James Noble speaks truth to power with his powerful new single Say Something — premiering exclusively on Tinnitist.
A hard-hitting deep dive into issues that need to be illuminated and discussed, Say Something is anchored by a patiently insistent hip-hop groove and sweetened with richly layered gospel vocals — all serving to frame and support the Calgary artist’s topical lyrics and smoky delivery. To say it was a personal passion project is an understatement.
“This is the first song I can say I’ve written and produced in its entirety,” Noble reveals. “It was almost effortless; every aspect of the track just fell into place. I have no doubt it’ll leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it. “
And no wonder; an African-Canadian rapper and producer with an undeniably compelling sound, Noble takes the listener on his life journey with percussive beats and thought-provoking wordplay. Noble’s sincerity is unapologetic and proves that contrary to popular belief, hip-hop can be a force for good.
His fascination with music developed into a passion for hip-hop at a young age and he has since developed a compelling and undeniable sound. While in college in 1997, Noble connected with a group of talented MCs in Texas who helped cultivate his ability on the mic and gave him the confidence to become a genuine artist in his own right. After forming a group and performing alongside them, Noble returned to Canada a year later to continue his music career. This led to frequent performances, local television appearances and international exposure.
In 2001, Noble began working as a pastor with inner-city youth. Doing life with people at a street level transformed the way Noble saw himself as a person and as an artist. He took to heart the lessons learned from these experiences and channeled them into his rhymes. Creating music with depth became Noble’s top priority. “Music is me telling my story. I’m not just writing rhetoric,” he says. “It’s my life story in the form of a song that anyone with a pulse can relate to.”
Noble keeps the game fresh with a sound that is entirely his own. His creativity has earned him numerous grants from local and national Canadian organizations to help fund his endeavours. Noble’s upcoming projects include the launch of the premium urban clothing line NOBLE 1979 and the release of his debut album in late 2021.
Listen to Say Something above, hear more from James Noble below, and say something back to him at his website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
