Noname released her debut mixtape, Telefone, on July 31, 2016. Her debut album, Room 25, was released on September 14, 2018. She is member of the trio Ghetto Sage, with Smino and Saba.
Noname's interest in poetry led her to compete in local open mics and slam poetry competitions; she placed third place in Chicago's annual Louder Than a Bomb competition. Noname then started to freestyle rap with friends, collaborating with local Chicago artists including Chance the Rapper, Saba, Mick Jenkins, and Ramaj Eroc.
In 2013, she appeared on Chance the Rapper's second mixtape, Acid Rap, contributing a verse to the track "Lost" where she sang the chorus to the song as well as her own verse. She later contributed a verse for the song "Finish Line/Drown" from Chance the Rapper's 2016 mixtape Coloring Book. In December 2016, she appeared with Chance the Rapper on Saturday Night Live. She announced her first tour on November 13, 2016.
In 2014, she was featured on Mick Jenkins' mixtape The Waters, contributing to the track "Comfortable". In 2015, she was featured on multiple tracks from Kirk Knight's album Late Knight Special.
Noname first used the stage name "Noname Gypsy", which she chose as a teenager when she was transitioning from poetry to music, believing "gypsies were very nomadic, just not about staying in one space for a long time". In March 2016, she removed "Gypsy" from her stage name after learning of its racial connotation, saying she was unaware of the negative connotations of the term "gypsy" and did not want to offend Romani people. In a 2016 interview with The Fader, she explained her current stage name, following the change:
"I try to exist without binding myself to labels. I’m not really into labels at all, even the way I dress; I usually don't wear anything with a name brand. For me, not having a name expands my creativity. I’m able to do anything. Noname could potentially be a nurse, Noname could be a screenwriter. I’m not limited to any one category of art or other existence, on a more existential level."
Noname released her first mixtape, Telefone, on July 31, 2016, after three years production. Telefone was Noname's method of publicizing her new stage name, through songs presented as open-ended telephone conversations. The album is centered around important telephone conversations that Noname has had. Her rap speaks of black women's pain and also highlights the struggles of growing up in Chicago. The album was originally released as a free download on Bandcamp, and then on vinyl in September 2017.
Rolling Stone wrote it was one of 2016's "most thought-provoking hip-hop." Stereogum wrote that Noname possessed "a potency and urgency in her complicated, spoken word-esque cadences and subdued delivery that escapes many of her more animated peers." Consequence of Sound wrote that "the louder her music is played, the brighter her cadence glows, giving her lyrics a type of 3D craft that makes Telefone a diary of lessons too relevant to keep to yourself."
In October 2016, Noname and fellow Chicago resident Saba collaborated to produce "Church/Liquor Store", a song that explores the Westside of Chicago where liquor stores sit directly next to places of worship. Noname critiques the gentrification of the neighborhood and the erasure of crime believed to accompany it.
In August 2018, Noname announced that her second album, Room 25, would be released in the fall of 2018. The album, which took approximately one month to record, chronicles the two years since the release of Telefone, during which she moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, and had a short romantic relationship.
Noname compared her maturity on Room 25 to Telefone, saying "Telefone was a very PG record because I was very PG. I just hadn't had sex." Unlike Telefone, Room 25 was created due to a financial obligation. Noname said in an interview, "It came to a point where it was, like, I needed to make an album because I need to pay my rent. I could've done another Telefone tour, but I can't play those songs anymore. Like, I could, but I physically hate it because I've just been playing them for so long." Noname paid for the entire album herself using money from touring and guest appearances on Chance the Rapper projects.
The album was released on September 14, 2018. El Hunt of NME described the album as "flawless" and "smartly constructed and laced with intricate subtlety." Rolling Stone said Noname was "One of the best rappers alive" and included her on a list of "Artists You Need to Know". Pitchfork designated Room 25 as "Best New Music" and wrote that it is "a transcendent coming-of-age tale built around cosmic jazz and neo-soul, delivered by a woman deeply invested in her interiority and that of the world around her." PopMatters said the album was "vintage neo-soul and future rap hand in hand; a soulful sanctuary for those turned off by the austerity of mainstream mumble rap". She performed a three-song medley of "Blaxploitation," "Prayer Song," and "Don't Forget About Me" from the album in her solo television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on October 17, 2018.
On May 15, 2019, Noname announced that her upcoming second studio album would be titled Factory Baby. In November of that year that she said she was quitting music, and expressed frustration with her predominantly white audience. She went on to say that the demographics of her fanbase made her want to quit music: "I refuse to keep making music and putting it online for free for people who won’t support me. If y'all don't wanna leave the crib I feel it. I don't want to dance on a stage for white people."
Ace
NoName Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whiskey with the team, got it bubblin'
I got trees in my luggage
I got teams out in London
Hope you came, what you say?
Fuck is you sayin'?
