Newport Jazz Festival will be “celebrating 70 years” by staging its 2024 event at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island this weekend. The 2024 lineup is loaded, featuring the likes of André 3000, Brittany Howard, Elvis Costello, Samara Joy, Robert Glasper, Nile Rodgers, Laufey, Noname, and more.
Newport Jazz Festival Set Times For Friday, August 2, 2024
All times are local.
Fort Stage: Sun Ra Arkestra (12:30 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.), Moonchild (1:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.), Cory Wong (3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.), André 3000: New Blue Sun Live (4:55 p.m. to 5:55 p.m.), Kamasi Washington (6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.).
Quad Stage: Cisco Swank (11:05 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.), Chief Adjuah (12:15 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.), Bill Frisell Four (1:40 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), Galactic With Irma Thomas (3 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.), PJ Morton (4:25 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.), Brittany Howard (5:55 p.m. to 6:55 p.m.).
Harbor Stage: Luke Stewart (11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.), Aneesa Strings (12:05 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.), Jaleel Shaw (1:25 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.), Brandee Younger (2:45 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.), Aja Monet (4:10 to 5:05 p.m.), Kenny Barron Trio (5:35 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.).
Foundation Stage: Rimea Jazz All Stars (12:05 p.m. to 12:25 p.m.), URI Jazz Collective (1:25 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.), Newport Jazz Camp (2:55 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.).
Newport Jazz Festival Set Times For Saturday, August 3, 2024
Fort Stage: The Legacy Of Wayne Shorter (12:30 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.), Artemis (1:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.), Samara Joy (3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.), Elvis Costello (4:55 p.m. to 5:55 p.m.), Dinner Party (6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.).
Quad Stage: Theo Croker (11:05 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.), Golden, Brown, & Delicious (12:15 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.), Lianne La Havas (1:40 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), Terrace Martin (3 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.), Acid Jazz Is Dead (4:25 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.), Thievery Corporation (5:55 p.m. to 6:55 p.m.).
Harbor Stage: Riley Mulherkar (11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.), Nicole Zuraitis (12:05 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.), Jonathan Blake Pentad (1:25 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.), Anat Cohen Quartetinho (2:45 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.), Ghost-Note (4:10 p.m. to 5:05 p.m.), Stanley Clarke N 4Ever (5:35 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.).
Foundation Stage: Rimea Jazz All Stars (12:05 p.m. to 12:25 p.m.), URI Jazz Collective (1:25 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.), Newport Jazz Camp (2:55 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.), Terri Lynne Carrington Workshop (4:25 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.), Salve Dance (5:55 p.m. to 6:25 p.m.).
Newport Jazz Festival Set Times For Sunday, August 4, 2024
Fort Stage: Newport at 70 (12:30 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.), Meshell Ndegeocello (1:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.), Laufey (3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.), Robert Glasper (4:55 p.m. to 5:55 p.m.), Nile Rodgers & Chic (6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.).
Quad Stage: The Messthetics With James Brandon Lewis (11:05 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.), Julius Rodriguez (12:15 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.), Cimafunk (1:40 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), Shabaka (3 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.), Noname (4:25 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.), Christian McBride’s Jam Jawn (5:55 p.m. to 6:55 p.m.).
Harbor Stage: Buster Williams (11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.), Kassa Overall (12:05 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.), Sunday Jazz (1:25 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.), Amaro Freitas (2:45 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.), Alex Isley (4:10 p.m. to 5:05 p.m.), Makaya McCraven & Jeff Parker (5:35 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.).
Foundation Stage: Rimea Jazz All Stars (12:05 p.m. to 12:25 p.m.), URI Jazz Collective (1:25 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.), Kassa Overall Workshop (4:25 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.), Cimafunk Workshop (5:55 p.m. to 6:25 p.m.).
Before jazz rap became a thing, many might have thought its two parent genres were too disparate to successfully mix. However, over the years, rappers have been able to adopt jazz elements into their music. At the heart of the convergence of hip-hop and Jazz, lies a profound appreciation for the essence of both genres. Moreover, in this soundscape, there have been groundbreaking, genre-bending works from iconic acts like A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr, among others. Newer artists have also tapped into the goldmine that is jazz rap, making beautiful music. The landscape of jazz-infused Hip Hop is now as diverse as it is dynamic, and we love to see it. Here’s a list of rappers who are masters at blending hip-hop and jazz.
