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Nick Hustles – Soul of a Hustler Vol. 2 (Album Review)
Funk Meets the Future: An AI-Driven Soundtrack for the Modern Grind
In a time when artificial intelligence is disrupting every corner of creativity, Nick Hustles returns with Soul of a Hustler Vol. 2—an album that feels both timeless and futuristic. The second volume in this genre-bending series continues to build on the distinct voice of Hustles, a persona brought to life by AI creator Nick Arter and his project AI For The Culture. But here’s the twist: despite being machine-made, this album has soul. Lots of it.
The phrase “AI is getting out of control” came to mind when I first heard Nick Hustles music. But also, “I’m here for it”. Nick Hustles, beautifully blends 70’s soul, with humor, in 2025, but it’s all fake? Or is it? It still takes a lot of time and talent to provide the right prompts and create the right overall vibe to a project. So even though this is still AI assisted, would you basically consider Nick Hustles a music producer? With AI as the music artist? These are the questions we’re asking today in the new artificial intelligence age of the music industry.
Retro Soul Vibes with a Futuristic Flow
From the opening track, listeners are dropped into a warm blend of ’70s funk grooves, dusty vinyl textures, and laid-back hip-hop cadences. The production leans on analog-styled instrumentation—crunchy drum breaks, lush horns, wah-wah guitars, and buttery synth lines. Tracks like “Money Minded” and “Street Sermon” are standouts, dripping with retro swagger and motivational grit.
Yet the magic of Vol. 2 lies in how authentic it feels, even though the vocals, lyrics, and melodies are generated by AI. The hooks hit. The lyrics, though occasionally formulaic, carry enough hustle-themed punchlines and streetwise wisdom to vibe with.
Lyrics Born from Algorithms—But Still Human at Heart?
Sure, some purists will point out the imperfections: recycled phrasing, a lack of emotional variation, or moments where the flow feels just slightly off. But that misses the point. Soul of a Hustler Vol. 2 isn’t trying to replace human artists—it’s creating something new: a curated soundscape for the modern-day hustler, driven by machine learning but rooted in cultural nostalgia.
There’s even a deeper layer to this album when you consider the intentional nature of its existence. This is music made by AI to celebrate Black music heritage—a bold claim, but one that’s backed by the reverence for classic funk and soul throughout the project. It’s not parody. It’s pastiche, and it works.
Highlights from the Album
- “Money Minded” – Catchy chorus, tight groove, and motivational energy that belongs on a workout playlist or boss-mode montage.
- “Heart of Gold” – Slows it down with smooth R&B tones; feels like an AI homage to Marvin Gaye.
- “On the Move” – A driving, beat-heavy cut with jazzy undertones and a street-smart mantra in every verse.
Final Thoughts: A Hustler’s Soundtrack, Digitally Reimagined
Soul of a Hustler Vol. 2 is more than an experiment—it’s a cultural artifact of where music is headed. It’s not without its quirks, but that’s what makes it worth talking about. Whether you’re a fan of classic funk or just curious about AI’s growing role in music, Nick Hustles is a name you should remember.
Surprisingly soulful, sharply produced, and oddly inspiring for a fully AI-created album. File this under: “Future Funk with Purpose.”
Oh, and if you go through the comments and tweets on his music, others are loving this too. The latest post on his Insta shows 50 Cent loving one of his tracks too, so unless that’s all just AI magic as well, this project is working well for Nick, and all we can do is applaud it.
Nick Hustles New Album ‘Soul of a Hustler Vol. 2’
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