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“Y’all really thought a bitch couldn’t rap huh?” is the not so jokingly asked question asked by Chicago artist Noname on the opening track Self, the first of many strong moments on her highly anticipated sophomore album Room 25. Following the success of her excellent debut album Telefone, Noname had gained a widespread appreciation from hip-hop fans and peers for her unique voice, scatterbrained method of rhyming and her ability to paint a vivid picture of exactly what she’s telling the listner. Tracks off of the debut such as Diddy Bop, Casket Pretty and Bye Bye Baby take the listener on a lighthearted and pleasant, yet sombering trip through a mind of a young woman playing storyteller for her family city and surroundings. The album is lyrically excellent and unique, if you come for the lyricism, you stay for the production.
Telefone sets the stage perfectly for the following album Room 25. While the debut is unassuming and introverted at heart, the sophomore album is direct and breathes confidence and a coming of age through the scope of a young woman embracing her talent, culture, lineage and sexuality. On Blaxploitation, Noname puts her own creative spin on her take of the current climate of being black in America. Adam’s Song is lyrical excellence, giving a sobering take on the concept of the “Land of the Free”. Ironically, one of the most uplifting tracks on the album finds Noname wishing that her spirit lasts forever in the event she passes away. Don’t Forget About Me still manages to be sweet and soulful despite the morbid undertone.
The album does transition from dark to light, as Noname sets the mood with the jazzy and sensual track Montego Bae. Playing on the name of the popular vacation destination, she steps out of her normal lane to provide the classiest sexual song somebody can find. Noname allows her lyrics to paint a picture of a great time between two lovers, providing one of the best songs of the year. The track Ace serves as relaxing posse cut between Noname and fellow Chicago rapper Saba, topped off by the smooth crooning of St. Louis rapper/singer Smino. The track is simply a display of sharp lyricism and an instrumental so smooth, the listener will repeat the song several times before moving on.
The album begins to close out with one of the most interesting tracks on the album. With You manages to sound like a song that speaks to new beginnings or simply just a necessary ending. It’s hopeful and reflecting, with airy background vocals to go with Noname’s beautiful rap cadence and voice. The final track is a perfect send off for a album that seems like more of a conversation filled with great advice than great music. no name humanizes the album even further; Noname simply asks the listener to live their life and cherish it. Putting into perspective of every person having things to deal with personally, a surface level thought turns into a beautiful send off for an amazing album.
Room 25 signifies an exceptional effort for a rapper who has a sound all to her own. There are no flaws on the album, nothing to dismiss or be turned off by. It’s a perfect mix of poetry and music by one of the best artist in hip-hop. For Noname, hopefully it’s a project that gets it’s just due in a time in music where substance stands out. It deserves all of the love and then some. Well done.
Top 5 Songs:
1. Montego Bae
2. Don’t Forget About Me
3. Ace
4. Self
5. With You