‘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: 62

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

Kamaiyah
Saturday, Mar 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ohgeesy
Friday, Mar 27 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Juvenile
Friday, June 5 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
13 hours ago
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
14 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Elevation (1st Fridays) with Renoir & Hannah Lee at Golden Ratio, Oakland

April 3, 2026 at 9pm to October 3, 2026 at 1:45pm
FRIDAY, APR 3 True Skool presents ELEVATION (1st Fridays)Featuring:DJ Kincaid Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist)@ Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin St., Oakland 21+ / Doors 9pm / FREE B4 10pmFree B4 11pm with RSVP: http://bit.ly/elevationfirstfridayABOUTELEVATION is a brand new party series! Curated by renowned DJ and crate-digger…See More
Wednesday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Aintwidit Brings Miami Energy to the Streets with New Single “Zelle”

Miami, Florida rap group Aintwidit is continuing to build momentum with the release of their new single “Zelle”. Representing the raw energy and entrepreneurial mindset of the city, the group has spent over a decade grinding in the music industry while building their brand under their independent label Aintwidit Recordz. Comprised of members Mike Dangerous, Chico Peso, and El Don,…See More
Wednesday
An event by Editor's Pick was featured
Thumbnail

Hot 8 Brass Band with DJ Renoir at Cornerstone, Berkeley

April 4, 2026 from 6pm to 7pm
SATURDAY, APR 4Hot 8 Brass Band - Big Tuba Tour 2026at Cornerstone, Berkeley Doors 7 PM. Show 8:00 PM PDT >> BUY TICKETS…See More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted an event
Thumbnail

Hot 8 Brass Band with DJ Renoir at Cornerstone, Berkeley

April 4, 2026 from 6pm to 7pm
SATURDAY, APR 4Hot 8 Brass Band - Big Tuba Tour 2026at Cornerstone, Berkeley Doors 7 PM. Show 8:00 PM PDT >> BUY TICKETS…See More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Kevin Nelson posted an event
Thumbnail

Macbeth: A New Modern Verse Translation by Migdalia Cruz at Magic Theatre, San Francisco, CA

March 18, 2026 at 8pm to April 5, 2026 at 4pm
Migdalia Cruz’ new version of Macbeth cuts to the grief and core of Shakespeare’s classic like you've never seen before!Director Liam Vincent brings the scene to 1970s New York in this queer telling.Featuring Sarah Nina Hayon as Lady Macbeth and Catherine Castellanos as Macbeth. The rest of this stellar cast includes Nora el Samahy, Juan Amador, Kina Kantor, Danny Scheie and Brian Rivera.See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

OhGeesy (WIN TICKETS) at UC Theatre, Berkeley

March 27, 2026 from 7pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT.  FRIDAY, MAR 27 OhgeesyThe UC Theatre, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley Doors: 7:00 pm. Show: 8:00 pm All Ages >>…See More
Monday

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service