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Nardo Wick

Nardo Wick, whose real name is Horace Bernard Walls III, is an American rapper and songwriter born on December 30, 2001, in Jacksonville, Florida. Growing up in a musically inclined family, with his father serving as his early music engineer, Wick drew inspiration from the lavish lifestyles of local rappers during his teenage years, prompting him to begin recording tracks without prior formal experience in hip-hop. His style is characterized by aggressive trap beats, gritty lyrics focusing on street life, and a distinctive Jacksonville sound that blends Southern rap elements. Wick first gained widespread attention in 2021 with his breakout single "Who Want Smoke?", an independent release that went viral on platforms and later featured a high-profile remix with , , and , debuting at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, he signed with through Flawless Entertainment, marking a pivotal shift from local mixtapes to mainstream exposure. His debut studio album, Who Is Nardo Wick?, followed in December 2021, peaking at number 16 on the and featuring additional hits like "Dah Dah DahDah." The project solidified his reputation, earning him a spot in XXL's 2022 Freshman Class alongside emerging artists like and Big30. In the years since, Wick has continued to build his catalog with singles such as "Me or Sum" featuring and , which achieved multi-platinum certification, and collaborations that highlight his growing influence in . His second studio album, , arrived on February 21, 2025, via , showcasing evolved production and guest appearances while maintaining his raw, confrontational energy. Entering 2025, Wick released his first single of the year, "I Wonder," signaling ongoing activity amid performances like headlining the of Houston's Frontier Fiesta concert.

Early life

Childhood in Jacksonville

Horace Bernard Walls III was born on December 30, 2001, in , where he spent his formative years in a working-class neighborhood shaped by street culture and the pervasive influence of . Growing up amid economic hardships, including periods of sleeping on the floor for three years, Nardo—nicknamed "Lil’ Nard" as a child—described his early life as a blend of good and bad times, with limited opportunities in the city but constant exposure to music that surrounded his environment. His family dynamics were marked by challenges and support; his mother served time in for scamming, which contributed to the family's financial struggles upon her return, while his father provided crucial encouragement by constructing a makeshift home studio using basic materials like pipes and curtains from his paychecks. Initially skeptical about his son's musical ambitions, his father became a key supporter after hearing early recordings, even learning audio engineering to assist. Nardo also engaged in street activities, such as robbing people between ages 15 and 16 to make quick money—netting thousands compared to low-wage jobs—reflecting the survival pressures of his socio-economic background. Nardo attended local high schools in Jacksonville, where he began selling drugs as a teenager but ceased after his mother discovered and intervened. A self-described "good but sneaky kid" who also played , he started writing rhymes at age 14 using his phone, gradually shifting focus toward music amid the local rap scene's influence, although he graduated high school while pursuing creative endeavors by his late teens.

Initial interest in music

Nardo Wick, raised in Jacksonville, Florida, developed an initial fascination with rap music during his early teenage years amid a challenging urban environment. At around age 14, he recognized rapping as a potential career path, inspired by the genre's prominence in his community and broader hip-hop culture. This interest deepened by age 16 or 17, when he immersed himself in studying rap techniques, including freestyling, which he practiced using his phone to record a cappella sessions and hone his skills independently. Transitioning from listener to creator, Wick began self-recording rudimentary tracks in a makeshift home setup, marking his first active forays into music production. His father, Horace Walls Jr., supported this endeavor by purchasing an inexpensive $40 microphone and teaching himself audio engineering via tutorials to assist with the sessions, as Wick had no prior access to professional studios. During this period, he adopted the stage name "Nardo ," with "Nardo" derived from a childhood and "Wick" alluding to his "wicked" . Wick's early motivations were deeply rooted in seeking an alternative to Jacksonville's street life, where he had previously engaged in activities like robbing to survive economic hardships. He has recounted viewing music as an , stating that continuing on his prior path would prevent long-term success, prompting him to commit fully to as a constructive outlet. These initial experiments remained private, focused on personal growth through freestyles and home demos rather than public exposure.