Noname
It goes without saying that Noname is a very exciting musical talent, especially in the jazz rap scene. Since she started rapping in 2010, her artistry has evolved year after year, and now, she is in prime form. While she is not as widely known as some other names on this list, the rapper is no greenhorn. She has been masterfully blending jazz and Hip Hop since Telefone (2016). Her effortless flow and lyricism are also showcased throughout the jazz-inspired soundscapes of Room 25 and Sundial.Noname is one of the rappers pushing the boundaries with jazz elements in the Hip Hop space right now.
In the annals of musical fusion, few names shine as brightly as J Dilla. Although he is no longer with us, this visionary producer and rapper left an indelible mark on the world of Hip Hop. Renowned for his unparalleled knack for crafting sound, Dilla’s sonic palette was as diverse as it was groundbreaking. With projects like Donuts and the posthumous The Shining, he showed the world that no one else was doing jazz rap like him. Today, his legacy lives on through countless artists who continue to be inspired by his work. Undoubtedly, he is one of the greatest to ever do it.
Madlib
Not many hip-hop artists have mastered blending jazz with hip-hop the way Madlib has. A master craftsman, his musical odyssey has been marked by an insatiable curiosity, which has served him well. Because of his hunger to explore, Madlib has reached high levels of mastery of his sound. His impressive expertise of jazz rap is on full display, particularly on Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note. The album is as smooth as one can expect a fusion of jazz and Hip Hop to sound. However, as an MC, he’s dished out plenty of pitched up bars over jazz-centric production as Quasimoto, a duo made up of Madlib and his animated alter-ego, Lord Quas.
This Hip Hop trio came out swinging in 1992 when they dropped “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” It served as the lead single of their critically acclaimed debut album, Reachin’ (A New Refutation Of Time And Space. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most important jazz-inspired Hip Hop albums of the ‘90s. Admittedly, their discography is quite compact as they only ever released two studio albums. However, they are both excellently executed and notable works in the jazz rap space.
Following the success of their debut album, The Roots released their sophomore album on January 17, 1995. Do You Want More?!!!??! is a jazz rap masterpiece that put the group under the spotlight. While their subsequent albums are also great examples of jazz rap done right, it is their sophomore album that takes the cake. Masterfully crafted, it earned The Roots widespread acclaim and a spot on this list. Evidently, the rappers in this Hip Hop band have a true understanding of jazz rap.
In the pantheon of jazz rappers, few names carry as much weight and reverence as Guru. One half of the iconic duo Gang Starr, Guru was already recognized as a pioneer of the genre. However, when he dropped Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 in 1993, he raised the bar even further. Subsequently, he released three additional Jazzmatazz volumes, as well as a few other albums. Unfortunately, the rapper passed away in 2010. However, he lives on through his musical catalog, which is a gold mine for fans of jazz rap.
A Tribe Called Quest
Hip Hop fans all over the globe know A Tribe Called Quest, they are just that iconic. However, some may not realize just how revered this group is in the jazz rap scene. With albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders, they firmly situated themselves as pioneers of the movement. Likewise, those albums announced them as masters of the genre that is jazz rap. Although they have now disbanded, the group’s influence continues to reverberate through the world of Hip Hop and beyond.
As summer comes to a close, hip-hop and R&B fans have a lot to look forward to this fall and winter. A star-studded lineup of tours is set to hit the road, bringing unforgettable performances to fans all over North America and Europe. From J. Cole to Rod Wave and many more, these tours promise to deliver incredible shows that fans won’t want to miss.
Drake & J. Cole Set To Hit The Road Together In 2024
Drake and J. Cole, two powerhouses in the rap music industry, have just made a major announcement that has fans buzzing with excitement. Starting in early 2024, the dynamic duo will be embarking on a joint tour, showcasing their immense talent and electrifying performances.
It’s All A Blur Tour: Big As The What?
The news broke on Nov. 13 when Drake took to his Instagram account to reveal the exciting tour plans.
After wrapping up his highly successful It’s All A Blur Tour with Atlanta rapper 21 Savage in October 2023, Drizzy wasted no time in revealing his next adventure. The announcement’s caption simply stated, “Right back at it…”
Dubbed the It’s All A Blur Tour: Big As The What? This highly anticipated event has already generated immense excitement amongst fans. Excited fans erupted in anticipation, eager to witness the incredible chemistry between Drake and J. Cole on stage.
Ticket Details
Social media platforms were flooded with users expressing their enthusiasm and hopeful wishes.
One user on Twitter (X), @Winco_3, commented, “Drake and J Cole joint tour! Damn bro. I wish they could add Kendrick Lamar!” Another user, @Breready_, exclaimed, “They just sprung this on us out of nowhere.”
