Cleveland Artist Q-Nice Discovers a New Look on Music by Fusing Hip-Hop, Poetry and Soul After spending months in the recording studio polishing his art, Cleveland Hip-Hop Artist and Poet Q-Nice has released his most recent album titled Love, Pain Struggle and Sacrifice. By blending Hip Hop, Poetry and Soul, Q-Nice has harnessed his lyrical skills and musical flavor to produce an innovative art far more passionate and expressive than most contemporary music of today. With credentials as impressive as his, there is little doubt of his ability to captivate the attention of any listener. Springing from Cleveland, Q-Nice reflects back on his hometown. “Its up and coming” he stated in an interview in 2004, “all we need is to get together as a community.” With musical influences including James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, he was also inspired by other arts, most specifically poetry. It was not long until he was performing on an international level, including a second place win in a national competition involving over 130 poets from across the country. Q-Nice and his talents have been seen throughout the U.S. Just a few of his performances have included The World Stage in Los Angeles, The Def Jam Showcase in Memphis, and the Detroit Black Expo. Russell Simons once told Q-Nice, “Your stuff is hot!” After turning down an offer to perform on Simons’ Def Poetry Jam, Q-Nice continued to polish his product at home and abroad. After a starring role in a film viewed at the Acapulco and Sundance Film Festivals, he went on to win endorsements by McDonalds and Fruitopia. When asked about his unique blend of styles, Q-Nice can’t help but realize the expressive implications of his music. “Poetry is so expressive. No limitations. No boundaries. Poetry is wide open.” Describing his art further, he states “it is all heart felt, emotional; it is a conversation.” After one taste, the passionate blend o art hypnotizes the listener with the smooth, yet intense rhymes and rhythm. Expression meets no limitation in the art and truth of Q-Nice, rapper and poet.