A new voice is emerging from a corner of the country hip hop rarely reaches, and she’s making it impossible to ignore. NICHOLE-LEE, an independent rapper, songwriter, and entertainer from Anchorage, Alaska, has released her latest single, Get Yo Bag Up, a high-energy anthem built around ambition, self-investment, and the kind of confidence that comes from betting on yourself.
Self-described as “the coldest rapper out of Alaska,” NICHOLE-LEE has spent her career pushing back against the idea that hip hop only comes from a handful of major markets. Her sound draws heavily from the fearless, experimental female rap of the 2000s, filtered through a modern production style that keeps her music feeling current without losing its roots.
The Story Behind NICHOLE-LEE Get Yo Bag Up
Unlike many artists who build a song around a beat, NICHOLE-LEE starts with a concept. She writes her verses a cappella first, focusing on rhythm, story, and message, before ever stepping into the studio with a producer. That process shaped NICHOLE-LEE from the ground up, resulting in a track designed to work anywhere — the gym, the morning commute, a night out, or a moment that calls for a reminder to keep pushing.
The recording process itself carried extra meaning. Members of NICHOLE-LEE’s family traveled from Bermuda to be in the studio with her, a rare gathering given the distance between Alaska and the island. That energy, she says, is baked into the final record.
“It’s about investing in yourself, staying focused, and understanding that success starts with believing that you deserve it,” NICHOLE-LEE said of the single.
Alaska’s Hip Hop Scene Gets a New Spokesperson
Breaking out of Alaska’s hip hop scene comes with real obstacles — limited infrastructure, few established pathways, and geographic distance from the industry’s traditional hubs. NICHOLE-LEE has leaned into DJ coalitions, radio servicing, and consistent content across social platforms to build an audience well beyond the 49th state.
With NICHOLE-LEE Get Yo Bag Up now available and an official music video on the way, she’s setting her sights on bigger stages, including festival slots at Coachella and Rolling Loud, along with international performances in Japan, South America, and Europe.
Fans can stream the single now on Spotify and follow her journey on Instagram.