Nikolai Paiva (born June 10, 1988), better known by his stage name Niko Is (stylized as NIKO IS), is an American-Brazilian hip hop recording artist born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Currently based in Orlando , Florida, he is signed to Talib Kweli's Javotti Media. Niko's catalogue includes projects like Chill Cosby and the Good Blood LP, which were both released to generally positive reviews and moderate success. His Javotti Media debut, Brutus, will be produced by frequent collaborator, Thanks Joey and is slated for a 2014 release.