The tour is scheduled to kick off on January 18 in Denver and will conclude on March 27 in Birmingham, Alabama. Interestingly, the chosen cities are actually rescheduled dates from Drake’s previous It’s All A Blur Tour.
Fans in cities such as Denver, New Orleans, Nashville, and Columbus, Ohio, will have the opportunity to witness this historic collaboration firsthand. For those eager to secure their tickets, the Cash App pre-sale will start on November 15 for those eager to secure their tickets.
The general ticket sale will begin on November 17 at 10 a.m. local time for each respective time zone.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (11/13/23 at 3:12 pm)
CMG The Label Announces Epic ‘Gangsta Art Tour’
As the year wraps up, even more tours are popping off. With that being said, AG Touring and Mammoth presents the CMG Gangsta Art Tour, which has four dates for November and December. The dates for the tour are as follows: November 22, November 26, December 1, and December 3.
Music fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience with four tour dates in November and December. Featuring a star-studded lineup including Big Boogie, Blac Youngsta, Moneybagg Yo, Yo Gotti, GloRilla, EST Gee, Lil Poppa, and Mozzy, this tour is bound to bring energy, talent, and explosive performances to cities across the country.
Where Can Concert Goers Locate The Tour?
The tour kicks off in Dallas, TX, followed by stops in Fort Worth, TX, Atlanta, GA, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, NC. Each city will witness a powerhouse lineup of CMG artists, bringing their unique styles and chart-topping hits to the stage.
Fans have taken to social media, expressing their excitement about the upcoming tour.
On Twitter(X), one user exclaimed, “That CMG tour lineup FIREEEEE ASF,” while another fan eagerly declared, “That CMG tour fitna be tf lit & im def tf in there when they hit Atlanta baby.” The buzz surrounding the tour is proof of the high anticipation and enthusiasm among CMG’s dedicated fan base.
How Do I Buy A Ticket?
Presale tickets for the CMG Gangsta Art Tour are now available to the public. Fans can secure their spots with the password: cmg. This exclusive opportunity allows supporters to guarantee their entry to what promises to be an unforgettable concert experience.
With a lineup consisting of some of hip-hop’s most respected and influential artists, the CMG Gangsta Art Tour offers something for everyone. From Big Boogie’s raw lyricism to Moneybagg Yo’s infectious hooks, audiences are in for an electrifying showcase of talent, energy, and timeless hits.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (10/17/23 at 3:56 pm)
NLE University Tour – NLE Choppa
NLE Choppa has embarked on a thrilling University Tour, taking his chart-topping hits to colleges nationwide. As he brings his high-energy performances to campuses, college students eagerly anticipate a tour that promises to be a blockbuster event.
In a year filled with musical surprises and tour announcements, Choppa’s University Tour shines as a highlight. On September 29, the rapper took to his Instagram to share the exciting news with his followers. His tour promotion post included a caption that read:
“College Girls Have Moooo Fun, COLLEGE TOUR DATES PULL UP ITS GONE BE W MOVIE !!! TAG AND SHARE WITH FRIENDS LINK IN BIO !!!!”
The University Tour consists of 13 exhilarating dates that commenced on September 22 at The University of Alabama. This nation-spanning tour will culminate with a grand finale on December 2 at the University of Arizona. Notably, the timing of NLE Choppa’s tour aligns with several universities’ homecoming celebrations, adding to the excitement for the artist and his fans.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (10/2/23 at 6:54 pm)
‘The Field Trip Tour’- Lil Yachty
Lil Yachty is currently on The Field Trip Tour to promote his latest album, Let’s Start Here. The Lil Boat 2 artist’s tour will commence on September 21 in Washington, D.C., marking the beginning of his North American leg.
The tour will conclude on November 5th in Detroit, after which the “Poland” rapper will embark on his European tour. The European leg will commence on November 22 in Oslo, Norway, and wrap up on December 17 in Vienna, Austria. Notably, Lil Yachty will perform at New York’s SummerStage in Central Park on September 22.
Nostalgia Tour – Rod Wave
Based on his chart-topping album, Nostalgia, Rod Wave has announced his highly anticipated Nostalgia Tour, featuring artists such as Ari Lennox, Toosi, G Herbo, and Eelmatic.
The tour is scheduled to commence on October 19, featuring 35 shows spanning across the United States and Canada, concluding on December 18 in Jacksonville, Florida.
‘Hood Hottest Princess’ Tour – Sexxy Red
Sexxy Red is embarking on her first tour, the“Hood Hottest Princess” Tour, with shows in 26 cities within a month. The tour is set to kick off on October 16, 2023, in Boston, Massachusetts, and will wrap up on November 29, 2023, in San Francisco, California.
