Nick Grant Makes His Network TV Debut & Brings Down the House (Video)

With a Martin Luther King, Jr., themed slideshow adorning the set’s ceiling, Nick Grant made his network television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night (January 16). It was the biggest look yet for the South Carolina MC, who just last week released his debut studio effort, Return of the Cool. Featuring BJ the Chicago Kid and a handful of emergent talent, the album is home to “Get Up,” a record brimming with the undeniable influence of James Brown. Last summer, Grant released the Watch the Duke-assisted record as a single, and last night he proved that it is a crowd pleaser.

Nick Grant Taps Into His Outkast Influence In A Video Made By Idlewild’s Director

For his milestone performance, Grant opted to perform a two-song medley, beginning with a Soulful, turned-down approach to “Love.” Joined by a live band with a driving horn section and beautiful guitar, Grant delivered a verse without much fanfare, instead choosing to quietly but fiercely rap to the audience. At one point during the performance, MLK’s words are visible behind him; “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear,” the screen reads as “Love” ascends into a crescendo.

It’s then that Grant switches gears, ridding himself of the mic stand and freeing up his energy to take advantage of the entire stage. Jesse from “Trapstep” trio Watch the Duck is introduced, and the audience is asked to get up out of their seats. They oblige, and what happens next is an all-out dance party in the Ed Sullivan theater.

For those looking to check out Grant’s lyrical abilities, this three-part freestyle is bound to make you a fan.