If 2022 was the year NilexNile truly made a name for himself in Milwaukee with a flurry of festival appearances and a standout mixtape, then 2023 has been the year the up-and-coming rapper introduced himself to listeners far beyond the city limits. In March, the release of his latest effort, Nostalgia Everclear, coincided with a performance at SXSW and was quickly followed by a tour that also shared the album’s name. Of course, he also found time to headline Summer Soulstice, earn a high-profile Summerfest slot, and perform a handful of other shows in Milwaukee along the way.
Currently in the middle of the second leg of that tour, NilexNile is continuing to bolster his name in Milwaukee and elsewhere with brand new output that both displays and references his ongoing artistic evolution. Today marks the release of NilexNile’s “Growing Pains” music video. The Nostalgia Everclear track’s visual pairing features the artist literally weathering the storm, as he patiently waits out the metaphoric rain mentioned in the song because he knows brighter days are ahead.
Between the nice Carter Green-shot footage, the uplifting lyrics, and keen production work of Deuce Ibs, NilexNile’s “Growing Pains” makes for great rainy day viewing. You can see NilexNile perform this song (and more) live at Boone & Crockett/The Cooperage’s “Flannel Fest” on Saturday, October 21.