Why J. Alphonse Nicholson Is More Than a P-Valley Star
J. Alphonse Nicholson is an American actor, percussionist, rapper, songwriter, and producer best known as Lil’ Murda, also called LaMarques, in Starz’s P-Valley. Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, he has built a rare cross-medium career that includes acclaimed television, films such as Just Mercy, Broadway work, and original music.
His portrayal of Lil’ Murda brought him two NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. But Nicholson’s work began long before TV fame: he studied theater at North Carolina Central University, performed in regional and New York theater, and supported himself at times as a street drummer.
For Capital Region arts fans, his career is a useful example of how stage craft, music, and screen acting can strengthen one another. From his 2020 Broadway debut in A Soldier’s Play to new music released in 2026, Nicholson continues to work across several creative lanes.
The Multi-Hyphenate Career of J. Alphonse Nicholson
What makes J. Alphonse Nicholson stand out across modern entertainment is his refusal to stay inside a single creative box. Long before he stepped onto soundstages or under Broadway marquee lights, he viewed storytelling as an extension of rhythm. Whether striking a snare drum, delivering a rapid-fire monologue, or laying down bars in a recording booth, his artistic philosophy relies on tempo, authentic presence, and emotional honesty.
That rhythm-first mentality was tested and sharpened in practical ways. Early in his career while navigating the New York theater scene, he earned money busking as a street drummer. Those impromptu street performances taught him how to capture an audience’s attention in seconds—a skill that translates directly into commanding screen work. According to the detailed J. Alphonse Nicholson – Biography – IMDb record, he stands 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, bringing a grounding physical and vocal presence to every role he tackles. Rather than abandoning his instruments when acting roles materialized, he continually brought his musicality along for the ride.
Early Life and Theater Roots of J. Alphonse Nicholson
Nicholson was born on July 6, 1990, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Growing up surrounded by close family ties and rich Southern music traditions, his early ambitions centered primarily on percussion and music production. In fact, many of his childhood peers and relatives assumed he would pursue a full-time career behind a drum kit.
Everything changed in 2008 when he began studying theater at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Stepping onto the stage opened a fresh dimension for his expressive energy. In 2009, he landed his professional acting debut playing the lead in Howard L. Craft’s stage play Caleb Calypso and the Midnight Marauders.
That initial collaboration with Craft blossomed into a pivotal creative partnership. Nicholson honed his stage craft through regional theater, working with renowned companies such as PlayMakers Repertory Company. Later, he took on the demanding solo show Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green, also penned by Craft. In Freight, Nicholson carried the entire production alone, playing five distinct incarnations of an African American man journeying across American history from the 19th century into the future. Theater critics widely lauded his stamina and nuanced shifts, proving that the young actor had the range to headline major theatrical productions.
Broadway Debut and Off-Broadway Masterworks
Nicholson’s stage work reached new heights in early 2020 when he made his official Broadway debut with the Roundabout Theatre Company. He was cast as Private C.J. Memphis in the Broadway revival of Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama A Soldier’s Play, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. Playing opposite David Alan Grier and Blair Underwood, Nicholson portrayed a gentle, blues-singing Southern soldier whose tragic treatment forms the emotional core of the play. His live vocal and instrumental performances on stage earned widespread industry praise.
His Off-Broadway credits demonstrate an equally impressive artistic commitment. Theater enthusiasts can review his extensive stage history on J. Alphonse Nicholson (Actor): Credits, Bio, News & More | Broadway World, including his standout performances in:
- Paradise Blue (Signature Theatre), written by Dominique Morisseau
- Days of Rage (Second Stage Theater)
- Sunset Baby (Signature Theatre)
- Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green (New Federal Theatre and The Fountain Theatre)
By anchoring himself in classic and contemporary Black stage literature, Nicholson built a bulletproof technical foundation that easily translated to high-stakes television and film projects.
Major Film and Television Breakthroughs
Breaking into mainstream screen acting rarely happens overnight. For Nicholson, it involved years of guest spots and recurring appearances across top-tier network and streaming dramas. Between 2013 and 2020, he demonstrated dynamic versatility across episodic television, guest starring on shows like Blue Bloods, Marvel’s Luke Cage, Mr. Robot, The Blacklist, Chicago P.D., and Shots Fired.
In 2020, he portrayed John Robinson opposite Octavia Spencer in the critically acclaimed Netflix limited series Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker. More recently, he showed his chameleon-like transformation skills by portraying real-life NBA superstar point guard Chris Paul in the FX limited series Clipped.
| Project | Year | Role | Format / Platform | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-Valley | 2020–Present | Lil’ Murda (LaMarques) | STARZ Drama Series | 2x NAACP Image Award Nominee |
| A Soldier’s Play | 2020 | Private C.J. Memphis | Broadway Revival | Roundabout Theatre Company debut |
| Just Mercy | 2020 | Henry Davis | Feature Film (Warner Bros.) | Acclaimed legal drama with Michael B. Jordan |
| Self Made: Madam C.J. Walker | 2020 | John Robinson | Netflix Limited Series | Supporting role opposite Octavia Spencer |
| Southern Gospel | 2023 | Barry | Feature Film | 100% Critics score on Rotten Tomatoes |
| They Cloned Tyrone | 2023 | Isaac | Netflix Feature Film | Sci-fi satire with John Boyega & Jamie Foxx |
| Clipped | 2024 | Chris Paul | FX Limited Series | Portrayal of NBA superstar |
| If I Go Will They Miss Me | 2026 | Big Ant | Feature Film | Star and Executive Producer |
Lil’ Murda in P-Valley and Television Stardom
Nicholson’s major breakout arrived in the summer of 2020 with the premiere of the STARZ drama series P-Valley, created by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall. Adapted from Hall’s stage play Pussy Valley, the series explores the intricate lives surrounding The Pynk, a strip club in the fictional Mississippi Delta town of Chucalissa.
