Noa James performs during The D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest at The Glass House in Pomona on Saturday, August 31, 2013. (David Bauman/Staff Photographer)
Over the last few years, Noa James has not only been one of the most talented people in the Inland Empire’s hip-hop scene, he’s been one of the key people helping it thrive. (See: It’s the Common Ground/Brick to Ya Face/D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest, etc.)
Incredibly prolific, James’ new EP, “Fat Boy Love Letter,” which he did with Gypsy Mamba, is his second release of the year (“The Adventures of Young Orca” came out in the spring) and it’s got a much darker feel than his previous work. You can listen to it yourself below.
On Sunday, Oct. 27, James and Gypsy Mamba will perform at It’s the Common Ground at The Vibe in Riverside with Joey Fatts and A$ton Matthew.
James took the time to answer a few questions via email about the new release.
Noa James just released his new EP, “Fat Boy Love Letter,” a collaboration with Gypsy Mamba. (Contributed Image)
Q: “Fat Boy Love Letter” is a much darker release than your previous work. What inspired it?
A: I visit my early projects like “Sound Of A Monster” & Beautiful Darkness” and I love the mood I was in while creating. I don’t miss the depression and bitterness. So I took what I like about the projects and applied with love pretty much.
Q: Did the grimy beats come first or did the darker lyrics?
A: I got the beats first; the first song I wrote for the EP was “Poultry Poetry” a.k.a. the chicken song. Then everything started to fall in place of concepts and titles.
Q: How did the collaboration of you and Gypsy Mamba come about?
A: Gypsy hit me up about getting on this project called “Fat Boy Love Letter” that was going to feature other artists. He sent me the “Poultry Poetry” instrumental I sent it back like two weeks later, I know he was waiting for other artists to send their tracks. They didn’t so he sent me all the beats now it’s our collab project. And the instrumental fit perfect with my style.
Q: What show would the EP cover most likely be a scene from–”Dexter,” “Breaking Bad” or “The Walking Dead” and why?
A: I would say “The Walking Dead” but my character is someone who decided that he wanted to be a zombie, he’s preparing himself so when he turn he’s ready. But he will always eat at a table like a gentleman and a scholar.
9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, It’s the Common Ground, The Vibe, 1801 University Ave., Riverside, $10, 18 and older only.
Take a listen to “Fat Boy Love Letter” below. Warning: It has explicit language.