Midnight Spotlight: Natural

Each week, 889@Night will recognize local unsigned talent and promote their music on air as well as on our website. We highlight the talented few who stand out amongst a crowd. This week starting today, September 10th, 2012, we are highlighting local rapper Natural and playing his music at midnight every night this week.

After years of standing by as a spectator, a fan and avid lover of Hip-Hop, Natural, also known in many circles as “Nasty Nat”, felt it was no longer enough just to listen. A writer his entire life, Natural had produced various forms of storytelling through many different mediums. Nat always felt the need to share his personal experiences along with the people around him. It wasn’t until 2010 that he finally recognized hip-hop as his true calling.

Nat’s music invites listeners into his own world, one guided by family and the close bonds within his small circle. His words are marked with a realistic portrayal of himself and feed off of his surroundings in the small city of Boston — his story is just one of the many tales shared through his music.

Born in Boston, Natural split time between his household in Milton and his cousins residence in Dorchester. The oldest of five in a close knit Irish-American neighborhood, Natural was responsible for his siblings from a very young age. He credits the high level of responsibility his parents entrusted to him along with his entire family’s unwavering support in all avenues of artistic creativity as major reasons for his progression as an artist.

Despite his suburban background, Nat’s deep-routed connections with the inner city have allowed him lines of sight from both sides of the tracks. Employments and experience range from his current position at an inner city public school all the way to working with troubled youth groups over in Ireland. Nat has been bartending and bouncing in some of the roughest areas of the city while also holding down jobs in some of the trendiest spots downtown. Either way you spin it, Nat draws from a plethora of experiences and carries a unique ability to connect with many different demographics of people.

In 2011, Natural burst onto the scene with his debut release “The Bartender” which quickly solidified his status as an emcee to be reckoned with. Armed with a keen sense of self-awareness and an unapologetic flow, the 17-track mixtape highlighted Natural’s penchant for aggressive wordplay, sharp lyricism and a knack for memorable punchlines. His lead single “I Don’t Play” made a Top 5 showing in the National College Radio Hip Hop Charts while his street singles “Forcin’ It” and “Seeya Layta” quickly grew into local favorites.

Following the release of “The Bartender” Natural teamed up with two Boston MCs, Real P and Brook of The Famous Nobodies, to create a side group called “Bargang”. The trio released a street single entitled “Bump That” which quickly took on the local scene. The song was heard on every major radio station in Boston and quickly developed into a local classic.

Riding the buzz of “Bump That” and the critical reviews of “The Bartender”, Natural teamed up with Boston based “Rhoaming Music Group” to continue the trend of success. On September 11th, 2012 he will release his debut EP “20 Something”. The 11 track project combines Natural’s ferocious lyricial abilities with a concentrated collection of experiences. 20 Something is life told through 11 chronologically ordered tracks, and in typical Natural fashion, in an easily identifiable style that manages to reach various demographics of people. Natural wouldn’t have it any other way.

By Malcolm Gray

If you liked this, check out:
Midnight Spotlight: Kee Words