Over 18 episodes, Nicholson stars as LaMarques, better known by his rap moniker Lil’ Murda. His nuanced portrayal of an aspiring Southern trap artist navigating street dynamics, romance, and queer identity in the South turned Lil’ Murda into one of the most culturally resonant characters on contemporary television. As outlined on the J. Alphonse Nicholson page, the role earned him two consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His ability to deliver raw vulnerability while dropping authentic Southern rap tracks elevated the show’s storytelling.
Acclaimed Filmography from Just Mercy to Southern Gospel
Alongside television stardom, Nicholson has built a formidable filmography. According to database listings across platforms like Letterboxd (where he holds 24 acting credits) and J. Alphonse Nicholson – Filmography, Biography & News | CINE5, his feature career features a wide range of genres:
- Dramatic Realism: In Destin Daniel Cretton’s 2020 legal drama Just Mercy, he appeared alongside Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, helping depict the true-story efforts of the Equal Justice Initiative.
- Critically Acclaimed Indies: His starring turn as Barry in the 2023 biographical drama Southern Gospel achieved a rare 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, accompanied by a 98% audience rating.
- Genre Blends: He portrayed Isaac in the stylish 2023 sci-fi satire They Cloned Tyrone, Kyle Henderson in the romantic comedy-drama Albany Road, and appeared in the 2023 remake of White Men Can’t Jump.
Whether working in quiet independent character studies or large-scale studio productions, Nicholson brings an grounded authenticity that keeps audiences glued to the screen.
Musical Projects, Soundtracks, and Streaming Success
Many actors treat musical roles as a temporary gig, but music is Nicholson’s native language. As an accomplished percussionist, rapper, and lyricist, he writes and performs original tracks for his screen projects, including the official P-Valley soundtracks.
One major milestone came during season two of the series when he collaborated directly with global superstar Megan Thee Stallion on the high-energy single “Get It On The Floor.” By blending gritty trap rhythms with theatrical lyrical delivery, Nicholson’s music resonates far beyond the television screen.
Percussion Background and Discography of J. Alphonse Nicholson
Nicholson’s streaming presence has exploded in recent years. Today, he commands over 61,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. His breakout single “Fallin'” has amassed more than 5.97 million streams, while his regional anthem “Mississippi Pride” boasts over 5.86 million plays. Other popular tracks from his catalog include “When I Get Out” and “Seven Pounds of Pressure.”
Listeners can explore his full recording discography directly via the official J. Alphonse Nicholson | Spotify profile. His music weaves themes of Southern survival, family loyalty, and ambition with heavy percussion arrangements that reflect his training on real drum kits.
Recent 2026 Music Releases and Artistic Direction
Throughout 2026, Nicholson expanded his musical boundaries even further, releasing a prolific suite of seven individual singles:
- “Resonace of Clouds”
- “Best Fight”
- “Purple Skies”
- “Just Float”
- “Chasing the Sun”
- “Wait on the Wave”
- “Daydreaming on the Moon”
These releases showcase a more ambient, soulful sonic palette, blending lo-fi textures and introspective lyrics with his trademark percussion-driven rhythms.
Industry Recognition, Executive Producing, and Future Projects
Nicholson’s journey has earned him respect across both Hollywood and the theater community. In addition to his two NAACP Image Award nominations, he has earned multiple Black Reel Award nominations.
As of August 2026, Nicholson is expanding into executive producing. In the 2026 feature film If I Go Will They Miss Me, he serves as both executive producer and stars as Big Ant, a performance that holds a 96% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes. He has also joined the cast of the DC Studios/HBO television series Lanterns, continuing his ascent into major pop-culture franchises.
Balancing high-profile screen roles with solo music production, Nicholson has demonstrated how a multi-hyphenate artist can maintain full creative control over their narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About J. Alphonse Nicholson
What is J. Alphonse Nicholson best known for?
J. Alphonse Nicholson is best known for his award-nominated portrayal of Lil’ Murda (LaMarques) in the STARZ drama series P-Valley. He is also widely celebrated for his Broadway debut as Private C.J. Memphis in the 2020 revival of A Soldier’s Play and his roles in feature films like Just Mercy, Southern Gospel, and They Cloned Tyrone.
What are J. Alphonse Nicholson’s most popular songs?
His top-streamed songs include “Fallin'” (over 5.97 million plays on Spotify), “Mississippi Pride” (over 5.86 million plays), “Seven Pounds of Pressure,” and “When I Get Out.” In addition to his soundtrack work on P-Valley, he released seven singles throughout 2026, including “Purple Skies,” “Just Float,” and “Daydreaming on the Moon.”
What upcoming projects does J. Alphonse Nicholson have in 2026?
In 2026, Nicholson stars as Big Ant and serves as executive producer for the drama If I Go Will They Miss Me. He is also featured in the high-profile comic book adaptation Lanterns, alongside ongoing releases from his solo music catalog.
Conclusion
From his early days learning theater at North Carolina Central University and busking as a street percussionist to starring on Broadway and commanding premium television, the rise of J. Alphonse Nicholson is an inspiring testament to discipline, versatility, and hard work. He has built a distinctive body of work by keeping music and dramatic acting in constant conversation with one another.
At Capital Region Living, we take pride in celebrating artists and storytellers who bring creative depth to stage, screen, and sound. Just as we spotlight the best culinary spots, community innovators, and cultural happenings across Upstate New York, we love exploring the journeys of artists who redefine modern entertainment. If you are looking to discover standout local creators and regional services, explore our curated Capital Region business directory to connect with the best our community has to offer.
