NovA has today released his new album titled ‘Dark Was The Night’. Derived as a total and absolute concept album, ‘Dark Was The Night’ definitely deserves your unbridled attention when you hit play on track one. Music that teaches as well as it entertains and evokes emotions is the type of music we need more of.
Shifting styles and mashing genres, NovA shows his vast repertoire of musical tastes and artistic choices. Consider the music a gateway drug with the intention of getting you to hear the messages and lyrics. Each track a chapter and every chapter a life lived and lesson learned. This is a perfect example of music as commentary.
About ‘Dark Was The Night’
NovA’s Dark Was the Night is a cinematic concept album by Philadelphia-based lyricist NovA and an instant underground hip-hop classic. In this album each song is a scene. It tells a gripping story of a young boy’s life, exploring themes of love, loss, and ultimately, his death.
The narrative begins with the devastating loss of the main character’s father, whose death sets him on a dark and tumultuous path. Amid the darkness, moments of hope emerge through the love and support of his romantic interest. However, this hope is shattered when his love interest betrays him, culminating in his tragic end.
The album effortlessly shifts between styles, showcasing NovA’s versatility and storytelling prowess. Hardcore hip-hop tracks like “Pocket Rocket,” “Package,” and “Sweet,” featuring fellow Philadelphia native Dev Hoc, deliver high-energy lyricism and gritty beats. These are seamlessly balanced with dark, introspective songs such as “No Where to Run,” “Hell On Earth,” and “Havoc,” which delve deep into themes of pain, struggle, and resilience.
Standout collaborations add depth to the album’s impact. Styles P delivers raw intensity on “Hell On Earth,” a hardcore, super-lyrical exploration of urban struggle and survival. Meanwhile, Freeway joins NovA on “Marvel,” an upbeat and confident anthem. As two Philadelphia natives, NovA and Freeway craft a track infused with hometown pride and infectious energy, positioning “Marvel” as a Philly classic.
On the other end of the spectrum, NovA embraces lush, silky-smooth R&B/pop-inspired tracks like “If You Let Me,” “Don’t Call It,” “One You Call,” and “Body,” infusing soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of love, vulnerability, and desire. These tracks add a softer, emotional dimension to the album, showcasing a different side of NovA’s artistry.
“Eye Wonder”, another standout track, takes a unique and poignant approach, telling the story of the main character’s death through the lens of Stevie Wonder’s discography, weaving his music into the narrative in a deeply emotional and creative way.
“Oh God, Good Lord” is a chill-inducing moment on the album, with NovA’s raw delivery and haunting production making it unforgettable. “Risk It All” offers a lush, rap/R&B-inspired vibe, blending heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies to explore themes of vulnerability and sacrifice. Meanwhile, “Hit Another Lick” delivers a dark and foreboding tale of crime, steeped in tension and grit.
The final four tracks of the album bring the story full circle, peeling back the layers of how and why the main character meets his tragic end. These songs reveal the decisions, betrayals, and circumstances that led to his downfall, offering a powerful and emotional conclusion to the narrative.
This emotionally charged album masterfully weaves a compelling tale of resilience, heartbreak, and the fragile balance between light and darkness, cementing its status as a standout in modern hip-hop.
About NovA
NovA has emerged from the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, carving out a distinct niche in the hip-hop world with a style that blends complex rhymes and poignant storytelling. His musical journey began at the age of 14, and he has since developed a unique sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Among the highlights of NovA’s career are his collaborations with hip-hop legends Freeway and Styles P on his latest album, “Dark Was The Night.” These partnerships not only serve as significant career milestones but also demonstrate his talent and hard work, earning him considerable respect within the hip-hop community.
“Dark Was The Night” is a gripping narrative about a man whose challenging childhood leads him through a life marked by intense relationships, profound loss, and ultimate betrayal, culminating in his death. The album explores themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the impact of life choices. Driven by a passion for crafting beautiful, meaningful music, NovA continually strives to push the boundaries of hip-hop, expressing a range of emotions through his lyrics and melodies. Looking forward, NovA is determined to broaden his influence in the music world and explore new creative avenues, ensuring his voice remains a powerful and influential force in the hip-hop industry.
LINKS:
https://novaofphilly.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/novaofphilly
https://x.com/novaishiphop
https://www.youtube.com/novaishiphop