Oh when I say I been at the Ace hotel
Fuck is you sayin'?
Oh let me tell you, I been on the way
What you sayin'?
I'm making runs
I'm roll on track, I'm in this field
I'm shocked, you put me in my feels
She made it clap clap clap clappity-clap out in Clapton
Swerve and I crash if the pillow ain't your passion
She think I'm a liar like the Obamacare
If the old never heard the soul country so slick
Butterskin smooth Acne shoes, contradict
You can hop right offa my country
Team, got it bubblin'
I got trees in my luggage
I got teams out in London
Hope you came, what you say?
Fuck is you sayin'?
Oh when I say I been at the Ace hotel
You gotta tell me something
Fuck is you sayin'?
Oh let me tell you, I been on the way
What you sayin'?
I'm making runs
Smino Grigio, Noname, and Saba the best rappers
And radio niggas sound like they wearing adult diapers
And globalization scary and fuckin is fantastic
And frankly I find it funny that Morgan is still acting
Bruce Almighty, Aphrodite and Dominoes
Yummy biscotti, tamale, over mention my undertones
Runnin' the dolly, Chicago overzealous with talent though
Westside get the money, is still a classic
Movin' to LA, now I'm sippin on Sunny D
And my nigga is hella pleased and I bought me a better pencil
Bitch she ain't about to write, I'm perpetually smoking weed
Yes me rolling, I'm sorry, I'm tapping out
Room 25, the best album that's coming out
Labels got these niggas just doing it for the clout
I'm just writing my darkest secrets like wait and just hear me out
Saying vegan food is delicious like wait and just hear me out
I ain't been at home in a minute, my landlord been getting pissed
'Cause I barely count as a tenant, I'm overseas with the yen and shit
And I can't recall the last time that my live show was intimate
The price for the show just went up in addition to tickets that
They didn't figure it out in 2012 so I just said fuck it
'Cause we can drop all our albums ourselves yeah I just said fuck it
'Cause I know I got the gifts like an elf and been wrapping raps around them like I'm a belt
That's tea not ginger beer, I whisper in they ear
Since I left the road, I got more hits than a deer
A dollar and a dream like I'm Jermaine in the Ville
You stand up or fall, pray, shout out to NFL
Pure bred delicatessen
Damn, I'm real, I can tell it
I do not fall to no pressure
Cookin' up Barefoot Contessa
I just raise the bar
I look at it with a measure
With little to no effort
I thought it gonna be messed up
Bless up
Whiskey with the team, got it bubblin'
I got trees in my luggage
I got teams out in London
Hope you came, what you say?
Fuck is you sayin'?
Oh when I say I been at the Ace hotel
You gotta tell me something
Fuck is you sayin'?
Oh let me tell you, I been on the way
What you sayin'?
I'm making runs, ooh
The lyrics of "Ace" by NoName describe the rapper's experiences traveling between different countries, performing shows, and trying to maintain creative control over her music. The song opens with a reference to "Heathrow" airport in London and the singer's "whiskey with the team." She mentions having "trees in [her] luggage," which could refer to either actual trees or marijuana, as well as having a team of people in London. The refrain of "fuck is you sayin'?" is repeated throughout the song, suggesting a frustration with the opinions of others.
The second verse switches focus to NoName's perspective on the music industry and the art of rap. She praises fellow rappers Smino, Saba, and herself as being among the best, while criticizing commercial radio and the pressure to conform to labels. She also mentions the challenges of staying authentic while appealing to a wider audience. The verse ends with a reference to NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, making a statement about the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
The final verse returns to NoName's personal life, discussing her difficulties with landlords and the high cost of touring. Despite these challenges, she remains confident in her abilities and proud of her accomplishments. The song ends with a repetition of the refrain, emphasizing the singer's determination to keep pushing forward.
Overall, "Ace" is a commentary on the ups and downs of fame, the struggle to stay true to oneself while navigating the music industry, and the importance of perseverance. The lyrics are both personal and political, addressing issues of race, class, and power.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yea, oh yeah, lil heathen in Heathrow, blokes
Excitedly acknowledging being in Heathrow airport with a rebellious attitude.
Whiskey with the team, got it bubblin'
Drinking whiskey with the crew and having a good time.
I got trees in my luggage
Bringing marijuana with me.
I got teams out in London
Having people working for me in London.
Hope you came, what you say?
Asking someone if they're ready for what's coming.
Fuck is you sayin'?
Questioning someone's response or statement with hostility.
Oh when I say I been at the Ace hotel
Being at the Ace hotel signifies a certain level of success and accomplishment.
You gotta tell me something
Expecting others to acknowledge and congratulate one's success.
Oh let me tell you, I been on the way
Asserting that one is working hard and making progress towards their goals.
I'm making runs
Making moves and taking action to achieve success.
I'm roll on track, I'm in this field
Being focused and dedicated to one's craft or career.
