Comunalien - The Protist (NIXMIX)

God-fearing rapper & producer, writing about what I know, working to be the best I can.

Nickels Hawkeye is a producer and recording artist hailing from the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle, Washington. He’s been a significant figure in the region’s underground music scene for over two decades, known for his work in hip-hop, rap, and experimental instrumental beats. He runs Soundmind Artists, an instrumental record label he founded, which showcases his own projects as well as other artists he’s collaborated with or produced.
His career kicked off in 2001 when he signed with Syntax Records, releasing Language Arts with his group Lojique. That same year, he dropped Manifest Destiny with Comunalien, a project tied to his roots as a founding member of the Oldominion collective—a loose-knit crew of Northwest hip-hop artists. After losing Comunalien’s frontman, Reuben AP, to an untimely death, Nickels continued to push forward. By 2007, he released his solo debut Crying Out Loud on End of Earth Records, followed by the launch of Soundmind Artists, where he put out works like Prawdukt.
His discography includes albums like Balancing Act (2021), which explores themes of duality—work-life balance, responsibility versus freedom—through a chillhop lens, and The Gears of Gallifrey (2014), showing his knack for evocative, cinematic titles. Tracks often blend downtempo, hip-hop, and experimental vibes, reflecting his versatility as a producer. He’s collaborated with artists like Soul the Interrogator and groups like Grayskul, adding layers of gospel, Christian, and introspective tones to his catalog.
Nickels Hawkeye’s music is deeply tied to Seattle’s cultural fabric—think influences from the city’s gritty hip-hop scene alongside nods to local icons like Macklemore, though his sound leans more underground and less mainstream. His work’s available on platforms like Bandcamp, where he encourages fans to share it with friends, keeping that grassroots spirit alive. He’s a staple of the Pacific Northwest’s sonic identity, balancing raw creativity with a DIY ethos.