If You Weren't at the Richmond Brave 2 Listening Party, Where Were You?
Big No (left) and Noah-O (right) at the Charged Up Flagship Store for a private listening session of Richmond Brave 2. (Photo courtesy of @worksoface)
by Charlton “C.D.O.T.” Wallace
On Wednesday, December 10th, Noah-O and Big No held their listening party for Richmond Brave 2 at the Charged Up Flagship Store. The night started with good vibes as Noah shared the story behind the album cover, which released on Friday, December 20th.
The man featured on the cover is known as “Sangin Shawty.” Originally from Petersburg, he is well known throughout the Richmond area. He’s a singer with a past in the streets who now shares his story about struggles with alcohol and drugs, encouraging others to seek rehab and showing them a healthier way to live.
Noah pressed play and ran tracks 1 through 18. Before each song, he shouted out the producers and rappers featured on each track. Big No lip-synced the entire project throughout the night. In the crowd were artists featured on the album, creators, media presences, other artists, and producers. Some people talked amongst themselves during track breaks or while songs were playing, but everyone remained locked in and tuned to the music.
The night ended with a bonus track that was played and performed by Big No and Noah-O. Following that, Noah spoke about the process behind the first Richmond Brave. He said, “We never even planned to make Richmond Brave 1.” Noah explained how, after the passing of Big No’s teenage son, he began stopping by Big No’s studio just to check on him. At the time, Big No and his team were working on a project they wanted Noah to be part of. Noah said the energy in the studio was so dope, he hadn’t felt that kind of vibe since he was a kid. That energy eventually grew and created the first Richmond Brave.
Learn more about the newest releases featured in the latest New Music on Scene.
Although Big No had known Noah for years, he never wanted to ask him for a feature or a tape — he wanted it to happen organically. As for Richmond Brave 2, Noah shared that he was in a deep depression and didn’t feel like making music or starting another project, but Big No was the battery in his back pushing him forward.
Big No quoted that he “wasn’t feeling it,” while Noah added, “This mane was calling me and forcing me in the studio,” which Big No agreed “Foreal” . The night ended with everyone clapping, talking, and connecting, before heading outside for interviews and networking.
Track List
INTRO FT. UNCLE PHED
BRILEY BROTHERS
RICHMOND TIMES FT. KING DELT
RED FLAG
BIGGER THAN BARS
FREE FT. STREET RELIGIOUS FRY + T.R.I.G
LIGHT OF MINE FT. ED DA REALIST
NOTHIN' FOR YOU
FEAR OR LOVE
TRIPLE CROWN FT. NICKELUS F
ALL YOU NEED FT. MICHAEL MILLIONS
BLOWING THE WIN FT. T.R.I.G.
I REMEMBER
SOLID AS THEY COME
NOBODY
AIN'T THIS
KEEP YOUR HEAD UP
NEVER ALONE
The album is executive produced by Richmond’s own Retro Izzy, who handled much of the production on the first Richmond Brave. Features include Nickelus F, Ed Da Realist, Michael Millions, T.R.I.G, KING DELT, and Street Religious Fry. This album balances the sound of trap and boom bap rap from Big No and Noah O, both hailing from the Northside of Richmond. While they bring different styles to the table, they share similar stories, passion, and purpose.
The project was written by Big No and Noah O. Tracks were recorded at Say Sum Studios, with additional recording done at Charged Up Studios and Purple Haus. The album was mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated Michael Millions at Purple Haus.
Photography and creative direction were handled by Rice God, with album design and layout done by Officehug.com. The album is released through Charged Up Entertainment (Noah O) and Eighty Eight Music Group (Big No).
The songs “Fear or Love” and “All You Need” were produced by LBE Hunt, while the track “Triple Crown” was produced by Nickelus F.
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Photos courtesy of @worksoface
