In the ever-evolving landscape of music, the creative process varies as much as the genres themselves. Some artists draw inspiration from their surroundings, while others delve into deep personal experiences. Noel, an artist rooted in the matrix of complex storytelling and technological foresight, takes a unique approach to his music. His recent album release—an ambitious and reflective work—serves as a window into his world, shaped by serendipitous moments and driven by intellectual curiosity.

Noel’s latest album draws heavy inspiration from an iconic moment in pop culture: The Matrix trilogy. In his own words, “I made this album in respect to the inspiration I gained. And the intrinsic conscious I was given from the movie The Matrix.” While living in a homeless shelter in downtown Oakland, Noel had a front-row seat to the production of The Matrix: Revolutions. Keanu Reeves was signing autographs on the street below, while scenes were filmed nearby, including the car chase where Trinity and Morpheus escaped with the Keymaker. The experience left an indelible mark on Noel’s creative consciousness, combining the themes of the film with the geopolitical shadow of the 9/11 twin towers event—another significant moment that impacted him. By releasing his album on 9/11, Noel tied together these monumental moments in history and film, creating a body of work that resonates with both nostalgia and reflection.

Living in the Bay Area, a technological hub that houses Silicon Valley and MIT research, Noel finds himself in a constant state of mental stimulation. Conversations about emerging tech and the future of society seep into his consciousness, serving as fuel for his creative process. “I’ll hear something or see something, then write a few bars in my head… and a whole song comes from it,” he explains. His proximity to the world’s largest innovation engine allows him to blend his music with futuristic themes, combining science, technology, and culture in ways that provoke thought and inspire a sense of intellectual exploration.

Influences: From STEM to Sade

Musical influences have always been a defining feature of an artist’s sound, and for Noel, that influence spans across legends in hip-hop and beyond. Nas taught him the technical intricacies of rhyming, notably how to rhyme vowels rather than focusing solely on syllables. Canibus, on the other hand, introduced him to the idea of embedding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) into lyrical composition. As Noel puts it, these influences gave him permission to rhyme about his intellectual interests, turning his music into a medium for making technical subjects engaging. Sade and even actress Logan Browning have further contributed to his growth as an artist, teaching him how to visualize his lyrics and refine his poetic expression. Browning’s simple yet profound poetry on Twitter reminded Noel of his early days of songwriting, sparking the initial steps that culminated in his latest album.

While Noel’s lyrical prowess and artistic vision have been widely recognized, his journey has not been without its challenges. Monetizing his music has been one of his greatest hurdles. Despite being praised by figures like Canibus and receiving significant fan support—such as the viral reaction to his collaboration with Planet Asia on the track “House of Pain”—the financial rewards have not always matched his achievements. “I’ve even charted next to DaBaby and Kanye West on Apple Music’s hot new releases,” he shares, “but my bank account never reflected any of those achievements.” His struggle with monetization speaks to a larger issue faced by many independent artists in today’s digital age, where virality and visibility don’t always translate into tangible earnings. Noel continues to push forward, urging fans to purchase his work directly in order to support the ongoing creation of his music.

For Noel, one of the most memorable moments in his career was when he first realized the impact his music had on others. After recording his first song in 2005, he was met with an enthusiastic reception. “Everybody was jumping up and down screaming when they saw me,” he recalls. Seeing his peers pass around his CD at high school, playing it for each other, made him realize that music was his true calling. The power of connecting with an audience, even at that early stage, affirmed that he was meant to pursue music professionally.

A Message for Future Generations

Noel’s ultimate goal through his music is to educate and inspire the next generation. By incorporating technical and academic themes into his rhymes, he hopes to make subjects like math, science, and history more accessible and engaging for younger audiences. “I hope there’s a kid in college, high school, or elementary who will listen to this album and be like, ‘yoooo that’s what my teacher was talking about!’” His mission goes beyond entertainment; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of the world through the lens of hip-hop.

With two more albums in the works, Noel is just getting started. Fans can look forward to his next project, which includes a collaboration with actress Kat Graham, known for her portrayal of Diana Ross in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. The album is set to release on the same day as the film, in April, promising to be another milestone in Noel’s evolving career. His commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of hip-hop makes him an artist to watch, as he continues to merge culture, technology, and education into a single, cohesive vision.

The Future of Hip-Hop

As Noel carves out his own niche in the music industry, he remains grounded in his principles while embracing the forward momentum of culture and technology. His music is not just an expression of personal experiences, but a dialogue with the world around him. Drawing from a variety of influences—from Nas to the cutting-edge conversations happening in Silicon Valley—Noel represents a new wave of artists who are not just musicians, but thinkers and innovators. As he continues to release music and inspire fans, his impact on the culture is sure to grow, proving that hip-hop can be both intellectually stimulating and universally relatable.

Explore Noel’s Music and Social Media

To stay updated on Noel’s latest releases, follow him on his social media platforms and streaming services:

• Instagram: @thealmightygenius
• Apple Music: Noel on Apple Music
• Spotify: Noel on Spotify
• Bandcamp: Noel’s Album Purchase Link