Nicky da B was a rising star in the New Orleans bounce music scene, a genre of hip hop that features energetic beats, call-and-response chants, and twerking dance moves. He collaborated with famous artists like Diplo, Big Freedia, and Katey Red, and gained international recognition for his viral hit “Express Yourself”. He was also an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community, and a role model for many young fans. But his life was cut short at the age of 24, when he passed away on September 2, 2014. What was the cause of his death, and how did he impact the music industry and culture? Here are some facts and insights about Nicky da B’s life, death, and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Nicky da B was born as Nickesse Trimaine Toney on March 13, 1990, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a section of the Carrollton neighborhood known as Pigeon Town, in the city’s 17th ward. He was raised by his mother Nicole Toney and grandmother Aline Toney. He began writing rap lyrics at the age of six, inspired by the Hot Boys, a local rap group that included Lil Wayne. He started rapping himself at 14, and adopted the stage name Nicky da B, which was a tribute to his mother’s nickname, Nicky da Boss. He was influenced by techno and pop music, as well as the bounce music that originated in his hometown. He became a dancer for Sissy Nobby, a bounce artist who was part of the sissy rap subgenre, which featured openly gay and transgender rappers. He also formed a close bond with Katey Red, another sissy rap pioneer, who he called his “gay mother”. He learned the ropes of the bounce scene from her and Big Freedia, the “Queen of Bounce”, who became his friend and mentor. He came out as gay himself, and embraced his sexuality in his music and persona. He released his first local hit, “Drop It Hot Potato Style”, in 2011, and began touring and performing at clubs and festivals.
Breakthrough and Success
Nicky da B’s breakthrough came in 2012, when he teamed up with Diplo, a renowned DJ and producer, to create “Express Yourself”. The song was a fusion of bounce and electronic music, and featured Nicky da B’s rapid-fire and catchy vocals. The song was accompanied by a video that showcased the twerking dance craze, which involved shaking and bouncing the buttocks. The video went viral, and attracted millions of views on YouTube. It also caught the attention of mainstream media and celebrities, who praised and imitated the dance move. The song was featured in a Doritos commercial during Super Bowl XLVII, and was nominated for a MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction. Nicky da B also released his debut album, Please Don’t Forget da B, in 2012, which included other popular tracks like “Go Loko”, “Hot Potato Style”, and “Beatin Down Yo Block”. He embarked on a world tour, which included a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House. He also collaborated with other artists, such as Schlachthofbronx, a German dance-music duo, on the single “Lights Off” in 2014. He was widely regarded as one of the most promising and innovative bounce artists, and a trailblazer for the LGBT community.
Death and Legacy
On September 2, 2014, Nicky da B’s death was announced by his manager and live DJ, Rusty Lazer. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had been ill for a brief period. His family later asked for help from fans in paying for his funeral, which included a parade led by the TBC Brass Band in his Carrollton neighborhood. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and fellow artists, who paid tribute to him on social media and in their music. His death also sparked a discussion about the health and safety of bounce artists, who often faced challenges such as poverty, violence, discrimination, and lack of access to health care. Nicky da B’s legacy lives on in his music, which continues to inspire and entertain people around the world. He is remembered as a talented and charismatic performer, who brought joy and energy to his audiences. He is also celebrated as a pioneer and icon, who broke barriers and stereotypes, and paved the way for other LGBT artists and performers. He is widely considered as one of the most influential and important figures in the history and evolution of bounce music.
