Who is Nick Hyams? The Son of Peter Hyams and Brother to John & Chris

Nick Hyams is not just a name in battle rap—he’s a voice, a style, and a story. Known by many as Lush One, he has become one of the most recognizable figures in the world of competitive rap. But his journey is not only about music. It’s also about family, struggle, recovery, and making a place for himself in two powerful worlds: hip-hop and Hollywood.
- Profile Summary: Nick Hyams
- Early Life of Nick Hyams in West Los Angeles
- Family Background and Multi-Generational Hollywood Legacy
- Troubled Teenage Years: Legal Issues, Addiction, and Street Survival
- Path to Recovery and Personal Transformation
- Entry into Hip-Hop: Foundations of the “Lush One” Persona
- Battle Rap Pioneer: Building Modern Competitive Rap Culture
- Music Career and Creative Identity of Nick Hyams
- Film Career: From Family Film Sets to Independent Projects
- Snow Cone Records and Entrepreneurial Ventures
- FlavorJunkie Podcast and Media Presence
- Social Media Influence and Digital Footprint
- Relationship Life: Engagement, Collaborations, and Personal Bonds
- Net Worth and Financial Overview of Nick Hyams
- Viral Legal Episode: The Khan v. David Trial (2023)
- Latest Activities (2024–2026): Cultural Work and Philanthropy
- Legacy of Nick Hyams
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
Born into a famous entertainment family, Nick Hyams had access to things most people could only dream of. But he didn’t take the easy path. Instead, he built his identity in the streets, among graffiti walls, underground rap battles, and personal battles of his own. His story is both inspiring and intense—and it’s still being written today.
Profile Summary: Nick Hyams
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholas Hurok Hyams |
| Known As | Nick Hyams / Lush One |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) — sometimes listed as 5’10″–6’0″ |
| Weight | 170–190 lbs (estimated) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian with Jewish heritage |
| Father | Peter Hyams (film director) |
| Mother | George-Ann Spota |
| Siblings | Chris Hyams (former CEO of Indeed), John Hyams (director) |
| Grandfather | Barry Hyams (Broadway producer) |
| Great-Grandfather | Sol Hurok (legendary impresario) |
| Aunts | Nessa Hyams, Danna Hyams |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Marisa Urbano |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Profession | Battle rap host, promoter, producer, musician, podcaster |
| Stage Name | Lush One |
| Known For | Grind Time Now, King of the Dot (KOTD), GTX, FlavorJunkie podcast |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1M – $5M |
| Business | Snow Cone Records |
| Social Media | Instagram: @lushoneca — Twitter/X: @LushOne |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Notable Film Credits | Timecop, Bodied, Sick |
| Recovery Journey | Nearly two years sober by late 2021 |
Early Life of Nick Hyams in West Los Angeles
Nick Hyams was born on December 18, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in West LA, surrounded by the movie business, music, and a world full of big names. But life wasn’t perfect just because his family was successful. Like many teens, Nick wanted to find his own voice—and he found it in places most people wouldn’t expect.
As a teenager, he became part of the underground world of graffiti and hip-hop culture. He got into trouble young. At age 13, he was arrested for the first time. By age 16, he was sent to juvenile hall. But even during these rough years, Nick was learning. He wasn’t just wasting time—he was soaking up the rhythm, the energy, and the lessons of the street.
Family Background and Multi-Generational Hollywood Legacy
If you’ve heard the name Nick Hyams, chances are you’ve also heard of his family. His father, Peter Hyams, is a well-known Hollywood director and screenwriter. He worked on big films like Timecop and 2010: The Year We Make Contact. Nick’s mother, George-Ann Spota, has been with Peter since the 1960s.
Nick’s family tree is filled with talent. His older brother, John Hyams, is also a successful film director. You might know his work from movies like Alone or the Universal Soldier sequels. His oldest brother, Chris Hyams, made his mark in the tech world as the CEO of Indeed, the global job site. That’s not all—Nick’s grandfather, Barry Hyams, was a Broadway producer and publicist. His great-grandfather, Sol Hurok, was one of the most famous arts promoters of the 20th century.
Even his aunts, Nessa Hyams and Danna Hyams, have worked in casting and the performing arts. So from top to bottom, Nick Hyams belongs to a four-generation legacy of creativity, business, and showmanship.
