https://chenoir.bandcamp.com/album/noir-or-never
Hip Hop
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
released March 3, 2023
Noir or Never is a fully mature hip hip record with smooth and intelligent rhymes and an immaculate production. Che` Noir is the most masculine female rapper that I’ve come across. Compared to my old favorites, Gangsta Boo and La Chat, who are both obviously strong and lyrically unforgiving, this is a lot closer the frightening side of Nas. With every other female rapper I’ve heard part of the selling point is their womanhood but she’s completely unconcerned with gender in a way that is both masculine but not in anyway unfeminine. It’s like if your female boss calls you into her office. If you’re getting fired or getting a promotion you’re thinking about what’s being said not who’s saying it. She’s bringing it with that kind of flair.
There’s the also the issue of being from Buffalo. The whole Griselda thing reminds me mostly of Wu-Tang but this definitely more Nas. Wu-Tang may not be nuthin to fuck with but there’s something deadly serious about Nas and that’s the tradition this release rolls with.
She’s not alone, however, I’m only going to count the other credits once, I think there are eight, I’m not sure if they should be called features because there’s so much balance. Any of these artists could fill up the modest 22 minutes independently but the multiplicity is a wise play. The texture is deeper but the general tone stays consistent.
This is a fantastic release which will rest comfortably on random on playlists with the masters. Very high recommendations.
Warmth Highest 