Noname - Room 25 ALBUM REVIEW

Genres: Jazz Rap, Conscious Hip Hop

Release Date: 9/14/18

Label: Self-released

Noname started her career writing poetry, and after listening to Room 25, it’s not hard to see how.

On her debut album, the Chicago artist and Chance The Rapper prodigy delivers a breezy, jazz-infused walk through the life of a young woman in love. It would be hard to find another hip-hop project released this year more poetic - every word is placed in its specific song for a reason and nothing feels out of place.

The project opens strong with “Self”, a two-verse, no-chorus thinkpiece on everything but the kitchen sink - she discusses questioning her religion, the politics of the Reagan era (which she was born in), and female empowerment all in less than 2 minutes.

“Blaxploitation” is a blunt, honest reflection on black stereotypes in America and their negative effects on her race, all over a skittering, frantic bassline. “I’m struggling to simmer down, maybe I’m an insomni-black, bad sleep triggered by bad government.” The political overtones don´t stop on the next track “Prayer Song“, which is a criticism of American culture and patriotism as a whole - everything from police brutality to obesity and heart disease. After the first three tracks, the album takes a sudden turn from looking outside to inside - “Don’t Forget About Me” is a slow, laidback prayer for being remembered by the ones she loves the most. She eases up a bit on the track “Montego Bae”, which is a simple yet steamy ode to newfound love, featuring a simmering and sweet chorus provided by frequent collaborator Rayvn Lenae. ¨Ace¨ finds Noname and fellow midwest rappers Saba and Smino take a more carefree and braggadocious route, easily sporting one of the catchiest hooks on the entire album. The project ends with ¨No Name¨, a very fitting closer where (over somber pianos) she discusses her life as a whole, all told through metaphors using her stage name. The track (and album) finishes with an angelic bridge sung by Adam Ness - ¨don't let it pass you by, your life, your life, is your life.¨

Room 25 is a stunning meditation on love and life experiences. Much like her last mixtape Telefone, the entire project has a very relaxed and loose feel to it, with lots of jazzy and organic instrumentals. Room 25 is an album that I can easily see myself replaying for years to come.

*ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 10/16/18 IN THE APPLETON WEST TALISMAN*