Career

Early mixtapes and local buzz (2019–2020)

Nardo Wick began his music career independently in 2019, purchasing a $40 to record tracks at home in , with his father assisting as an informal engineer. His debut single, "Face Shot," was released on in May 2019, featuring melodic flows over themes of street violence and survival in his local environment. Although the track was later deleted from major platforms due to content concerns, it remained accessible through fan shares and helped establish his raw, introspective style among early listeners. In 2020, Wick accelerated his output with a series of singles that amplified his presence in the Southeast U.S. rap scene. He dropped "Lolli" in April, a track blending clever —such as likening to enemies in "boxes"—with aggressive delivery, which began circulating widely on and . Later that year, on , he released "" and "Came Up" simultaneously, both emphasizing street life, hustle, and regional pride through gritty narratives and trap production. These releases captured the essence of Jacksonville's underground sound, drawing comparisons to local influences like while carving out Wick's distinct voice. Wick's early buzz stemmed from efforts, including self-taught production and direct engagement with fans online to promote his music without major backing. Tracks like "Lolli" and "Slide" gained traction through viral clips on platforms such as and , fostering a dedicated regional following in before broader recognition. Local radio stations in Jacksonville started spinning his singles sporadically, contributing to organic growth in streams primarily from the Southeast, as he connected with emerging Florida rappers through shared scenes and informal networks. This DIY approach, funded initially by small contributions from family members, underscored his independent grind amid personal challenges, solidifying his reputation as a rising talent in the state's rap circuit.

Breakthrough single and major label deal (2021)

In January 2021, Nardo Wick independently released his single "Who Want Smoke?" through his own Flawless Entertainment imprint, which quickly gained traction via viral challenges and usage on , propelling it from local Jacksonville streams to broader online attention. Building on the local buzz from his prior mixtapes, the track's raw energy and confrontational lyrics resonated with users creating dance and reaction videos, amassing millions of views and setting the stage for national exposure. The song's momentum led to an official remix on October 8, 2021, featuring , , and , produced by and directed by for Lyrical Lemonade; this version amplified its appeal with high-profile verses, debuting and peaking at No. 17 on the Hot 100. The remix's success, driven by its garnering over 13 million views in its first week, marked Wick's entry into mainstream conversations and highlighted his ability to collaborate with established artists. Following the single's breakout, Wick signed a major label deal with in April 2021, providing resources for wider distribution and promotion. This partnership culminated in the release of his debut studio album, Who Is Nardo Wick?, on December 3, 2021, via Flawless Entertainment and . The 18-track project featured guest appearances from on "Lullaby," Future and on "Me or Sum," and the remix ensemble on the , alongside production from StoopidXool and DT. Key tracks included "Wickman," "Alright," and "Set It Off," blending aggressive beats with introspective elements to showcase Wick's versatile flow. The album debuted at No. 19 on the , selling 29,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and peaking at No. 16 overall, reflecting strong streaming performance bolstered by the lead single's momentum. Critics praised it as a solid introduction to Wick's Jacksonville-rooted sound, emphasizing themes of street life and ambition, though some noted room for deeper lyrical evolution. The release spurred immediate media coverage, including Wick's first major interview with in November 2021, where he discussed the track's origins and his rapid rise, alongside features in that explored his background and artistic vision.

Mainstream success and collaborations (2022–2023)

