Dominican rapper J Noa, also known as “La Hija del Rap Dominicano,” discovered her passion for music at the young age of five, rapping alongside her neighbors. Her journey led to a Latin Grammy nomination at just 18 for her track “Autodidacta.” Influenced by her community and rap battles, J Noa exudes confidence and power on stage. Through her music, she champions equality, female empowerment, and showcases proud Dominican talent.
Photos / Adrianah Hamui
Stylist / Danie Altamira
Photo Assistant / Benja VĂĄzquez
Hair / Juliette Herrerias
Makeup / Mena MĂ©ndez
Production by / Gzv Creative
In Conversation With Phil Gomez
Phil: Letâs start from the beginningâHow did your journey in music start, and what inspired you to pick up the mic?
J Noa: It all started in my neighborhood, rapping with my neighbors when I was just five years old. I kept doing it for fun and because I had the talent, until I finally decided to take it more seriously and turn it into a career.
Phil: You call yourself “La Hija del Rap Dominicano” What does that title mean to you?
J Noa: A rapper friend from New York gave me that name, and I feel like it represents me as a true promise of rap.
Phil: If you are the daughter of Rap, who is Mother?
J Noa: In the Latin urban music scene, people recognize Melymel as the mother of rap and LĂĄpiz Conciente as the father, both with impeccable careers.
Phil: Your track âAutodidactaâ earned a Latin Grammy nomination at just 18. What was that moment like for you?
J Noa: It was super exciting because I didnât expect that nomination at all. I felt so proud and happy. I make music because I love it, but being recognized for it is on a different level, and Iâm very grateful.
Phil: You’ve been compared to some of the fiercest lyricists in hip-hop. Who are your biggest influences, and how have they shaped your style?
J Noa: My first influences were my neighbors in the barrio. As I grew up, I started listening to rappers from all over Latin America, learning from each one. Since I started so young, what really shaped me was the rap battles in my
neighborhood.
Phil: Your energy on COLORSxSTUDIOS and Tiny Desk was beyond. Whatâs your mindset when you get into performance mode?
J Noa: I walk in with the mindset that the stage is mine. Nothing happens up there unless I want it to or allow it.
Phil: What message do you hope to amplify through your music?
J Noa: Equality, female empowerment, and showcasing real Dominican talent, especially from young artists.
Phil: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
J Noa: Canserbero, RosalĂa, Eladio CarriĂłn, and ArcĂĄngel.
Phil: Whatâs next for J Noa? Any new projects, dreams, or surprises you can share with us?
J Noa: Iâm working on my next album with exciting collaborations with Dominican artists. Iâm preparing something big.
Phil: If your flow had a superpower, what would it be?
J Noa: Super strength.
