On last year’s debut Telefone, rising rap star Noname focused on systemic issues via autobiographical musings told through intricate and poetic rhymes. Saturday, before a packed house at Eastside landmark Scoot Inn, the Chicago MC born Fatimah Nyeema Warner radiated interactive positivity.
Preceding ATX troupe Magna Carda and L.A. songstress Arima Ederra teased out Noname’s spectrum with hip-hop and softer, more melodic sensibilities.
The main event then emerged to the fanfare of a full backing band, which toned the album’s bright production to a fleshed-out and soulful exuberance. The thunderous, Thundercat-esque supporting ensemble granted her wiggle room, and throughout the hourlong set Noname danced, hopped, and skipped in it.
Her spurt-y, sometimes light-speed mumble fell in step with a sing-along crowd, moving through soaring “Sunny Duet,” her verse on Chance the Rapper’s “Finish Line/Drown,” and infectious LP gem “Diddy Bop.” Visitations to past guest spots for fellow Chicago artists Saba and Mick Jenkins also made the cut. When the third song stopped, the headliner playfully waved the photographers out of the pit.
“Now it’s just us, finally,” she confided to her crowd.
Like an elementary school choir teacher, Noname then directed her onlookers’ vocal additions to her duo of backup singers. The reciprocal exchanges continued for claps, dances, and filler “oohs.” Amid her verses, the rapper scanned the assemblage to lock eyes with someone really singing along.
An onstage stool received its singular use for a moment of reverence, when the MC introduced a medley of “Casket Pretty” and “Bye Bye Baby,” meditations on black death and abortion. Somber eyes cast down, she let the crowd catch up to her pause, chosen for the album’s most poignant, bittersweet selections.
Flowing into “Shadow Man” and encore “Yesterday” for a carefree close, Noname gleamed her best abilities for unpacking strife and struggle in blooming metaphor. It proved a reminder of hope through a push of contemplation.
This article appears in November 10 • 2017.