Lute (rapper)

Luther Nicholson, better known by his stage name Lute, is an American rapper. He is signed to J. Cole's Dreamville Records. He released his first mixtape, West1996, in 2012, his debut album, West1996 pt. 2, in 2017, and his second album Gold Mouf in 2021.

2012-2014: West1996
Lute is a former member of Forever FC, the Charlotte hip-hop collective which has disbanded. Since then, Lute released his first mixtape titled, West1996, on February 22, 2012. The mixtape received attention from many, including Pete Rock, who shared the mixtape on his Twitter page.

2015–present: Signing to Dreamville and West1996 pt. 2
On December 8, 2015, it was officially announced that Lute was signed to J. Cole's, Dreamville Records. Lute was also featured on Dreamville's compilation album titled Revenge of the Dreamers II, on a track titled "Still Slummin'". On August 25, 2017, Lute released his first official single "Juggin'" from his album. His debut album, West1996 pt. 2, had received several push backs, but was finally released on September 29, 2017. Other promotional singles and music videos for the album include songs "Premonition" and "Morning Shift". Lute also went on the 4 Your Eyez Only World Tour with J. Cole in 2017, and with JID and EarthGang in 2017.

2020–present: Gold Mouf
On February 4, 2020, he released the single "GED (Gettin Every Dolla)", which he performed at the halftime show of the Houston Rockets @Charlotte Hornets on March 7, 2020. On July 6, 2020 he released the single "Life" along with a music video. On August 14, 2020, Lute released the song "Get It and Go", featuring Blakk Soul, from the Madden NFL 21 soundtrack. On May 31, 2021, Lute released the third single, "Myself" featuring Devn. The music video was later released on August 16.

On October 4, 2021, Lute released his second album Gold Mouf. The album includes guest appearances from labelmates JID, Cozz, and Ari Lennox, in addition to Little Brother, Saba, Westside Boogie, BJ the Chicago Kid, Blakk Soul, and Devn.