This is the grit we all desire. The sound we miss. Or do we have to “miss” it if it’s available? Detroit is home base for some of hip-hop’s most notable names over the years and rather competitive for emcees like Nolan the Ninja. The oversaturated “now” sound coming out of Detroit and its surrounding areas, however, leaves a wide open lane for the true schoolers – away from the hype of the mainstream.

If you’re just now finding out about emcee/producer Nolan, good. It’s a breath a fresh air for the passionate hip-hop junkie. The amount of enthusiasm and passion is undeniably evident. Having released two records this year (Fuck the Hype and Lo-Fi Loops) and an appearance on DJ Soko‘s Domino Effect LP, it’s safe to say he had a great year on wax. Fuck the Hype, released under Left of Center, should be spun now if you have not done so yet. We’ve attached the full stream for you below, so splurge and purchase.

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the new visual treatment and keep scrolling to check out our conversation with Nolan. Peace and love:

RESPECT. Magazine: Can you tell the world a little bit about Nolan the Ninja – for those who may just be discovering you today?

Nolan The Ninja: I’m a 23-year old emcee & producer from Detroit, Michigan.

RM: Over the years Detroit has been home of some of hip hop’s most notable artists. Who are some of your hometown favorites if you had to name a few?

NTN: Well, Elzhi is my favorite. I’d definitely love to collaborate with him in the future. Some of my other favorites include Clear Soul Forces, Red Pill, & Royce Da 5’9 just to name a few.

RM: If you could collaborate with one artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

NTN: It’s a tie between Nas & D’Angelo.

RM: Congratulations on the release of your latest Fuck the Hype album. It’s quite the body of work. Can you discuss the albums title a bit for us?

NTN: Essentially, it’s about understanding self. The title simply says, “Be yourself.” Fuck what else is going on because it doesn’t matter. Make the vibes that’s in your heart, you know? The organic shit is gonna last the longest, anyway. People are too stuck on fabricated trash. It’s to the point where people think that they have to be subjected to that certain standard of music to be accepted. It’s disgusting & I want to see change. Therefore, I’m acting as the change that I’d like to see.

RM: What should the world be expecting from Nolan the Ninja moving into 2016?

NTN: I’ll be going on a European tour with DJ Soko & Noveliss of Clear Soul Forces in a couple of months. I’m mad excited about that. My first official tour & my first official trip to Europe? Crazy. I also have an album releasing in the Spring on Fat Beats/Left Of Center. I’ll be doing some executive work on other LOC releases, as well. Other than that, who knows? This past year has been full of surprises so I’m excited to see what 2016 brings.

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