Dominican rap prodigy, J Noa earned her first Latin Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Hip Hop Song. Get to know her better with this VIPER Presents interview…

What five words define your sound?

Authentic, versatile, story, real life, flow.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

My ideas flow wherever they please. No matter where I am, if I have a new idea, I write it down. I stop whatever I’m doing because, to me these are opportunities I have to take advantage of.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘Autodidacta’ because it’s a song where I openly express myself, my talent and who I am as a person. ‘Fronteo’ is about what I clearly have, which is my talent.

What inspired you to make that song?

I just wanted to create a relevant idea that stands out among the multitude of songs I have, one that represents me as a rapper in its fullest expression. And obviously, to surprise people with my skill in double tempo.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

I really wouldn’t know what to say because I restrain myself a lot from vulnerability. I don’t like feeling weak, so I think it’s a topic that’s a bit taboo for me.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

In all my time on stage, I haven’t had any bad experiences because I make sure to prepare very well before stepping onto a stage. Even with the audience, I haven’t encountered any situations that make me uncomfortable.

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘Autodidacta’ because I live in that moment like nothing else in the world. I think if it were a person, it would be my crush.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

The guys in the neighbourhood doing freestyle in front of my house sparked my desire to become someone in life and progress to help my family. However, I wasn’t inspired by a specific artist because I didn’t even have knowledge of this genre.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

My real name is Nohelys Jiménez, so “Noa” comes from Nohelys and the “J” from my last name, which is Jimenez.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

In university studying psychology, or who knows, maybe I would have been involved in another project related to art, because since I was very young, I’ve been very inclined towards art, especially live show.

What’s success to you?

Feeling good about what I’m doing, making my family happy and being well mentally.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

I believe that moment hasn’t arrived yet. I’ve been doing the same thing since I started, and I haven’t taken another path or direction. Hopefully, things will continue this way.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

On my Instagram channel, or you can also message me directly on Instagram DM.

Photo by LAURENT LEGER ADAME