The 2020s have been a unique era in hip-hop, where the genre seems simultaneously more homogenized and diversified, Noname's sophomore outing Sundial (Self-Released) stands as a monument to complexity, offering a nuanced lens through which to view modern socio-political issues.
Born in the dynamic world of Chicago's poetry scene, Noname (nee. Fatimah Nyeema Warner) has embarked on a journey that unearths layers of activism, artistry, and intellectuality, carefully weaving them together into something simultaneously enlightened and emblematic of the contradictions present in an artistic world driven by creative capitalism.
The album's black mirror opener is an eloquent entry into Noname's multifaceted world, where she manifests as a librarian, maverick, and emcee. Throughout its 11 tracks, Sundial thrives on jazz-infused production, blending rich musical textures with an incisive lyricism that calls out societal shortcomings and begins the self-reflective analysis of her inner contradictions.
Aside from the black mirror proclamation of "as a socialism sister / Am I supposed to feel this different?" the track Namesake definitively captures Noname's anti-capitalist stance with the lyrics: "I ain't fuckin' with the NFL or Jay-Z / Propaganda for the military complex." The track continues to call out the likes of hip-hop A-listers Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Her self-criticism of the Coachella stage, where she previously performed, is also poignantly expressed: "Coachella stage got sanitized, / I said I wouldn't perform for them / And somehow I still fell in line, fuck!" Lines like these illustrate a more profound struggle with commercialism and complicity in an industry that often stands at odds with authentic activism.
Noname's affiliation with fellow artists, such as Nation of Islam member Jay Electronica, has drawn controversy, with Electronica's alleged anti-Semitic sentiments causing ripples. ("Saw the Roth' family in half to get my clout back / In the heart of Knightsbridge, pullin' bunnies out top hats / Everywhere I step foot I leave a trail of names / Of the sons of Yakub, in a trail of flames / I'm on fire, I'm plugged in directly to Messiah / I run with the mighty 'Khan as we expose the liars"). In Balloons, the collaborative track that sparked debates, she addresses this contention, pushing back against simplistic judgments. ("Front row, center, still gratitude, she love 'em / But she can't tell if it's genuine or just consumption / Analyze the gumption, monopolize the landscape She's just another artist selling trauma to her fanbase").
But beyond the personal and the controversial, Noname's exploration of anti-capitalism resonates with an urgency and relevance that is more than timely. In a world grappling with widening inequality and systemic exploitation, her lyrics, like "Go Rihanna, go / Watch the fighter jet fly high / War machine gets glamorized," serve as a clarion call to consciousness. This activism is not new to Noname; her Book Club initiative and Radical Hood Library, each aimed at highlighting works by authors of color, has been a forceful testament to her engagement with these themes.
Sundial's artistry cannot be detached from its political stance. Noname's lyricism resonates with echoes of Gil Scott-Heron and Lauryn Hill, blending intellectual rigor with emotional honesty. Tracks like toxic and afro-futurism juxtapose personal experiences with broader social commentaries. At the same time, the raw drum rhythms and neo-soul production create a sonorous backdrop.
Yet, Noname's Sundial transcends mere polemic in acknowledging her own contradictions. Her confession about performing at Coachella offers an introspective glimpse into the complex world of an artist navigating the treacherous waters of commercial success and authentic expression. Ultimately, Sundial does not shy away from difficult conversations or uncomfortable truths. Instead, it embraces them, weaving them into a tapestry that reflects the artist's commitment to craft and conviction.
As a reflection of our times, Sundial is an essential listen. It captures the tension between the personal and the political, the artist and the activist, the intellectual and the emotional. Noname's contradictions do not diminish her message but rather enhance its potency, presenting a multifaceted personality that embodies the complexities of modern life.
