Nick Bruno (Brutality) Interview

1. 01The Serpent Tongue

   How long in the making was this album? And who reached out to who to start it?

   Nick Bruno

   I had just finished my second project The Bruwery, I was pondering on making a series playing off my name Bruno. Then Brutality spawned out of it. So, one day in 2023 my Brother Boldy James called me to come downtown (Detroit) where he was recording with Nicholas Craven. I ended up getting on a song with Boldy and Nicholas was impressed with my verse, plus I let him hear The Bruwery and that sparked us locking with each other. Suddenly, Boldy was in an accident and as he was recovering, Craven came to Detroit to record Penalty of Leadership with Boldy, he said he wanted to work with me. It was immediate, he let me pick out 10 beats as the rest is history.

2. 02The Serpent Tongue

   Was there a specific atmosphere or vibe you were trying to achieve for how this album is perceived by the listeners and if so what was it and do you feel you achieved what you set out to initially create?

   Nick Bruno

   I wanted to showcase to the world that Boldy James has some real spitters within our ConCreature collective. I also wanted to show Nicholas Craven I wasn’t a one trick pony. Additionally, I wanted to show that I can create a great solid project. I know I achieved that with this project.

3. 03The Serpent Tongue

   What’s it like working with a man like Nicholas Craven compared to other producers? Is there anything you’ve learnt from him that you didn’t know prior!

   Nick Bruno

   Craven is very cool and laid back. He’s very much involved in the recording process as opposed to other producers. He’ll point out an error during recording and make sure that everything is right. I learned that they don’t have corned beef in Montreal!

4. 04The Serpent Tongue

   In my review I stated that you sound like someone paying homage to the 90’s era in regards to your execution on the mic and penmanship. Would you consider yourself a ‘student of the old school’ or are you more tapped into the modern-day presentation of the art?

   Nick Bruno

   I am absolutely a student of the Old School! The Greats like 2Pac, ScarFace, Jay Z, Nas, RedMan, Beanie Sigel, Guru from GangStar, Kool G Rap, Spice 1, Ice Cube, Rakim, OutKast, UGK helped shape my lyrical acumen. I also listen to the newer artists like Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, The Cool Kids, EST G, BabyFace Ray, MOE3, Drakeo The Ruler

5. 05The Serpent Tongue

   What did it mean for you to be in the presence of the various features you brought on? Is it a feeling of ‘brotherly competition’ perhaps an opportunity to ‘sharpen your own skills’ or was it pure camaraderie on your part being around such talented MC’s?

   Nick Bruno

   It was our comradery on all of our part. With the song The Members which is a special song because it’s the first time all the Original Members appeared on one song which was very tedious, but I got it done. My Brothers rallied around me in support of this project.

6. 06The Serpent Tongue

   What’s your take on the discussion of ‘One Producer to One MC’ formula in Hip Hop? Is this a style you prefer and recommend for yourself as is seen here or are you open to the more flexible approach of the many producers on one album style!

   Nick Bruno

   Whether it’s one producer or various producers it really doesn’t matter to me, as long as I can create and the music speaks to me, I’m cool..

7. 07The Serpent Tongue

   If you yourself had to describe this album In one sentence what would it be?

   Nick Bruno

   The Truth is Brutal

8. 08The Serpent Tongue

   If you were stranded on a desert island with only two albums of any genre and artist to keep you company forever, what two would you pick and why?

   Nick Bruno

   2Pac Me Against The World Jodeci Forever My Lady

   2Pac’s Me Against The World touches the Soul and Jodeci’s Forever My Lady touches the heart..

Written interview by Corban Skipwith · More interviews · Get interviewed