In 2022, Nardo Wick solidified his position in the mainstream hip-hop scene with the release of the deluxe edition of his debut album, Who Is Nardo Wick??, on July 22, which added twelve new tracks and featured appearances from artists including The Kid LAROI, Latto, and Lakeyah. The expanded project built on the original album's momentum following his 2021 signing with RCA Records, incorporating fresh material that highlighted Wick's aggressive delivery and trap-influenced sound while attracting broader attention through high-profile guest spots. A standout from the deluxe edition was the track "Me or Sum" featuring and , originally released in late but gaining renewed traction in 2022, where it peaked at number 58 on the and amassed over 197 million streams by emphasizing themes of street loyalty and bravado in a collaborative anthem. The song's cultural resonance was evident in its viral usage and role in elevating Wick's profile among younger audiences, contributing to his growing reputation as a rising force in rap. Wick expanded his network of collaborations during this period, notably appearing on DJ Khaled's album with the track "It Ain't Safe" alongside , released in August 2022, which showcased his rapid-fire flow over a hard-hitting beat and underscored his compatibility with established trap figures. These partnerships, including additional features on projects with artists like , helped Wick transition from regional buzz to national playlists and radio rotation, fostering a series of quotable, high-energy verses that resonated in club and streaming contexts. On the touring front, Wick supported Lil Baby on the "Lil Baby + Friends Tour" throughout 2022, performing as an opener alongside acts like Coi Leray at venues such as the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 26 and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on October 29, marking some of his earliest major arena experiences. He also made his festival debut at Rolling Loud New York in September 2022 and Rolling Loud Miami in July 2022, delivering full sets of hits like "Who Want Smoke??" to enthusiastic crowds, before headlining slots at Rolling Loud California and Rolling Loud Miami in March and July 2023, respectively, where his performances drew praise for their raw energy and crowd engagement. These appearances not only boosted his live draw but also cemented his status as a festival staple in the hip-hop circuit.

Recent releases and developments (2024–present)

In 2024, Nardo Wick released several singles that showcased his evolving trap sound, blending aggressive flows with high-profile collaborations. His track "Back to Back," featuring Future and produced by Southside, dropped on April 26 via RCA Records, marking a reunion with Future following their earlier work together. The song, which interpolates themes of street loyalty and confrontation, garnered over 23 million Spotify streams by late 2025 and debuted on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart, while some interpreted Future's lyrics as extending his ongoing feud with Drake. Later that year, on September 17, Wick followed up with "Oh Shit," featuring rising Florida rapper BossMan Dlow and produced by Kid Hazel; the bouncy, party-oriented track emphasized bravado and nightlife vibes, amassing around 3.5 million Spotify streams and receiving praise for its energetic chemistry between the artists. Building anticipation for his effort, Wick announced his second studio album, WICK, initially slated for October 2024 but delayed to February 21, 2025, under Flawless Entertainment and . The 17-track project delves into themes of personal growth, bravado, and introspection amid street life, with Wick adopting a more refined delivery compared to his debut. Standout collaborations include on the bonus track "Hot Boy," on "HBK," on the bonus track "Somethin'," and on "I Don't F**k With This Beat" from the preceding Hold Off, released on February 7, 2025, to bridge the gap. Critics noted the album's polished production and Wick's matured lyricism, with outlets like highlighting its cinematic energy reminiscent of action-hero intensity, though some reviews pointed to occasional subdued verses as a shift from his rawer early style. By November 2025, WICK had accumulated over 117 million streams, signaling sustained fan engagement. Wick continued his momentum with the single "I Wonder" on January 31, 2025, a introspective cut exploring uncertainty in relationships that served as a thematic precursor to the album. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, he maintained an active touring schedule, including performances on joint bills with artists like and , such as dates at venues like in June 2024 and Center Stage in in March 2025. These shows, part of broader packages, featured setlists heavy on recent material and fan favorites, reinforcing his live energy and connection with audiences. As of late 2025, Wick has teased potential follow-up projects through snippets, focusing on experimental beats while staying rooted in Jacksonville's rap scene.