I'm shocked, you put me in my feels
Being emotional or vulnerable because of someone else's actions or words.
She made it clap clap clap clappity-clap out in Clapton
Referring to a woman who is confident and skilled in her sexuality.
Swerve and I crash if the pillow ain't your passion
Being selective in romantic partners and needing a deep connection to avoid heartbreak.
She think I'm a liar like the Obamacare
Feeling misunderstood or accused of dishonesty by someone.
If the old never heard the soul country so slick
Having a unique style that sets one apart from others in their genre.
Butterskin smooth Acne shoes, contradict
Describing a fashion statement that seems to contradict itself in a way that stands out.
You can hop right offa my country
Not tolerating disrespect towards one's hometown or country.
Smino Grigio, Noname, and Saba the best rappers
Acknowledging other talented rappers.
And radio niggas sound like they wearing adult diapers
Belittling mainstream radio artists and their lack of genuine talent or creativity.
And globalization scary and fuckin is fantastic
Having mixed feelings about the effects of globalization on society.
And frankly I find it funny that Morgan is still acting
Poking fun at a celebrity who has been in the public eye for a long time.
Bruce Almighty, Aphrodite and Dominoes
Naming various cultural references or personal favorites.
Yummy biscotti, tamale, over mention my undertones
Appreciating different cultures and their food.
Runnin' the dolly, Chicago overzealous with talent though
Being proud of one's hometown and its abundance of talented people.
Westside get the money, is still a classic
Referencing the importance of getting paid and providing for oneself.
Movin' to LA, now I'm sippin on Sunny D
Being in a new place and experiencing something different.
And my nigga is hella pleased and I bought me a better pencil
Implying that success allows for small luxuries or upgrades.
Bitch she ain't about to write, I'm perpetually smoking weed
Boasting about being able to write great music despite drug use.
Yes me rolling, I'm sorry, I'm tapping out
Acknowledging that one is getting high and may not be fully present in a conversation or situation.
Room 25, the best album that's coming out
Promoting one's own work as the best of its kind.
Labels got these niggas just doing it for the clout
Believing that many artists are focused more on fame than artistry.
I'm just writing my darkest secrets like wait and just hear me out
Being vulnerable and expressing oneself in a way that may surprise others.
Saying vegan food is delicious like wait and just hear me out
Encouraging others to be open-minded about one's personal preferences and beliefs.
I ain't been at home in a minute, my landlord been getting pissed
Acknowledging that one has been away from home for a while and may be neglecting responsibilities there.
'Cause I barely count as a tenant, I'm overseas with the yen and shit
Being successful and making money in other places that are more important than one's current living situation.
And I can't recall the last time that my live show was intimate
Noticing a shift in one's career where shows are no longer as small and personal.
The price for the show just went up in addition to tickets that
Being more in demand and therefore charging more for tickets or appearances.
They didn't figure it out in 2012 so I just said fuck it
Choosing to take matters into one's own hands and not wait for someone else to give opportunities or recognition.
'Cause we can drop all our albums ourselves yeah I just said fuck it
Being confident in one's ability to succeed independently without the help of a record label.
'Cause I know I got the gifts like an elf and been wrapping raps around them like I'm a belt
Having natural skill and creativity in music and using that gift to make great work.
That's tea not ginger beer, I whisper in they ear
Correcting someone's misunderstanding about a drink choice in a playful way.
Since I left the road, I got more hits than a deer
Having more success and accomplishments since being away from touring or performing.
A dollar and a dream like I'm Jermaine in the Ville
Referencing a similar drive for success and respect as fellow rapper J. Cole.
You stand up or fall, pray, shout out to NFL
Acknowledging the role of perseverance and hard work in achieving success, and referencing the National Football League as an example.
Pure bred delicatessen
Being of high quality and refined taste.
Damn, I'm real, I can tell it
Feeling confident in oneself and one's abilities.
I do not fall to no pressure
Being resilient and unaffected by outside pressures or negative comments.
Cookin' up Barefoot Contessa
Creating greatness and doing something impressive with one's time and resources.
I just raise the bar
Setting a high standard for oneself and others.
I look at it with a measure
Reflecting on one's success and progress objectively.
With little to no effort
Seeming to achieve great things with ease and talent.
I thought it gonna be messed up
Expecting a more difficult or negative experience.
Bless up
Expressing gratitude and appreciation for one's blessings and successes.
I got teams out in London
Having a strong network of people helping and supporting one's career or endeavors in a specific location.
Hope you came, what you say?
Making sure others are ready or prepared for what's to come.
Fuck is you sayin'?
Demands to know what someone means or is trying to say, often with a negative connotation.
Oh let me tell you, I been on the way
Sharing one's progress and accomplishments with others.
I'm making runs, ooh
Executing strategies and taking action to achieve goals and reach success.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Christopher Jr. Smith, Fatimah Warner, Michael Anthony Neil, Tahj Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind