Noname Redefines the Hip-Hop Landscape with ‘Sundial’
Hip-hop, once a radical and spirited creative endeavor, has been muted by the passage of time, encroaching middle age, and the pursuit of commercial gains. The concept of “conscious rap” has become muddled, often resembling a marketing gimmick rather than an authentic expression. It appears that crafting indifferent music might be more genuine in these circumstances, rather than feigning the social awareness reminiscent of ’90s backpack rappers. This is particularly true when one lacks the audacity of trap or drill, and the ingenuity required to carve out novel pathways from the abyss of oblivion, channels birthed from an obsolete intellectualism now tainted with bravado and rhythm.
In her third studio album, titled ‘Sundial,’ Noname navigates a unique trajectory. This album serves as a call to revive the art of revolution-driven storytelling in hip-hop, where sonic shifts serve as the impetus for a renaissance. With ‘Sundial,’ Noname reclaims the essence of Black intellectualism that has been exploited by opportunists in the industry. Her work restores its magnificence without lamenting its impending erosion. The songs blend biological innuendos with collective memory, creating an intricate fabric that weaves Gwendolyn Brooks’ subdued romanticism, Fannie Lou Hamer’s unyielding activism, and Fred Hampton’s staunch militancy. Within this collage emerges an unprecedented rejection blended with optimistic futurism, coupled with the reclamation of the right to err and retreat—a dynamic championed by Noname, a woman burdened with the expectations of many.
The album commences with “Black Mirror,” enveloping listeners within a dystopian construct. Noname deftly employs her verses to forge pathways of escape and diversion, battling against the clutches of time: “Shadowbox the sundial ’til sundown.” Her verses, delivered with the cadence of a retired messiah, strike a balance between the autobiographical and the communal, setting the tempo for an epic tale of a nameless protagonist. Her call for support, “hold me down / hold me down,” is cloaked in nonchalance, concealing the underlying interrogation aimed at the passive spectator.
‘Sundial’ stands against passivity, urging not only listeners but also itself to engage in dialogue—an integral aspect of griot tradition that fuels the timeless essence of Black art. Noname merges archetypes and epochs seamlessly, infusing her work with a visionary quality. Her artistry transcends martyrdom and combativeness, opting instead for a deliberate and thoughtful approach. The third track, “Balloons,” in which she collaborates with rapper Jay Electronica, exemplifies this approach. The song encapsulates risk and mourns it in advance, confronting the allure of melancholic melodies. This ballad against ballads serves as a poignant critique, exploring the commodification of trauma within the fanbase. The song metamorphoses Electronica into a resurrected Lazarus, self-aware and audacious, resulting in a remarkable duet.
Noname’s ability to merge various dimensions and eras fuels her visionary prowess. Her vulnerability resonates without an aggressive façade, engaging audiences without resorting to violence. As the genre of hip-hop matures, Noname’s emergence challenges preconceived notions and expectations. Her redefinition of time mirrors her artistic approach, creating a harmonious blend of the cerebral and the free.
“I just wanna be the love of my life,” Noname confesses in “Beauty Supply,” echoing a universal sentiment. ‘Sundial’ reflects her efforts to dismantle the pedestal on which she was placed with good intentions. A rapper from Chicago, Noname champions study, trial, error, and community. Her artistry no longer seeks approval, nor does it aim to cater to conflicting expectations. Instead, it strives to present a genuine portrayal, unfiltered by distortions. The album encapsulates a journey of self-discovery, bridging the divide between myth and reality.
Noname’s ‘Sundial’ isn’t merely an album; it’s a voyage through consciousness and introspection. It challenges the conventions of hip-hop’s middle age, inviting listeners to engage with her unique narrative. As the ticks of time resound within the genre, Noname stands as an emblem of a new epoch, where authenticity and audacity intersect to shape the future of hip-hop.
