24: Introduce yourself to the readers and let them now where your from?

NOE: I’m NOE. I come from Baltimore, MD. I’m a member of the group Byrdgang (Jim Jones, Chink Santana, Mel Matrix, Sandman, Freeky Zeeky) which is a sub-group spawned from Dipset. My name is short for “Kinoe”. I was named after an Asian philosopher.

24: What lead you to start doing music and how long have you been doing it for?

NOE: I’ve loved music for as long as I’ve been alive. All types. From Classical to Frank Sinatra. Anything that moves you on the inside. I developed a love for Hip Hop as a teenager. I loved Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Tupac, DMX, Wu-Tang, Biggie, Jay-Z and NWA. It was the street in the music. The rawness of it. The philosophical approach of Nas and Jay was new to me. I hadn’t heard any other form of music that could capture what I was living at the time. A lot of the things I’ve seen and been exposed to in the streets were things that you weren’t supposed to speak of in any setting. It could cost you your freedom or your life. So to hear an MC speak of crime, drugs and murder on BET is taboo. But its only classic when its lived by the person telling the story. Its more emotional and compelling that way.

24: How did you hook up with Jim Jones which lead to you becoming apart of Byrd Gang?

NOE: In 2005 my business partner Nicole Chaplin walked my material into Jim’s office. He sat down. He listened. He began nodding his head. Then he smiled. At that moment I knew I was in for a ride. He took me to Harlem to finish up his “Harlem Diary of a Summer” album and the rest was BG history.

24: After to hearing you myself and many others which I’m sure you’ve heard time after time is the Jay-Z comparisons to how do you feel about it?

NOE: I’m indifferent about it. I’ve been dealing with that stigma for as long as I can remember. Its kind of a like showing up at a Black tie affair and you realize you’re the only black guy in the room. Its uncomfortable at first. Even though you have a Patek Philippe on your wrist and a customized pair of Louis Vuitton sting ray shoes, you still feel awkward. Then you start shaking hands and collecting business cards. Your confidence grows the more you work the room. Pretty soon you’re not the only one who knows your potential. Then word gets around that your contact info is the one that every boss needs to have. That’s what’s happening now. Nobody cares what I sound like. And if they do they see an opportunity to make millions. I had to wait until the Jay-Z tsunami subsided before I could get a shot at creating a tsunami of my own. Prepare to get wet.

24: Did Jay-Z’s music have a big influence on you?

NOE: Of course it did. Who hasn’t his music influenced. There’s not an MC in the game that says Jay didn’t influence him. But I guess I don’t have that right.

24: What do you feel like you bring to the table as a artist?

NOE: Honor and honesty. As a man first. And then as an artist.

24: Let everyone know more about your Street Album you have out now “NOE More ?’s”?

NOE: This is the beginning of the end for years of garbage flooding the market. I bring lyrics. I’m bringing credentials and testimony. Niggaz are gonna have to prove they are who they say. NOE more lies. NOE more reading from other niggaz charge papers to benefit your own bullshit career. The title “NOE MORE ?’S” came about because Jim didn’t place my name on the “City of Gods” mixtape. He put a question mark. Which was fine in the beginning. He wanted to cause a ruckus and create a buzz. It didn’t drive the point home though. So NOE more guessing. NOE more hiding. I come to get money and earn my spot. NOE more questions.

24: Who are some up and coming artist that you would say is repping for your city and the readers should definitely look out for in the near future?

NOE: Definitely look out for a female artist from Bmore by the name of Si-Notes. She’s hot. She’s the truth. She lives what she says and stands behind her words. Huli Shallone is another MC in Bmore making a name for himself. There are many many more. Bmore is on the rise. We have a story to tell in a way only we can tell it.

24: What advice would you give to a up and coming artist trying to get signed but feel like the industry’s doors are closing in on him or her?

NOE: Believe in yourself enough to do it yourself if you have to. Never sleep. Never stop perfecting your craft. Honor your craft. Get out there and shake hands. Learn how to speak proper english. You’ll be surprised how far you get.

24: What’s next for NOE?

NOE: The sky my gee. The sky. I’m working on another series of mixtapes. Be on the look out for “NOE Heat NOE Hot Water” the album its coming.

24: Any final thoughts you would like to leave with the readers?

NOE: Final thought. Unfold your hands. There’s real life happening right before your eyes. Change the music. Change minds. Let’s get in.