With exciting performances at the school’s most recent pep rally and the winter semi-formal dance, senior, Dominique Steward–stage name “NIQUE”– has recently gained a lot of recognition for his strong rapping talents and lyrics that talk about the scenarios many people deal with.
“I write about situations that people go through so everyone can relate to my music.  I also write about things I’ve been through,” he says.
Steward has been rapping since he was six, but over the last few years, he has started getting serious about his love of music and possibly a career in the industry.
Whether he’s singing about girls he’s chased or just everyday life, Steward always makes music his audience can connect to. He has written countless songs with titles such as “Cinderella,” “Right Here,” and “Biggest Fan.”
He released a mix tape a few months ago recorded in his home studio where he does most of his work.
Listeners have responded well to his music, and his lyrics have even been quoted in students’ Facebook statuses.  Some even have his music loaded up on their iPods.  There is also a Facebook page dedicated to him where he has a good amount of “likes.”
One reason that NIQUE is popular is his dedication to maintaining a positive image along with a positive message. 
“I don’t cuss in my music, and I never say the “N” word.”
A lot of popular, modern rap is full of cursing and profanity, but Steward executes his music in a professional way, and that is what sets him apart from the rest. He manages to make impressive music without all the excessive cursing and vulgarity, which has earned him appreciation among his fans. 
 “I respect the fact that he doesn’t curse because he proves that he can be a good artist without swearing and bad language,” said junior Dillon Gums.
Senior Victor Tirado added, “I think it’s a very different approach but it makes his music a lot better than most of the rap songs that are put out.  His music is something new and different that is still good.”
Steward has often been compared to artists such as Lil Wayne, whom he has been listening to since he was a kid.  He considers the comparison a huge compliment, and considers Lil Wayne to be his greatest inspiration.
“Even though a bunch of people hate him, he keeps rapping like everybody loves him,” Steward said.
Steward also considers Andre 3000 to be one of his big inspirations and says he would love to someday get famous and collaborate with him.
“We have completely different sounds, and it would be cool to see what we could do.”
Steward recognizes the difficulties of making it into the music business and the challenges he faces. In order to have some career in the music business, Steward is going to college to study music in hopes of pursuing a career as a producer, and his fans hope to see the release of another mixtape.