Noname – “Squatter” (Feat. DRAM)

We're theoretically getting a new Noname record sometime soon, but we still don't know when. Last year, the hugely gifted, idiosyncratic Chicago rapper announced plans to follow 2023's Sundial with a new mixtape called Cartoon Radio and shared the single "Hundred Acres." But Noname didn't announce a release date back then, and she still hasn't done it. It's probably hard to get a rollout going when you're worried that a squatter is going to break into your house and stay there while you're away on tour, something that apparently happened to Noname recently. That's the story she tells on her new single "Squatter."Noname can really weave a tale. Here's how she opens this one: "Yo, I'm in the big leagues/ Squatter in my house, he ridin' my ten-speed/ Stole my studio equipment and rackin' up rent free/ I shoulda listened to my momma and got the ADT." She relates a narrative about getting her friends to kick the uninvited guest out of her house and living in paranoia that he'll show up again — all over a bright and funky beat, from producer C-Sick, that recalls the graceful lope of classic West Coast rap. And then DRAM shows up.We haven't heard much from DRAM lately, either! The exuberantly hoarse Virginia singer arrives on "Squatter" to remind you how important it is to protect what you own. The subject matter doesn't seem like it should lend itself toward this kind of lush, catchy rap tune, but that's what happened. And while we still don't know what's going on with Cartoon Radio, Noname is about to head out on a tour to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her great debut mixtape Telefone. Hopefully, she's got the burglar alarm in place this time. Below, check out "Squatter" and her tour dates.TOUR DATES:7/31 - New York, NY @ Sony Hall8/02 - Toronto, ON @ Great Hall 8/04 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club 8/05 - New York, NY @ Sony Hall8/06 - Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl 8/08 - Richmond, VA @ Richmond Jazz Festival8/09 - Washington, DC @ Howard Theatre 8/11 - Atlanta, GA @ The Loft8/12 - Atlanta, GA @ The Loft 8/14 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues8/15 - Austin, TX @ Emo’s8/16 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues8/18 - Denver, CO @ Cervantes8/29 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda9/01 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda9/02 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom9/04 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom9/06 - Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot Festival9/10 - Chicago, IL @ Park West 9/11 - Chicago, IL @ Park West11/07 - London, UK @ Pitchfork Music Festival