Nikki Flores

Career

RECORDING ARTIST

Nikki Flores began her career at a very young age, writing her first song and performing her first live show at just 8 years old. Her parents—both musicians themselves—encouraged her talent by building her a home studio, and allowing her to perform every chance she got. Nikki landed her first real break at 16, signing to Epic Records in 2005. She went on to make two full length albums that were never released, the first of them being This Girl featuring single "Strike", written and produced by Ryan Tedder. Nikki was released from the label in 2009.

At this time Flores collaborated with producer Brian Kennedy (Rihanna, Chris Brown, Ciara) to create "Let It Slide". Against the wishes of her former label and management, she uploaded the demo version of Let It Slide to her Myspace page to an overwhelming response which now totals over 19,000,000 viral views. The song topped then Myspace Top 100 charts and became a fan favorite. She claims to be most proud of this song because of how relatable it is to her audience. "I was only writing about something that was so true for me in my life at that time. I released it on a whim and the response I got was overwhelming." she says. "The messages I receive from girls all over the world, telling me that my song saved them from going back to an abusive relationship, or gave them the strength they needed to move on, is exactly why I do what I do. Music reaches so many people, and I'm so proud to spread that message".

In 2010, Flores signed to Ryan Tedder's own Patriot Records, administered by Universal Republic, Tedder and Flores parted ways when the label dissolved in 2012, and she turned her attention to writing with and for other artists.

SONGWRITER

Since her departure from her former labels, Flores has been a part of writing many acclaimed records under the direction of publishing company BMG. In 2012 Nikki co-wrote and featured on "Roses" by Nas for his eleventh studio deluxe album Life is Good, which received a Grammy Award nomination in the category of Best Rap Album for the 2012 Grammy Awards. It was also nominated for Album of the Year at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards. Life Is Good appeared on several critics' year-end top albums lists. It was named the best album of 2012 by The Source and Okayplayer. The album was also ranked number 18 by Rolling Stone, number 12 by Complex, and number seven by Jon Caramanica of The New York Times.

She has also contributed her lyrics and melodies to Mýa with song "Coolin" on album Smoove Jones, which earned a nomination at the 2017 Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album, Christina Aguilera song "Empty Words" on deluxe album Lotus, "One Bad Night", "Palace" and "Sleepover" for Atlantic recording artist Hayley Kiyoko, and multiple collaborations with recording artist JoJo including "Mad Love" on album Mad Love, 2017 digital release "Wonder Woman", and "Save My Soul" from EP III (pronounced Tringle), praised by media outlets such as Billboard, Rap Up and Idolator..

Nikki is also known for her songwriting in Asia, notably including song "Golden Touch" for Japanese diva Namie Amuro selling over 500k in the first week and going #1 in Japan with her album Genic, "Rush" and "Gold" for breakout Fujipacific artist RIRI, and "Whatta Man" for group i.o.i which peaked at #2 on the Gaon Digital Chart on the chart issue dated August 7-13, 2016 with 128,760 downloads sold and 2,752,097 streams. Nikki has also confirmed via social media she has been writing in South Korea for YG recording artists.

XII XV - EP

In 2015, Nikki enlisted the help of producer/musician Blake Stranathan, long time collaborators The Family (Linnea Deb, Joy Deb, Anton Malmberg Hård af Segerstad), and producers Glashaus to build her first release, emotionally centered around ending a 6 year relationship, and the phases of finding herself in the aftermath. A quote from her website explains: "The vibe of her diary-like penned EP, XII XV, revolves around the phases of getting through a broken heart, finding herself, and eventually new love. With influences that range from Frank Ocean and Mariah Carey to Aaliyah and Kanye West, expect dreamy melodies over 808s, and a raw confession."

Nikki released two digital singles "Canary" (September 9, 2016) and "How To Love Her" (October 28, 2016) to all digital music markets, along with music videos shot and directed by TOPSHELF JUNIOR (Jhene Aiko, Kehlani).

On December 8th 2016, Flores released her debut independent solo project XII XV. The 6 song EP written by Flores peaked at #20 on the US iTunes Pop charts the week of its release.

Filmography

2007 Super Sweet 16: The Movie - July, 2007

2010 "Yo Gabba Gabba!" Dancey Dance 2016