Emerging with a positive mainstream vibe of hip-hop that draws creative energy from elements of pop, classic R&B, and dance music – and everyone from his iconic childhood influences, to his family relatives The Emotions – the multi-talented Chicago born, Minnesota based artist NoTrace came up with his sly moniker one day in a freestyle. He’s a quiet and reserved “Empath” by nature but when NoTrace gets on the mic, he’s a master storyteller; rapping, rhyming and putting together tracks that brace the heart and galvanize the spirit. After months of being in the studio with some of pop and hip hops talented producers, NoTrace has released the first single, “Layers” from his debut EP “Vibrations”. NoTrace sets himself apart from the hip-hop masses by stressing the importance of strong relationships and family.
"A lot of these songs were written and tracked during the time I had just become a new father. I’m a stay at home dad, so it was my first time making music as a father, and with my son present.”
NoTRace recently released “Layers” and I can ensure you that I will be adding this single to my personal playlist. The most noticeable trait of NoTrace to me was his realness and his authentic nature. But my favorite characteristic to his artistry was his gritty rap voice and raspy vocals that adds a rough texture to his single, making it more aggressive even if it wasn’t meant to be an aggressive record. NoTrace knows how to lyrically deliver bars if he wanted to show us a laidback side to him, but he also knows how to hit the hard-hitting and bold approach to rap music with a trap beat that bangs on your stereo and gets the party clubbing! His versatility shows, and it makes him a little bit more magnifying than before. Being nomadic new fan of his, I decided to listen to more of his newer releases including the bright, and delightful tune “Layers”. “Layers” absolutely proves my theory of NoTrace being an all-around, diverse artist who has the capability of presenting many different sides to his brand. The hit record has a flavorable presence that fuses a mixture of bubblegum pop and urban rap. NoTrace took this song and styled it into an idiosyncratic jam that breaks down the typical stigma and perception of the hip-hop culture!
Listen to "Layers" here and get to know NoTrace in our interview below!
Hi there, can you introduce yourself to our readers? My name is NoTrace and I am an independent Minnesota Hip Hop/Rap artist.
How did your environment and upbringing impact your music and artistry? Music is in my family, from my dad to all my uncles and aunts. So it was something always around, but I really turned to music when I was going through a lot of issues at the time with being homeless in my teens, and my parents split, and dad becoming ill. I wanted to use music as a way to support my family and hopefully bring us back together, but it was also a way to cope with the issues I had to deal with.
How did you come up with the name “NoTrace” ? It was a good friend that came up with NoTrace, I was freestyle rapping to him one day, and I came up with a dope rhyme about leaving NoTrace and he suggested I use it as a name, and the rest is history.
How do you find inspiration for your songwriting? My inspiration is life and the people in my life, it’s also something that I need to do to feel balanced. I try to draw inspiration from the good and bad times, and hopefully I can create something that people feel connected to.
In your own words, how would you describe the impact your music makes on others? My music, especially the music I'm putting out this year, has a positive impact on others because that is what I put into my music. Even though some songs may be sad, I still try and leave something in there they can use as inspiration to get through whatever they are going through. At the end of the day I'm a story teller, my music tells a story that people can relate to and have . It's a different sound and a different vibe than what we're hearing in Hip Hop today.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave behind? I hope to leave a legacy of great music. It's important that the next generation understand the importance of strong relationships and that positivity and hard work are important in life. Music connects people from all over the world. It's connected me with some of the most important and influential people in my life and I hope my music continues to create relationships, support and opportunities for generations to come.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/notrace3/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoTraceFanPage
Twitter: www.twitter.com/NoTrace3