- Noa James
-
Noa James Birth name Jamie Wilson Also known as The Intelligent Elegant Elephant Born December 31, 1984 Queens, New York, U.S. Origin Inland Empire, California Genres Hip Hop Busey Music Occupations Rapper, Promoter, Entrepreneur Years active 2008–present Labels Black Cloud Music (Independent) Associated acts Jynxx Curtiss King Faimkills O.S.A. Artz Barz Phantom Thrett Website http://www.noajames.bandcamp.com/ Noa James (Born Jamie Wilson) is a West Coast rapper based in the Inland Empire. James is currently signed to independent label, Black Cloud Music.
Contents
Early life
Noa James was born on December 31, 1984 to Haitian parents in Queens, New York. He grew up on the South side of Jamaica Queens, eventually finding his way to Pasadena, CA and San Bernardino, CA. As a young man, Noa experienced more struggles than most people experience in their entire lives at a very young age ranging from his mother's incarceration after abandoning him, living in an orphanage, the deportation of his father, to the most prolific moment in his life; the passing of his grandfather.[1]
Music career
Rapping since the age of 13, Noa James began his musical journey as a successful battle rapper who quickly became known for his brutal punch lines and sharp tongue. After 5 years in the battle circuit, Noa realized that he wanted success as an artist and although he was young he knew he had a big story to tell.[2]
Over the years James' autobiographical rhymes have made him a pioneer in the art of storytelling and although his powerful stage presence and large stature has made him a force to be reckoned with, it is the size of his heart, that has remained most imminent. Not only making a name for himself as an artist, Noa is also widely known as a leading force in Southern California's Inland Empire underground hip hop movement.
Under Black Cloud Music, Noa, along with five other likeminded and passionate artists have been breaking the mold and starting a musical movement that is undeniable and worthy of its growing success. After the release of several independent mixtapes before his Black Cloud affiliation in May 2010, Noa released his first official album on the label entitled Beautiful Darkness, which was well received and respectably noted by both his fans and peers. It was a project of love and labor and showed both sides of James' personality and elaborate mind. Beautiful Darkness is now available in several record stores throughout Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and Las Vegas.
In May 2011, James released Intelligent, Elegant, Elephant: Humble Power, a project that generated quite a larger buzz digitally following his anticipated debut performance at a major hip hop music festival, Paid Dues in San Bernardino, California. During this time, James also was featured on the front cover of IE Weekly,[3] a weekly magazine sister to LA Weekly, followed by his feature on XXL Magazine's The Break,[4] in early July.
Performances
James has performed at venues large and small; t often at college campuses in Southern California and Las Vegas. In early 2011, after campaigning heavily for a spot at the Paid Dues festival with the support of fans, James was asked by independent hip hop artist Murs to perform.[5] James has created a stage for aspiring artists and rappers alike to express their creativity in a positive environment at his weekly open mic event called The Common Ground that's held in Riverside, CA. In early October 2011, James teamed up with The Glass House in Pomona, CA to put on the first D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Festival where local independent artists and clothing vendors gathered together to showcase new and emerging talent.[6]
In the Summer of 2011, James, along with a roster of indie artists throughout the Inland Empire, embarked on the Humble Power Tour where they toured and performed throughout Southern California.
Philanthropy
James also holds various charity events every year to support programs and shelters in the surrounding communities, including his annual "Toys for Tots" event to support Mercy House, a nonprofit organization, as well as food drives to give hope to those in need.[7]
Discography
- In Blanka Mode EP (2009)
- Sounds of a Monster LP (2009)
- Beautiful Darkness (2010)
- James For the Win Vol. 1 (2011)
- Intelligent, Elegant, Elephant: Humble Power (2011)
- (Single) Mirrors in the Clouds (2011)
References
- ^ Lunchtime Live With Noa James;An Interview With Cal State San Bernardino's Coyote Radio
- ^ Joose Box Interviews Noa James: Who Is Noa James?
- ^ Noa James Covers IE Weekly
- ^ XXL Magazine's The Break Features Noa James This Week
- ^ "Inland Rapper On Paid Dues Lineup
- ^ "D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Festival" IE Weekly
- ^ Black Cloud Music Talks About Giving Back to the Community with Grunge Cake
Categories:- Living people
- African American rappers
- People from Inland Empire, California
- American rappers
- Rappers from California
- West Coast hip hop
- Underground rappers
- 1984 births
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
