Nino Paid is a rapper who has never been one to shy away from the darker corners of his own reality. In his latest album, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, released on August 4, 2026, the DMV artist continues to mine the triumphs and tragedies of his life with a sharpened pen. Following the success of 2025’s Love Me As I Am, which saw him candidly addressing suicidal ideation and childhood trauma, his new project remains deeply preoccupied with the complexities of success and the persistent weight of depression.

During a recent visit to The FADER offices, Nino Paid opened up about his upbringing in the DMV, a region he describes as a place that builds “tough skin.” He reflects on his early life, shaped by the foster care and juvenile detention systems, and how those experiences informed his approach to music. “I never really thought about my life after my 20s,” he admits, noting that his music serves as a vessel for the realities he faced growing up.

The conversation also touched upon his evolution as a storyteller. Nino explains that his style is rooted in “pain rap” and a direct, no-nonsense delivery. He credits his time in juvenile detention—where he was exposed to diverse musical influences from across the country—as a pivotal moment in his development. “It’s always been about real life,” he says. “As I made it through the world, I just picked up on things.”

Beyond his own career, Nino Paid is deeply invested in the future of the DMV rap scene. He discusses his collaborations with peers like LAZER DIM 700 and his reflections on the late HavinMotion. For Nino, the goal is clear: he wants to be the one to carry the torch for his region. “We don’t have nobody that really carried the torch and took it all the way there and all types of directions,” he notes. “And that’s what I want from this shit.”

As he navigates the pressures of fame, Nino remains focused on the younger generation who look up to him. Whether he is discussing his recent reunion with his biological mother or his journey toward sobriety, his transparency is what resonates most with his audience. He is not just looking to be an idol for his fans, but a beacon for the kids in his community who see their own potential reflected in his success.