Artistry

Musical style and themes

Nardo Wick's musical style is rooted in , characterized by heavy, bass-driven beats that create a dark and atmospheric soundscape. His production often features ominous synths and pounding 808s, evoking a sense of tension and intensity, as heard in tracks like "Who Want Smoke?." He employs to enhance his vocals, giving them a polished yet gritty edge that complements the aggressive undertones of his delivery. Wick's flow is typically monotone and droning, delivered with a nonchalant bravado that builds to explosive moments, prioritizing and cadence over melodic variation. Lyrically, Wick explores themes of street survival, bravado, loyalty, and pride in his Jacksonville roots, drawing from the city's raw, unfiltered environment to craft authentic narratives. His verses often depict the harsh realities of urban life, including confrontations and , delivered in a matter-of-fact tone that underscores a code of realness and toughness. These elements reflect a broader approach focused on the highs and of street existence, emphasizing personal ambition and unwavering allegiance to his circle. Wick's sound has evolved from the raw, unrefined energy of his early singles, such as "Lolli" (2020), to more structured and mainstream-ready tracks following his RCA Records signing. This progression is evident in the shift toward cleaner production and tighter song structures on his debut album Who Is Nardo Wick? (2021) and subsequent releases, while retaining his core aggressive essence, including his second studio album WICK (February 21, 2025), which incorporates varied production elements like New Orleans-inspired beats alongside heavy basslines. His delivery and energetic bravado draw comparisons to peers like Lil Durk, sharing a similar street-oriented intensity and vocal presence in trap and drill-influenced rap.

Influences and collaborations

Nardo Wick has cited several prominent artists as key influences on his development as a rapper, drawing particularly from Southern pioneers. Growing up, he frequently listened to , , , and , whose melodic flows, street narratives, and energetic delivery shaped his early approach to crafting verses. These artists' emphasis on raw authenticity and beats resonated with Wick, informing the aggressive yet playful tone in his music. Additionally, he has expressed admiration for , naming "" as one of his favorite songs and stating that the rapper would be the first person to leave him starstruck in an encounter. The Jacksonville rap scene, blending elements of and , has profoundly impacted Wick's sound, fostering a gritty, confrontational style rooted in local street culture. Emerging from a city long overshadowed by South Florida's dominance in the state's landscape, Jacksonville artists like have popularized a subgenre marked by diss tracks and dark, atmospheric production that echoes broader trap traditions while incorporating drill's ominous energy. This regional influence is evident in Wick's incorporation of heavy basslines and themes of , which align with the scene's raw, unfiltered ethos. Beyond direct inspirations, Wick has engaged in significant behind-the-scenes collaborations with acclaimed producers that highlight his evolving artistry. On his debut album Who Is Nardo Wick?, he worked closely with on the track "Power," where the producer's booming, cinematic beats amplified Wick's commanding presence. Other key partnerships included , , , , and , whose contributions brought layered instrumentation and subtle melodic hooks to the project, allowing Wick to experiment with vocal inflections reminiscent of his influences. This collaborative approach continued on WICK (2025), featuring producers and guests like , , , and , further blending high-energy with dynamic guest verses. These production alliances manifest in album concepts centered on self-introduction and bravado, as seen in the thematic cohesion of Who Is Nardo Wick?, while live performances showcase Wick channeling the high-energy stage presence of artists like through dynamic crowd interactions and ad-lib heavy sets.