In addition, the “Pound Town” rapperis set to take her upcoming tour to another level. Sexxy Red announced her new V.I.P. experience called “Club Sexyy Experience,” offering fans a lavish bar, exclusive merch, and more.
Circus Maximus Tour – Travis Scott
Travis Scott’sCircus Maximus Tour is set to wow fans with its unique and lively performances. The tour starts on October 11 in Charlotte and lasts until December 13 in Toronto.
However, some fans are disappointed that Houston, Scott’s hometown, is not included in the lineup.
‘Thanks For Coming Here, HO’ Tour – Flo Milli
Flo Milli’s“Thanks For Coming Here, HO” Tour is one event fans don’t want to miss. Featuring Maiya The Don, the tour will kick off on October 21 in San Francisco and wrap up on November 13 in Dallas, TX.
Sundial Tour – Noname
After four years, Noname is hitting the road again with her Sundial Tour, starting on October 11 in Chicago. She will be making stops in New York City, Charlotte, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more.
‘Me & U’ Tour – Roy Woods
Roy Woods surprised fans with his “Me & You” Tour, starting in Ottawa, Ontario, on October 29. The tour will promote his latest album, Mixed Emotions, and includes major cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, and New York City.
‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ 25th Anniversary Tour
Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Refugees are returning to the stage this October for the 25th anniversary of the iconic album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The tour will feature performances of the album’s songs.
The Scarlet Tour – Doja Cat
Doja Cat is gearing up for her first headlining arena tour in North America, The Scarlet Tour. With support from Ice Spice and Doechii on select dates, the tour kicks off on October 31 in San Francisco and wraps up on December 13 in Chicago.
High Rollers Tour – Ice Cube & Cypress Hill
Ice Cube and Cypress Hill are joining forces for the High Rollers Tour in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The tour starts on December 5 in Glasgow and ends on December 12 in Nottingham.
Beyoncé Grants Houston An Unforgettable Night
Speaking of unforgettable tours, Beyoncé recently gave Houston a memorable night with a sold-out stadium show. The “Hou Run The World,” event featured a stunning display of drones, fireworks, and an appearance by Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner.
Originally Written By: Aveon Sims (9/29/23 at 1:39 pm)
Today (November 10) was all about the 2024 Grammy Award nominations. However, nothing could stop Noname’s triumphant return to NPR’sTiny Desk concert series. It’s been five years since her striking first appearance. With the Sundial Tour coming to a close soon, her cameo served as a treat to longtime supporters who couldn’t snag tickets to show near their city. Noname’s latest Tiny Desk concert performance was just as radical as it was groovy, featuring guest appearances by Smino and Saba for a brief Ghetto Sage reunion.
With musicians Greg Paul (drummer), Brooke Skye (bassist), Cisco Swank (keyboardist and supporting vocalist), and David Otis (saxophonist), Noname tackled her poignant album’s standout tracks, including “Namesake” and “Hold Me Down.” Background vocalists Kamilah and Claudia Abena provided the much-needed layering to help amplify its track’s messaging.
Ayoni also made a surprise appearance during Noname’s set so that they could perform their track “Boom Boom.” Ghetto Sage reunion revealed an unreleased track titled “Kush And Love Songs.” Before she closed with “Balloons,” in which Jay Electronic is featured, Noname took a trip down memory lane. Noname couldn’t leave out her older records. Room 25′s “Don’t Forget About Me” made the final setlist as the sole older track.
Sundial is out now via Noname. Find more information here.
As summer comes to a close, hip-hop and R&B fans have a lot to look forward to this fall and winter. A star-studded lineup of tours is set to hit the road, bringing unforgettable performances to fans all over North America and Europe. From GloRilla to Rod Wave and many more, these tours promise to […]
As summer comes to a close, hip-hop and R&B fans have a lot to look forward to this fall and winter. A star-studded lineup of tours is set to hit the road, bringing unforgettable performances to fans all over North America and Europe. From NLE Choppa to Rod Wave and many more, these tours promise […]
As summer comes to a close, hip-hop and R&B fans have a lot to look forward to this fall and winter. A star-studded lineup of tours is set to hit the road, bringing unforgettable performances to fans all over North America and Europe. From Lil Yachty to Rod Wave and many more, these tours promise […]
After the long-awaited release of her highly anticipated third album, Sundial, Noname has announced her first tour in four years. The Sundial Tour will kick off on October 11 in Chicago at the famous Riviera Theater, with additional stops in New York City, Charlotte, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more. Noname & Friends Noname recently spoke […]
The singer announced that she’s bringing her Sundial tracks to stages this fall. It’s her first tour in four years. She’ll be kicking off the run in her hometown of Chicago, and stopping by major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, Detroit, Dallas, Seattle, and more.
