credit: Alessandro Martino
Presented by Rolling Stone Future of Music
J Noa
Since hip hop's inception, rhythm and poetry has consistently existed as a reporting tool. Through this act, rappers educate the world on culture, joy, discrimination, prejudice, and classism, thus making them the journalists of their neighborhoods and barrios. Sony Music Entertainment signee, J Noa, embodies this reality and in a short span of time, the world-renowned lyricist has charmed and scored international support for her gritty freestyles, direct delivery and sharp verses.
Born Nohelys Jimenez in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, the young composer’s humble upbringing was filled with culture and music. The neighborhood that raised her fed her lyricism and dance at every turn. While the boys and young men practiced the art of battle rap she would make her way in the cyphers, at just five years old studying and analyzing.
J Noa composed her first verse at the tender age of 8 and her first song at 11 upon watching a Super Nuevo interview that would convince her to take rap seriously, as he shared words of empowerment and advice that related to J Noa and her experience — the sight of representation and a rags to riches story confirmed that her dream was worth chasing.
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