‘Only God’ Hits Home with Nikell Ariel, Showcasing Raw Honesty

ATLANTA – Never losing sight of who she is, Nikell Ariel gets honest with fans in her latest single, “Only God,” which focuses on being truthful with yourself and your circumstances.

The charismatic, soft-spoken singer and songwriter embraces her past by sharing her struggles and melodic undertones throughout the song. “I’m into just keeping it honest. I’ve been through a lot, so my music is displaying things that I’ve been through, things that I’ve learned throughout my life,” explained Nikell Ariel.

When Nikell Ariel was a young child, her parents died from HIV AIDS. Instead of letting that define her life, she persevered by turning to music. “I prefer my music to be positive because I have just been through so much, and it is good to shed light on different experiences. God has been a big influence in my life because of the things that I have been through,” she added.

Many times, hearing the word “God” and music indicates a “preachy” gospel song, but that is not the case with “Only God.” In fact, “Only God” is a confident rap anthem that garners attention on streaming platforms. The music video is the perfect accompaniment to the song as it shows how life’s ups and downs affect people, such as drug use, domestic violence, and poverty. Meanwhile, Nikell Ariel looks on, rapping that life is what it is, and you must take responsibility for your actions, and “Only God” can and should make judgments.

“I wrote ‘Only God’ in the summer during the pandemic,” she said. “It was a chance to look at myself and what I’ve been through, what I struggle with, faith in His learning, and that I just need to depend on God. I want to express my struggles and let you know that we all just struggle with different things. When we recognize that, we see that we are all human - nothing is really that different.”

While “Only God” is a rap song, it is a testament to Ariel’s confidence, in-your-face charismatic hooks, and melodic undertones that showcase her ability to harmonize and change her voice.

Describing her latest hit, Ariel said, “It’s original, and it’s authentic. It’s just me. I’m not ashamed of what I’ve been through. It has made me who I am today. If I can get it out there, it’ll help somebody, even if it’s just one person - I’m OK with that.”

While Ariel is not planning on slowing down, she is releasing her latest single and music video. “I love doing music. It doesn’t matter about the money. I have just to keep it going ‘cuz it’s something that I love,” she said.

When asked about the song’s title, she replied, “I’m the coolest person that loves God that you ever (will) meet. And you know what? At the same time, I’m not here to judge anybody ‘cuz I’m dealing with the same things you’re dealing with right now. I just rap about it.”

Make sure to stay connected to Nikell Ariel on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-166964536

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2gNnD7T5QTn42fg6XKIc1c

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiENjDvuU60

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikellarielmusic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikellariel/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikellariel?lang=en

Views: 66

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Shabazz Palaces
Friday, May 1 @ The Chapel, SF

Juvenile
Friday, June 5 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
33 minutes ago
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

New Music From Von Barz titled" All or Nothing"

All or Nothing is a relentless anthem about rising to the top with no excuses, overcoming every obstacle, proving hunger, resilience, and determination to define success.Click Here to Stream/Add to Spotify Playlists…See More
1 hour ago
UrbanElite PR posted a blog post

New Audio & Video - Tone Chop & Frost Gamble "Gawdbrovas Connect" ft Grea8gawd

Just ahead of the release of their new album 'Beautiful Foundations' on May 15th, Upstate NY rapper and producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble deliver the fourth single "Gawdbrovas Connect". A celebration of their own partnership stretching over three decades, the album includes those with whom they've built over the years by way of the specially invited guest…See More
10 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
yesterday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Kingtramoney Releases Captivating New Single “Tragic”

What transformed music into a hobby for me was its ability to help me convey my story. Early experiences of abuse, a fractured childhood, and repeated physical violence, including multiple shootings by my mother, shaped my reality. Threats, coercion, and fear characterized my home environment. Systemic responses mandated therapy and imposed medication, resulting in a…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted a discussion

Hulk Hogan’s Final Netflix Doc Forces A Reckoning With His Racist Past

After weeks of rollout and a final push across WWE and Netflix platforms during WrestleMania season, the Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary “Hulk Hogan: Real American” is finally here. The four-part Netflix docuseries premiered on April 22 and is framed as an “unfiltered” look at Terry Bollea, built around Hogan’s final interview before his death in…See More
Saturday
realmuzik posted a discussion

HoodTrophy Bino & Chrisean Rock Release New Single “Proud Of You”

Viral Los Angeles rapper HoodTrophy Bino and influencer artist Chrisean Rock just released a new hit single titled “Proud Of You“. The artists turn a gritty, melodic street anthem into a vulnerable thank-you note to God, trading raw confessions, scars, and small victories…See More
Saturday
Tracey updated an event
Thumbnail

Shabazz Palaces + Cheflee at The Chapel SF - Friday, May 1 at The Chapel, San Francisco

May 1, 2026 from 9pm to 11:45pm
Shabazz Palaces is masterminded by vocalist and producer Ismael Butler (of Digable Planets), whose unstinting drive to reimagine hip-hop – even as he enjoys his fifth decade on Earth – remains undimmed. A craver of stranger flavors Oakland native Cheflee fuses ambient, rock, jazz and soul music into a stew of sonic delectables. With the help of an incredible band Cheflee imprints upon the listener visions of a utopian future and an honest present.Friday, May 1st. Doors 8pm / Show 9pm. All Ages. See More
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Thursday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Thursday

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service