You use the words “Zen,” “Healing,” “Energy” and “Self” to describe The Art Of Chill. Which word do you hope fans feel most when they listen to your LP?

Nitty Scott, MC: I would want “Self” to radiate more than anything else. That’s the word that speaks to most of the journey that I’ve been personally going through. It’s really been about digging inside of myself and understanding myself.

How did you get involved with meditating?

Nitty Scott, MC: My father is a Jehovah’s Witness, my mother is Christian, my grandmother is Catholic and my brother is Muslim. Growing up, I was confused and sort’ve forced to accept things and not really think for myself. I came into a place where I had a lot of anxiety because I didn’t understand what I believed in. I had a lot of anxiety attacks and that birthed this journey to figure out who I am without the influence of anybody. That’s where the real spiritual growth happened, when I said I’m not afraid of where this journey takes me.

Do you practice the art of Feng Shui? 

Nitty Scott, MC: Actually I don’t. I practice a Feng Shui of the soul so to speak. It’s a metaphor to me. Even though I don’t get down with the specific practice, I still try to implement it in my own little ways. I have things around me that make me feel zen. I have a Buddha, candles and crystals in a little corner of the world that is my own and that’s what helps me to get into the right vibe when it’s time to meditate. Doing away with bad company, people that just don’t edify me or make me feel good about myself. To me that’s Feng Shui. Clearing out the things that don’t serve you.

What do you hope to accomplish with your Chilluminati series?

Nitty Scott, MC: I want to let people into this album before it comes out. I just want them to know my state of mind and know where my heart was at when I was making these records. It’s one thing just to hear the records and receive them, but when you know there’s a backstory and a context to put it into, that it makes it way more impactful.

How does this new chill Nitty compare to the boom, bap cypher Nitty? Is this a sign of growth and molding of the two styles?

Nitty Scott, MC: I don’t want people to think I’m just this zen’d out hippie. It’s more of an evolution than it is a complete 180. When people first got a taste of me, I was 19 years old so I was being who I was at age 19 and being this little hip-hop brat. I’ve evolved so much since. I’m 23 now, I’m a young woman and life has happened to me. Different things have shaped me so I want to give people this evolved version of me but I do want them to know that hardcore Nitty is still here.

Would you say The Art of Chill is a coming-of-age story?

Nitty Scott, MC:  It’s definitely a coming-of-age journey of self. Conceptually, it’s laid out as one long meditation; I sampled an actual Tibetan bowl [to start the album] and it’s one that I use for my personal meditation to sort’ve just get into that zone.

Why did you feel it was important to bear all and open up about your sexual abuse?

Nitty Scott, MC: Well, I noticed at some point my fans they were fans of the talent, the skill and what I represented but they don’t really know me. I had this feeling like, ya’ll just don’t know what I’ve been through. I wanted to let them into that. I also had to prepare myself for the personal consequences that come with telling these stories. I have family, people that are in my life so I had to be very careful to let them know it wasn’t done in a mean-spirited way. It’s a very touchy subject for everyone involved but it feels like freedom, liberation.