Hailing from Buffalo, Che Noir is known for her strong, uncompromisingly direct lyrics over production inspired by mid-’90s East Coast rap.
Che Noir has returned with No Validation, a project that underscores her growth as one of hip-hop’s most thoughtful and commanding voices. The album finds the Buffalo rapper joining forces with Washington, D.C.–based production duo The Other Guys, crafting a rich, analog-infused soundscape that perfectly complements her reflective lyricism.
The album opens with “Incense Burning,” featuring Jack Davey, immediately setting a contemplative mood. Over mellow boom-bap beats, Che Noir traces her journey from childhood to adulthood, blending personal memories with themes of resilience and self-worth. It’s an intimate introduction that demonstrates her knack for weaving storytelling into broader social commentary…