Noname‘s newest album, Sundial, marks a dazzling return for the 31-year-old Chicago rapper after her five-year hiatus from music. Steeped deeply in the sub-genres of neo-soul and jazz rap, this album is a gem that showcases Noname’s singular talent as an artist and her ability to weave substantive narratives within her music. Especially with poignant, nuanced, and layered poetry-esque lyricism, Sundial explores many topics with a certain type of fearless honesty that sets Noname apart from any of her contemporaries.
For the better part of a decade, Noname has been an artist who effortlessly defies categorization. Despite her musical offerings, she’s carved her unique path by establishing a book club primarily centered on anti-capitalist and leftist literature. This initiative, a direct response to the historical targeting of Black independent booksellers by the FBI’s COINTELPRO program, displays Noname’s commitment to meaningful topics that aren’t often discussed by hip-hop’s most prominent figures.
Cover Art For Noname’s Latest Release:
Sundial stands as a testament to Noname’s stellar musical composition. The production invites listeners into a soulful embrace. Through tracks like “balloons,” where the keys and break-beat drum pattern meld seamlessly with Noname’s seductive vocals. The collaborations on this album further elevate its appeal, with features from rappers like Jay Electronica, Billy Woods, and Common. Notably, Ayoni’s verse on “boomboom” steals the spotlight, infusing the track with a stunning energy.
Certainly, Noname’s introspection sits as the cornerstone of Sundial. Her ability to self-analyze and confront her own contradictions results in a project that’s equal parts intellectually stimulating and emotionally impactful. Her lyrical excellence shines through lines like “W. E. B. stay with the boys/I faded the noise, I echo, infinity joy/Build and destroy, build and rebuild” from “boomboom,” capturing the cyclical nature of life’s challenges with a sly reference to the famous black sociologist. Furthermore, the complexity of her verses, as seen in the second half of “namesake,” where Noname critiques the relationship between prominent Black artists and (arguably) oppressive institutions like the NFL, showcases her dedication to layered, eargrabbing lyricism.
However, Sundial also showcases Noname’s humanity, including Jay Electronica on the project raises questions about her moral consistency and hypocrisy. This is because Mr. Electronica has repeatedly (both in his verse on Sundial and outside of it) been accused of making antisemitic remarks. Yet, Electronica’s inclusion serves as a reminder that artists are multifaceted individuals, not exempt from complexities and self-contradictions. Noname’s willingness to engage with these nuances speaks to her authenticity as an artist.
Listen To “Sundial” Here
Sundial’s standout quality lies in Noname’s distinctive fusion of poetic writing and rap delivery. Her verses consistently possess a gravitational pull, drawing listeners into her world with a sense extreme curiosity. Lines like “You think that you know me/Your imagination zero/I could desecrate a dynasty/You flippin’ through the B-roll/I’m the villain in the keyhole/I can open up the devil’s lock/Knock-knock, potential/Nobody answers/Knock-knock, potential/I don’t give no fuck” from “potentially the interlude” are striking in their ability to navigate intricate themes while jaw-dropping musicality.
Concurrently, Noname’s unapologetic honesty that permeates “Sundial” captivates effortlessly. Noname confronts her reservations about performing at Coachella and her complicated stance on prominent artists’ in today’s culture. Her assertion that she wouldn’t perform at Coachella, only to do so, illustrates an artist grappling within a cutthroat industry.
Ultimately, Sundial is a multifaceted masterpiece that reaffirms Noname’s standing as one of hip-hop’s greats. The album’s depth invites repeated listens, unraveling layers of meaning with each playback. Its lush production, introspective lyrics, and Noname’s impeccable delivery combine to create a listening experience that leaves a lasting impression.
