Harlem Hellfighters by way of East L.A., Forest Hills, Miami, and Haiti. NOLA DARLING’s distinct sound is new school, yet reminiscent of the past; Their tongue in cheek sensibility and innovative sound combined with a unique image make Nola Darling incomparable. “We chant for peace and toast for kicks, rhyme for days and sing like we spit” say Alex and Jaq of their unique style and flavor.
Though born on opposite coasts (Alex in Queens, NY and Jaq in Los Angeles), the two girls share a similar world view which they attribute to their progressive upbringing. “Both sets of our parents were pretty socially conscious and forward thinking. We both grew up on everything from Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, and Ella Fitzgerald to Eddie Palmieri, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, and Bad Brains” says Jaq (aka Gidge).
Alex and Jaq began perfecting their craft as young girls, encouraged by their parents to explore all artistic mediums, with Alex studying music at the Harlem School of the Arts and Brooklyn Academy of Music while Jaq took to the small screen in shows like “Hanging With Mr. Cooper” and “ER”.
The two first met during a summer program at NYU’s highly selective High School Drama program at Tisch School of the Arts. After returning to NYU and earning degrees four years later, the two friends and collaborators decided to take a road trip across the globe to investigate Hip Hop culture overseas in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, London, the Netherlands, Paris, and Rome. The result of their unique quest is the film company, NOU LA Productions (“Nou La is Kreyol”; it translates loosely as “we are here, alive and well in the thick of struggle”) and their new documentary “WORD?! I Didn’t Know (____________) Could Get Down Like That”! The Film premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in Feb 2008.
While overseas filming “WORD?!”,the two discovered their own musical compatibility and from then on have never looked back. Upon their return to NY the ladies wasted no time hitting the stage performing everywhere from Crash Mansion NYC, The Knitting Factory, Bowery Poetry Club, Southpaw (BK), Sputnink, The Hook and New York University. The ladies have since relocated to Los Angeles to conquer new territory. Since landing on west coast soil, Nola Darling has had the opportunity to perform at the Jazz Reggae Festival at UCLA, DUB Car Show, The Viper Room, The Roxy, The Temple Bar, USC, Dakota Lounge and many more. They have opened for the likes of J Cole, Cali Swag and Eryka Badu. NOLA DARLING has also been featured in the NY POST, URB:Top 25, XXL.com and several of the popular blog sites such as 2dopeboyz.com, Onsmash.com, Nahright.com, Honey.com and the list goes on. The ladies unique style has caught the eye of the fashion world leading to features on fashion/lifestyle blogs such as MISS and inclusion in a campaign for the clothing brand Made Me. The ladies have also been featured on their first magazine cover for a local music publication LA Raw. In addition they recently participated in CMJ where they performed on the Honey Magazine showcase.
Over the past year the ladies have released 2 music videos. One video was a teaser remix to the BEP hit record “Boom Boom Pow” which has approx 12K hits and one for an original song “Step To Me”, which is at approximately 10K hits. In between the ladies continue to release regular vlogs called “Rude Gals Guide To..” chronicling their lives and expounding on their “rude gal” philosophies and lifestyle and tips.
Citing The Fugees, Ella Fitzgerald, Tanya Stephens, MC Lyte, Steel Pulse, Esthero, Michael Jackson, and Salt N Pepa, among many others as strong influences, NOLA DARLING continues to helm their craft and create their own sound. The ladies have grown tremendously since the release of their initial body of work “Pretty Gritty Mixtape”. They recently completed an EP executive produced by producer/artist Kwame. Kwame transitioned from being a hip-hop artist to a successful producer, having worked with the likes of Mary J Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera, LL Cool J and more. Their first single “STFU (Start The Riot)” was released via Bandcamp for free download in July 2011 and will be available on iTunes in August 2011. Nola Darling looks forward to leaving their own mark in the industry by bringing new sounds and a new point of view.
