Noname grew up in Bronzeville, a historic neighborhood on the southside of Chicago that famously attracted accomplished black artists and intellectuals of all types. She first discovered her love for words while taking a creative writing class as a sophomore in high school. She became enamored with poetry and spoken word - pouring over Def Poetry Jam clips on YouTube and attending open mics around the city. She regularly attended and performed at YouMedia’s Lyricist Loft, an open mic at Harold Washington Library.
On July 31st 2016 Noname released her debut project, Telefone, which was 3 years in the making and highly anticipated by fans and media alike. The project instantly gained critical acclaim with a rave review by Pitchfork landing her praise from Rolling Stones, Complex and Dazed & Confused. Thanks to Telefone’s success, she opened for Ms. Lauryn Hill, who handpicked Noname to join her on tour.
Noname has since built an international presence by successfully touring the world and playing prestige festivals such as Wireless, Splash, North Sea, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Coachella. In December 2017 she appeared on Saturday Night Live with Chance the Rapper to perform “Finish Line / Drown” from his album Coloring Book.
