Nicole Blakk is a Watford-born rapper and singer-songwriter whose multilingual lyricism and soulful delivery across English, French and Punjabi are quickly turning heads across UK music. Blending sharp storytelling with melodic instinct and emotionally grounded writing, her music balances honesty, wit and lived experience in a way that feels both personal and immediately relatable.
Over the past year, Nicole has steadily built momentum through viral freestyles, standout live performances, and a growing catalogue of releases that feel both personal and sharply observed. She recently appeared on Dave’s BRIT-nominated number one album The Boy Who Played the Harp, delivering a standout verse on “Fairchild”, while appearances alongside DJ Mak Ten, Red Bull freestyles, Glastonbury’s Shangri-La and SXSW showcases have further positioned her as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging voices.
Her latest single Broke Love continues that trajectory. Inspired by a painfully awkward date experience, the track transforms frustration into a witty but self-assured reflection on standards, boundaries, and modern dating culture. Set against a warm, lo-fi backdrop, Nicole moves effortlessly between melodic phrasing and incisive lyricism, capturing the kinds of everyday experiences that make her music resonate so widely with young audiences today.
What’s the story behind "Broke Love"?
It really did come from a place of pure awkwardness! I was out with this guy, he pushed through the train barriers and asked me to pay for his food when he’s the one who asked me out… I remember just sitting there like, "...oh." When I got into the studio later, that phrase ‘broke love’ just kept sticking in my head, and we built the whole track around that specific energy of dating in this economy. It’s not a necessity - get your priorities in check before you date.
A lot of people discovered you through freestyles. Is that still a big part of how you create, or has your process evolved?
Freestyles are my roots and definitely how a lot of people have found me, but my process has definitely grown. I used to just jump on a beat and go, but now I’m much more intentional. I spend more time on the architecture of a song - the hooks, the bridge, and the overall concept - rather than just focusing on the bars. It’s about building a world now, not just a moment.
What do you enjoy most about making music, and what still challenges you?
What I love most is that "click" moment in the studio when a finished song sounds exactly like the feeling I had in my head. It’s like magic. The biggest challenge, honestly, is the consistency. Pushing through those days when creativity isn't just flowing naturally, and you have to actually *work* for the inspiration to kick in can be tough.
For artists coming up right now, what’s actually worth focusing on, and what’s just noise?
For anyone coming up: focus on consistency and your own lane. The "noise" is definitely the social media comparison game - looking at everyone else’s wins and feeling like you're behind. Don't chase the algorithm; chase the quality of your work. If the music is undeniable, the rest will follow.
What’s one habit or routine that’s really helped you improve as an artist?
One thing that really levelled me up was my routine. Having a healthy routine can be difficult with late-night sessions and eating junk and takeaways when you get in super late from the studio. I started intentionally doing earlier sessions, sleeping well and taking care of my routine. This helped me in so many ways, but it can be difficult to keep up. Once you get into it, you’ll see the benefits.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about networking/building relationships in the industry?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity beats an elevator pitch every time. People in this industry can smell transactional vibes a mile away.
I’ve found that just being a cool, genuine person leads to much better collaborations than trying to use someone for a connection.
Build friends, not just contacts. I’ve made so many friendships, and these have then developed into amazing business relationships. Through having this mindset, I met my manager, and honestly, my life has changed for the better!
What’s been inspiring you creatively lately?
Just listening, I’ve been wearing my headphones less in public and truly just taking in the environment around me. There are so many beautiful things happening around us, and if we take a moment to just take it in, we will see and feel them.
Three things you can’t live without in your bag?
I never leave the house without these three:
Lip gloss: obvs can’t have crusty lips
White eyeliner for my eyebrows and lashes
And of course, my keys since they have both my house and car keys—I'd literally be stranded without them!