Troubled Teenage Years: Legal Issues, Addiction, and Street Survival
Even with all that history behind him, Nick’s teen years were anything but smooth. He wasn’t interested in fame or film sets. He was drawn to the energy of the streets. But this came with real danger. Between ages 16 and 19, Nick went through about ten different rehab programs. His struggles with addiction were serious.
He has spoken openly about surviving overdoses, shootings, and even stabbings. These are not things you’d expect from someone raised in a high-profile family—but they’re part of Nick Hyams’ real story. Instead of hiding it, he shares these moments to help others who might be going through the same thing.
Through all this, Nick never gave up. He stayed connected to hip-hop, and that world gave him something to believe in. He began to see that his pain could turn into purpose—and that his voice had power.
Path to Recovery and Personal Transformation
By late 2021, Nick shared that he was nearly two years clean and sober. This was a major turning point in his life. For someone who had spent years battling addiction and pain, this was a huge step forward. And he didn’t just want to get better—he wanted to help others do the same.
Recovery gave him clarity, but it didn’t take away his style. He still shows up with big energy, bold fashion, and lots of confidence. But now, that energy is focused on making a difference—in music, in culture, and in the lives of people who look up to him.
Entry into Hip-Hop: Foundations of the “Lush One” Persona
The name Lush One didn’t come from nowhere. It was built through years of work in the underground scene. Nick became known for his loud outfits, designer glasses, and animated hosting style. Whether he was rocking a streetwear hoodie or wearing a Cazal frame, he always stood out.
But it wasn’t just about looks. Nick had something to say—and people listened. He became a major figure in the Los Angeles hip-hop community, especially in battle rap. His voice was full of rhythm, his stage presence was electric, and his deep knowledge of culture made him a trusted name.
That’s how Nick Hyams, the troubled teen from LA, became Lush One—the voice of modern battle rap.
Battle Rap Pioneer: Building Modern Competitive Rap Culture
If you’ve watched competitive rap in the last 15 years, chances are you’ve heard or seen Lush One. He helped build the world of battle rap as we know it today. He worked with Grind Time Now, one of the first major battle leagues. He later became a key host and promoter for King of the Dot (KOTD), a league that brought serious attention to the art of rap battling.
Nick didn’t just stand on stage—he made the stage matter. His unique style, loud voice, and deep love for the culture helped shape the rules, structure, and feeling of modern battle rap. He also got involved with GTX, pushing the next chapter of the battle scene.
Many artists credit Nick Hyams as someone who helped them get started. Others say he made battle rap feel real, raw, and exciting again. Either way, Lush One is a name that always comes up when people talk about rap battles done right.
Music Career and Creative Identity of Nick Hyams
Nick Hyams didn’t just host rap battles—he also made music. As Lush One, he created a sound he called “LA NOIR Audio Cinema.” It’s a mix of gritty beats, real stories, and a raw feeling that comes from living through tough times.
His music is full of emotion. You can hear his pain, his strength, and his journey in every line. It’s not just about rhyming words—it’s about telling the truth. That’s what makes his songs special. They don’t just sound cool. They mean something.
Film Career: From Family Film Sets to Independent Projects

Nick Hyams also spent time working in films. It started when he was young. His father, Peter Hyams, was a director. So Nick was often around movie sets. He had a small acting role in Timecop (1994) as a newsboy when he was just a kid.
Later on, he played a part in the movie Bodied (2017), where he appeared as Shot Buyer #1. But he wasn’t just acting. He also helped behind the scenes. He worked as a producer on the movie Sick (2022), showing his skills on both sides of the camera.
Even though most people know Nick Hyams from battle rap, his work in film is another side of his creative life. And with his family background in movies, it’s a natural part of his story.
Snow Cone Records and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Nick Hyams is also a businessman. He co-founded Snow Cone Records, an independent music label. This label is more than just a business—it’s a place where artists can grow. He runs it with his fiancée, Marisa Urbano, and her brother, John Urbano.
They built Snow Cone Records to help new voices in music. They offer support, advice, and real connections in the industry. It’s another way Nick gives back to the culture that helped shape him.
Snow Cone isn’t a big corporation. It’s a small, artist-focused group. But for Nick, that’s the point. He wants it to feel personal and real.
FlavorJunkie Podcast and Media Presence
If you’ve ever listened to FlavorJunkie, you know Nick has a lot to say. He co-hosts the podcast with DJ Smokey Martinez, who he calls his “brother.” Together, they talk about music, culture, recovery, and real life.
The podcast is a mix of fun, deep talks, and strong opinions. Nick uses it to connect with fans and other artists. It’s also a place where he opens up about his past and shares advice.
