NoonieVsEverybody: Cleveland’s 17-Year-Old Rap Star

Hailing from the musical hotbed of Cleveland, NoonieVsEverybody is the latest viral rap phenomenon poised to take over the industry’s new wave of brass lyricists.

The 17-year-old rapper originally gained attention for his appearance on the “LVRN Cypher” Spotify single alongside big-name heavyweights such as 6LACK, Westside Boogie, and BRS Kash among others. The freestyle, which has over 1.3 million YouTube views to date, introduced the world to a young rap prodigy who laces his penmanship with indomitable spirit and fierce bars that navigate listeners through his life. NoonieVsEverybody’s debut single, “LOYALTY,” arrived at the top of the new year and gives fans a glimpse of the hurdles he had to overcome in the streets including betrayal.

Now, with his latest effort “Hood Chronicles” out now, he shares yet another example of the autobiographical, unfiltered story about his meteoric life. Inspired by everyone from Tupac and Jadakiss to Waka Flocka Flame and Gucci Mane, Noonie is poised to be one of the cities most promising musicians after being in the industry for such a short period of time. With more music due to arrive in 2022, the rap starlet is only just getting started.

We spoke with NoonieVsEverybody about his Cleveland upbringing, his debut offering “LOYALTY,” LVRN, and much more. Read on for our conversation.

You’re from Cleveland, which when compared to other regions doesn’t get as much musical recognition until recently. What do you think held back the music scene there for so long?

It takes a strong type of person to be noticed out of Cleveland. Violence has been a main factor on why some artists don’t get to shine the way they should. There are not a lot of opportunities for artists in Cleveland so therefore a lot of talent can go unseen.

Walk me through your childhood, what was it like growing up there?

It was a rough upbringing, you have to have heart and soul out here. There is a documentary series coming soon that I am working on that touches on it.

You started this year off with a bang when you released “LOYALTY”—which subsequently Lil Poppa showed love to the video. Tell me about what that song means to you and why you decided for it to be your first official release?

“LOYALTY” is one of the first songs that introduce my fans to my character and who I am as a person and who I surround myself with. Loyalty is shown through actions and not words. This was one of my first main songs and my uncle paid for the session when we recorded it.

What’s your personal process for the conception of a song, how do you go from start to finish? Is it the same for every song or do different songs have different processes?

I write whatever I am feeling or thinking right then and there. Music is an outlet for me to express myself.

Obviously, many people were introduced to you through last year’s LVRN x RapCaviar Cypher—talk to me about how that opportunity came together and what it meant for you.

It was a good experience. I felt happy and excited because it was something I had never did before. Meeting the rest of the LVRN artists was a very cool experience for me and they were welcoming. I appreciated the fact that I was there and was a part of it. It made me feel good to be there.

After listening to your music, what message do you want people to walk away with?

I want people to push themselves, feel good and also be able to relate to it. I want my fans to not feel alone while listening to my music because every song has a different story that people can relate to. Every song has a meaningful meaning. It tells a story about a part in my life that really happened.

In terms of growing into your artistry and keeping the momentum going, what are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to expanding what I have going so far and having my music be relatable for others listening moving forward. I still have family living in Cleveland and I am trying to help them get out for a better life. I am looking forward to touring because I have never done it before so I want to get that experience. I am excited for things to happen for me the way they should.