noname

i started listening to (discovered) Noname in back in 2018. not only is she incredibly talented and creative, but she is also a pioneer, perhaps. As a black singer/songwriter, her music responds to feminity, racial identity, and prejudice in modern day ‘Murica. . . it also sounds great. From her history as a slam poet, her voice is distinct. Noname often raps in a flatter, soothing tone, that stays persistent throughout her entire discography. i love to work and live to her tune, but Noname is also an entrepreneur. In 2019, she created the Noname book club. The incredibly innovative club discusses works from black authors, primarily centering around those with radical beliefs. the club supports local black-owned libraries and expands their community by partnering with incarcerated people. with monthly hand-picked reads, the Noname book club promotes political education. the club presses for community, and self-education within it, often indulging in book-drives, free art shows, and other acts of community engagement. the artistic brilliance and intent behind this woman is incredible. she is a beacon for me, i hope i can produce some good into my community much like her.