Through FlavorJunkie and other appearances—like on No Jumper and battle rap YouTube channels—Nick keeps his voice strong in the culture. He’s not just performing anymore. He’s guiding, teaching, and sharing what he’s learned.
Social Media Influence and Digital Footprint
Nick Hyams is active online. His Instagram is @lushoneca, and his Twitter is @LushOne. He uses these platforms to stay connected with fans and the battle rap community.
He shares updates about events, podcasts, and personal milestones. But he also uses social media to speak about recovery, respect, and growth. His followers know that what he posts is real—it comes from the heart.
In a world full of fake posts and filters, Nick Hyams stands out for being himself. That’s why people listen when he speaks.
Relationship Life: Engagement, Collaborations, and Personal Bonds
Nick isn’t just busy with work—he also has a strong personal life. He is engaged to Marisa Urbano, and they work together on music projects. He also works with her brother, John Urbano, in Snow Cone Records.
His podcast partner, DJ Smokey Martinez, is more than a co-host. He’s like family. Nick often says how important his close relationships are. These connections help keep him grounded and focused.
While Nick has talked about past relationships before, he usually keeps those details private. What matters most to him now is his fiancée, his business partners, and the small circle of people he trusts.
Net Worth and Financial Overview of Nick Hyams
Nick Hyams has worked in many areas—music, film, business, and media. Because of this, his estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million.
He earns money from battle rap events, his record label, his podcast, and even film production. His family also comes from wealth, but Nick has made a name and income for himself.
Even with success, Nick keeps things real. He doesn’t flash his money or act like a celebrity. He stays focused on helping the culture grow and supporting other artists.
Viral Legal Episode: The Khan v. David Trial (2023)
One of the biggest surprises in Nick’s story came in 2023. He was a witness in a court case called Khan v. David. During the trial, his behavior got a lot of attention online. People said he looked nervous, and some even joked that he wasn’t telling the truth.
The videos from the trial quickly went viral. Memes, tweets, and clips spread across social media. Some people laughed, some were confused, and others defended him.
Nick later spoke about the trial on podcasts. He said it was a tough moment, but he used it to talk more about truth, recovery, and the need for fairness. Even when the internet joked about him, he stayed strong and kept showing up for his community.
Latest Activities (2024–2026): Cultural Work and Philanthropy
In the last two years, Nick Hyams has done even more. He continues to host major battle rap events, especially on the West Coast. He supports local artists, sponsors projects, and appears at community gatherings.
He’s also focused on philanthropy. He wants to give back, not just with money, but with time and support. Whether he’s mentoring a young rapper or speaking about addiction recovery, Nick is making a difference.
He still wears bold outfits. He still talks fast and loud. But behind all of that is a man who really cares.
Legacy of Nick Hyams
So what is Nick Hyams’ legacy? It’s more than music, more than battles, and more than movies. It’s about transformation. It’s about rising from pain, learning from mistakes, and using your voice to lift others.
He’s a battle rap pioneer, a Hollywood heir, a survivor, and a teacher. He turned a troubled past into a powerful future.
From underground battles to viral courtrooms, from music to mentorship, Nick Hyams continues to prove that you can change your life—and help others change theirs too.
Final Thoughts
The story of Nick Hyams is still going. He’s not done yet. In fact, he might just be getting started.
He took the hard road. He made it through. And now, he’s sharing what he’s learned with the world. Whether you know him as Nick Hyams, Lush One, or just the loud guy on stage in a fresh pair of shades—you know one thing:
FAQs
1. How old is Nick Hyams in 2026?
Nick Hyams is 44 years old in 2026. He was born on December 18, 1981, in Los Angeles, California.
2. What is Nick Hyams best known for in his career?
Nick Hyams is best known as Lush One, a major name in battle rap. He helped build Grind Time Now, KOTD, and GTX, and is loved for his loud, unique hosting style.
3. Who are Nick Hyams’ parents and family members?
Nick comes from a strong Hollywood family. His father is Peter Hyams, a major film director. His brothers are Chris Hyams, the former CEO of Indeed, and John Hyams, a well-known director.
4. Is Nick Hyams in a relationship?
Yes. Nick Hyams is engaged to Marisa Urbano. They work together on music and also help run Snow Cone Records.
5. What is the net worth of Nick Hyams in 2026?
Nick Hyams has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million, earned from battle rap events, his record label, film work, and media projects.