WHAT HAPPENED TO NONCHALANT?

I will always love female rappers for two reasons. One, they're trying to make a name for themselves in a field that is dominated by dudes. Secondly, they have a unique way of sharing what goes on in their lives, society and neighbourhood in a passionate manner. I started listening to the music of Nonchalant in 1996, when my cousin in the United States [ He's born and bred in Obama's territory ] sent me her debut release in cassette format. The album was titled '' Until The Day ''. I listened to tape for a whole week and discovered that she's a real talent. The album had a jazzy feel with Nonchalant spitting words that reached out to the world at large.

Before listening to this sister's debut album, Queen Latifah and MC Lyte were my favourite female rappers. I loved Queen Latifah because of her boldness, Ghetto Appeal, and dress sense. On the other hand, MC Lyte appealed to me because of her looks, more romatic tunes and party grooves. Nonchalant came into my life courtesy of Deola and I suddenly had a new hero. She seemed to me, a combination of Laifah and Lyte. Non can be said to be a social crusader more than a party artiste. Most of the songs on '' Until The Day'' had messages of hope, faith, non-violence and aspiration.

Her most popular song to date is the thrilling track '' 5'O Clock ''. The song has a well produced video and it tries to warn young people all over the world about the dangers of drug dealing, hanging out with undesirable fellows, and living in crime. Another good track is '' Crap Rappers '' which speaks against unpolished and substandard rappers and their lyrics. Other tracks like '' Have A Good Time '' , ''Thank You'' and '' Light And Sirens '' [ A song that criticises the American Police positively ] are nice to listen to and learn from anyday, anytime.

However, where is this lovely sister today? I have not heard about her in years. I've come across some collaborations she did with other rappers on YOUTUBE, but she has not released a sophomore album. This D.C based sister is a blessing to the music world. Nonchalant was on WPGC 95.5 Radio in the D.C Area years ago as an on air personality. She was different from the female rappers that came after her. Remember them? I'm talking about the bling and flesh-flaunting generation of female rappers like Eve, Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown etc. Non said in an interview that she left MCA Records because the label did not offer her the opportunity to do what she wanted- Being able to innovate and compete with other artistes that were coming out back in those days of great rap albums.

Nonchalant remains a part of my life. I can't wait to get my hands on her second album, whenever she decides to release it and come out of her creative hood.

Sources: Youtube, RV.