Personal life

Family background

Nardo Wick, born Horace Bernard Walls III, hails from a close-knit rooted in , where he grew up in a working-class environment that emphasized resilience and mutual support. His father plays a pivotal role in his professional life, having self-taught audio engineering skills specifically to mix and produce Nardo's tracks, a development that began early in his career and continues to influence his sound. Nardo's mother serves as his manager, handling aspects of his day-to-day operations and providing steadfast guidance amid his rise in the music industry. The family has been instrumental in bootstrapping his music ambitions; to fund initial recordings, Nardo solicited $100 investments from 10 relatives during tax season, with his parents contributing significantly through their refunds, while only his auntie DD and a cousin matched the full amount requested from others. He has an older brother, Hayward Biggins, and a sister, both of whom have been part of his , with his brother occasionally appearing in music videos and posts. In March 2024, Biggins was arrested for into an occupied home in ; he pleaded no contest and was sentenced to seven months in jail followed by two years of . In 2025, Nardo publicly discussed becoming a father, highlighting how parenthood has added new dimensions to his responsibilities and creative outlook, though he keeps details about his child private. No public information exists regarding marriage as of that year. In August 2021, Nardo Wick was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Jacksonville, Florida, on a concealed weapons charge. The arrest occurred amid heightened attention to his rising single "Who Want Smoke??" and involved a dramatic takedown captured on video, though specific details of the incident remained limited at the time. Wick was released shortly after, with no further charges or outcomes publicly detailed in subsequent reports. On November 27, 2023, following a performance at Club Skye in , a 20-year-old fan named George Obregon Jr. was severely assaulted by members of Wick's entourage after approaching the rapper for a photo. Video footage showed Obregon being punched multiple times, resulting in critical injuries including a bleed and hospitalization. Two suspects, including 34-year-old Zachary Benton and a 15-year-old juvenile, were charged with aggravated battery; Benton surrendered to in December 2023 but later forfeited his $2,000 bond in March 2024 after missing a court date. Wick publicly addressed the incident via on November 28, 2023, stating he did not condone the violence and had reached out to Obregon and his family to offer support, emphasizing his intent to make amends without regard for potential legal repercussions. drew widespread criticism online, tarnishing Wick's public image temporarily amid discussions of artist accountability in . In response to the assault, Obregon filed a civil lawsuit on February 5, 2024, in Hillsborough County Circuit Court against Wick, his company Wicked Gang Entertainment LLC, the assailants, and Club Skye, alleging negligence, vicarious liability, and failure to provide adequate security. The suit seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for Obregon's physical injuries, pain, and financial losses; as of November 2025, the case remains ongoing with no reported resolution or dismissal of claims. No additional arrests, feuds, or public disputes involving Wick have been documented in 2024 or 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

Nardo Wick released his debut studio album, Who Is Nardo Wick?, on December 3, 2021, through Flawless Entertainment and . The project comprises 18 tracks, showcasing Wick's raw trap sound with features from , , , , , and others. Standout tracks include the viral single "Who Want Smoke??" featuring , , and , as well as "Me or Sum" with and , which highlight Wick's aggressive delivery and street narratives. The album debuted at number 19 on the US chart in its first week and later peaked at number 16, marking a significant entry for the Jacksonville rapper. Wick's sophomore studio album, , arrived on February 21, 2025, also via , following a delay from its original October 2024 target date. Spanning 17 tracks with two bonus cuts, it reunites Wick with frequent collaborators , , and , alongside . Key highlights include "HBK" featuring , which emphasizes intense trap beats and boastful lyrics, and "Back to Back" with , blending melodic hooks and hard-hitting verses. The album explores themes of street life and resilience, continuing Wick's signature gritty style, though it garnered mixed reception for its repetitive elements. Commercial performance was more modest compared to his debut, reflecting shifts in the rap landscape by late 2025.

Mixtapes and EPs

Nardo Wick's pre-mainstream career did not feature formal mixtapes or extended plays, but rather a series of independent singles released primarily on platforms like , which played a crucial role in building his local following in . His debut track, "Face Shot," dropped in May 2020, marking the start of sporadic releases that highlighted his raw sound and aggressive delivery. These early singles, including "Lolli," "," and "Came Up" later that year, achieved modest streaming success within Florida's underground rap scene, amassing thousands of plays and establishing Wick as an emerging talent known for his menacing hooks and street narratives. "," in particular, exemplified his independent hustle with its gritty production and viral potential on , contributing to buzz that attracted label interest. Without structured projects, these tracks served as Wick's equivalent, allowing him to experiment and refine his style before signing with in 2021, ultimately paving the way for his breakthrough album. In 2025, Wick released his first , Hold Off, on February 7, 2025, via . The six-track EP features on "I Don't Fuck With This Beat" and includes singles like "I Wonder" and "Stutter," previewing elements of his evolving sound ahead of WICK.