Find the full tour dates below.
10/11 — Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theatre
10/12 — Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
10/13 — Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
10/15 — Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave – Mainroom
10/17 — Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
10/19 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
10/22 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
10/13 — Washington, DC @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
10/24 — Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
10/25 — Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
10/27 — Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall – 1884 Lounge
10/29 — Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
10/30 — Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
11/01 — New Orleans, LA @ Republic New Orleans
11/02 — Dallas, TX @ House of Blues – Cambridge Room
11/03 — San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
11/06 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
11/07 — Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
11/08 — Oakland, CA @ The Fox Theatre
11/09 — Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
11/13 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
11/15 — Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
“Escapism is better livin’ than this,” Noname chants on the second song from her new album, Sundial, adding, “Better be honest, baby / We better when we admit.” This juxtaposition is the crux of Noname’s political beliefs, for better or worse. Sure, it exemplifies the beating heart at the center of Sundial‘s intricate web of incisive social commentary and cutting self-recrimination, but it also captures who Noname is as an artist, and ultimately as a human being.
This is the Chicago rapper who first rose to prominence on a wave of support from fellow Chicago rising stars like Chance The Rapper and Saba, only to threaten multiple times to leave the music industry behind entirely. She changed her original name from Noname Gypsy upon learning one of the more negative interpretations of the second half of her nome de guerre. But she wasn’t above sparring with North Carolina fan favorite J. Cole when he seemingly called out her prickly online demeanor in his 2021 throwaway “Snow On Tha Bluff.”
She’s quick to call out Black celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyoncé for embracing the master’s tools in the pursuit of dismantling the master’s house — even here, where she critiques them in the song “Namesake” — but just as swift to refuse to apologize for including a potentially offensive guest MC in Jay Electronica on “Balloons.” She, like many, is a living contradiction, a person whose impulses clash with her beliefs, who falls short of her own standards, but pursues progress over perfection as often as she can.
Throughout Sundial‘s 11 tracks, she excavates and explicates this idea in ways that often seem just as paradoxical as her personality. The production, provided by a list of longtime collaborators and jazz revivalist like Daoud, Slimwav, and Yussef Dayes, offers lullaby-like coos and chords, with soothing strains more suggestive of a cozy night in with a mug of hot chocolate and romance fantasy than fiery anti-capitalist diatribes. Likewise, Noname’s singsong delivery and poetic pen maneuvers hide the points and edges of the acid-dipped darts and daggers deliberately placed across these delicate soundscapes like intellectual booby traps.
The softness of the sounds lulls listeners into sedate comfort before pricking and prodding them to wakefulness like the pea did to the princess. So, when Noname snips, “You could squabble in the comments, bitch, you are a comet,” on “Afro Futurism,” the dualism couldn’t be clearer. She has to jolt her listeners every so often so they might consider the words rather than let them wash over them. A quote that springs to mind comes from an equally enigmatic and controversial woman in rap, Lauryn Hill, via her verse from The Fugees’ “Zealots”: “And even after all my logic and my theory, I add a ‘motherfucker’ so you ignorant niggas hear me.”
That’s why it’s certainly worth considering that Jay Electronica is far from the first or worst rapper to embrace the teachings of the Nation of Islam or the Five-Percent Nation in his rhymes — or why Noname should receive a far greater backlash than any number of others who’ve featured such subject matter throughout rap’s 50 years of existence. Or that Noname, despite embodying so many of the attributes “real hip-hop heads” claim they prefer in women rappers over the more aggressively sexualized postures of MCs like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, that she receives no more support from those hip-hop heads than the women they pit her against.
Noname considers it not just her job but her duty to point out these discrepancies — even when it makes her the villain in her own story. She’s quick to accept that label herself here from the outset; on album opener “Black Mirror,” she calls herself a contrarian. She’s an avowed socialist/anarchist who must embrace some of the principles of a capitalist system to survive as an artist and continue her liberation efforts such as Noname’s Book Club, which sends such texts to inmates (which they are often barred from receiving).
And while many of her choices can be off-putting, such as including the aforementioned Jay Elec or jotting off cynical-seeming dismissals of perhaps sincere inquiries on Twitter, or rhyming in that off-kilter spoken-word flow which isn’t likely to resonate with the folks who need to hear her message most, it’s all honest. Noname herself has already told us; more than anything else, it’s better to be true than to be loved. Ironically, that’s why she’s so beloved in the first place.
Sundial is out now via Noname, Inc. / AWAL Recordings. You can get it here.