being a solo artist, Nickelz was a member of the hip-hop group the Paper Chasas as well as being the lead vocalist in the Nickel Network (Nickelz, DJ Kinetic and J Freeze).

Nickelz
Birth nameKhavaughn Shannon
Born (1982-05-05) May 5, 1982
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Years active2003–present
LabelsCompass 120

Career

Nickelz began his rap career in the halls of Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia, where he met DJ Kinetic and J Freeze. Nickelz began to get noticed around North Philadelphia as an up-and-coming MC. He then teamed up with The Paper Chasas (Nickelz, Hollowman, Face, Skiez, Lavish). Shortly after graduating from Manor College Nickelz began to pursue that passion professionally.

While in the Paper Chasas in 2002, Nickelz and his co-members released mixtapes, and Hollowman of the Paper Chasas battled Ness of Da Band on MTV. The buzz surrounding the battle put the group in the forefront in Philadelphia hip hop.[1]

In 2006 Nickelz released his first solo mixtape Checkz n Balancez on Compass120 Music. He then released a series of mixtapes: The Network, Best Of..., The Most Official. All helped make a name for Nickelz as a solo artist and to be considered as one of the best MCs in Philadelphia.[2]

On May 5, 2008 his debut album, The Mint was released, and received reviews by Okayplayer.[3] and 215hiphop.com.[4] The Mint was executive produced by Documentalz, who has worked with Bilal, M.O.P., Ghostface. The Mint featured Philadelphia MCs Hedonis da Amazon and former Paper Chasas member Hollowman. There was an album release party that featured this artists covered by Philadelphia Daily News reporter Damon Williams.[5] His second full-length album yet untitled is expected in 2013.

Discography

Albums
  • The Mint (2008, Nickel Network/Compass120)

Mixtapes
  • Checks n Balancez (2006, Nickel Network)
  • The Network (2007, Nickel Network)
  • The Most Official (2007, Nickel Network)
  • Livin' Proof (2008, Nickel Network) WEB RELEASE ONLY
  • The Ghetto Pages (2009, Nickel Network)
  • Double Shots (2011, Nickel Network/Compass120 Music)

Collaborations
  • Sucka Free Flyboys — Bananas 2.5 (Big Bizness/Bananas, 2008)

References
  1. Philadelphia Weekly - "Philly Blunt"
  2. Trocadero Theatre - "Philly Hiphop Showcase"
  3. Okayplayer Album Reviews - "Nickelz - The Mint"
  4. 215hiphop.com Album Reviews (May 08') - "Nickelz - The Mint"
  5. Philadelphia Daily News - " By Damon C. Williams"
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