Singles as lead artist

Nardo Wick achieved his breakthrough with the single "Who Want Smoke?", initially released independently on January 22, 2021, through Flawless Entertainment. The track went viral on , prompting a featuring , , and , issued on October 15, 2021, via . The debuted and peaked at number 17 on the in November 2021, marking Wick's first entry on the chart, and reached number 4 on the chart. It was certified by the RIAA on March 24, 2023, for one million units sold in the United States. The original version was certified double by the RIAA on March 3, 2022. "Alright" served as a promotional single from Wick's debut album Who Is Nardo Wick?, released on December 3, 2021. The accompanying , directed by , premiered on May 4, 2022, and showcased Wick in various high-energy scenes across Jacksonville, emphasizing themes of resilience and street life. While it did not enter the , the track amassed over 25 million streams on by mid-2025, contributing to the album's overall success. In 2023, Wick released "Hot Boy" featuring on March 31, 2023, as a non-album later included on the deluxe edition of his debut project. The track peaked at number 99 on the in April 2023 and number 48 on the chart, bolstered by a that depicted opulent lifestyles and luxury cars. It received gold certification from the RIAA on August 15, 2023. Wick continued with "Back to Back" featuring Future and Southside on April 26, 2024, which served as the lead single for his second studio album WICK. The song's official video, released simultaneously, trended on YouTube and highlighted aggressive trap production, though it did not chart on the Hot 100. Earlier that year, "Oh Shit" dropped as a standalone single in early 2024, gaining traction through social media challenges. By 2025, Wick issued "I Wonder" as a single on January 10, 2025, preceding the Hold Off EP released on February 7, 2025, which included additional non-album tracks like "STUTTER." These releases aligned with the February 21, 2025, drop of WICK, featuring lead singles such as "Back to Back," though specific chart performance for the newer tracks remained emerging as of November 2025.
TitleRelease DatePeak Chart Position (Billboard Hot 100)Certification (RIAA)
"Who Want Smoke??" (remix feat. G Herbo, Lil Durk & 21 Savage)October 15, 2021#17Platinum (2023)
"Hot Boy" (feat. )March 31, 2023#99Gold (2023)
"Alright"December 3, 2021
Nardo Wick has made notable contributions as a featured artist on several singles by fellow rappers, often delivering aggressive verses that complement trap beats and themes of street life and bravado. His guest appearances began gaining traction in 2021 and have continued to elevate his profile through collaborations with established names in . These features have helped expand his reach beyond his solo work, with some tracks achieving commercial success on . Key singles where Wick appears as a featured artist include the following:
YearTitleMain Artist(s)Peak Chart PositionNotes
2021"She Want Me Dead!"KATANA 10400Wick's early feature, released October 10, 2021, showcasing his raw delivery over a dark, ominous production; it marked one of his first high-profile guest spots outside his own projects.
2022""#15 ()Released October 14, 2022, as part of 's It's Only Me; Wick's verse adds intensity to the track's confrontational energy, contributing to its gold certification by the RIAA on October 13, 2023. The song debuted strongly, reflecting Wick's growing mainstream visibility through trap connections.
2023"Pissy" (feat. & Nardo Wick)#15 ()Released May 5, 2023, from 's Breath of Fresh Air; Wick's closing verse emphasizes luxury and excess, aligning with the song's braggadocious tone produced by . It peaked at #37 on the chart, highlighting Wick's compatibility with veteran Southern rap figures.
2023"Gun Class II"MudBaby Ru (feat. & Nardo Wick)Released October 20, 2023, as a of MudBaby Ru's track; Wick's feature, alongside , delivers instructional bars on street survival over a gritty beat, boosting the single's buzz within CMG-affiliated circles.
2024"Pleads" (feat. & Nardo Wick)Released October 30, 2024; Wick's energetic verse fits the chaotic drill-influenced production, emphasizing themes of conflict and resilience, further solidifying his role in emerging rap collectives.
These collaborations demonstrate Wick's versatility in adapting his signature menacing to various artists' visions, often amplifying the tracks' replay value through his charismatic presence. For instance, on "," his contribution helped propel the single's debut performance, underscoring his impact on collaborative hits. While not every feature has charted prominently, they collectively enhance Wick's reputation as a sought-after guest in the and scenes.