J Noa Tackles Her Generation’s Mental Health Crisis on New Meditative Rap Single “Era de Cristal”

Just ahead of a festival debut in her home of Santo Domingo on March 9, Dominican rapper J Noa is using her platform to speak her mind on mental health with the introspective single and video, “Era De Cristal.” Outside of her festival debut at Isle of Light in Santo Domingo on March 9, she’s also set to appear in the US at SXSW in Austin, Texas, in March. 

Never one to shy away from speaking on ongoing issues, as heard on her first EP Autodidacta, released last year, “Era De Cristal” captures another side to J Noa, best known for her fiery wordsmithing and fast-rapping ability. Apart from the setting of the visuals, which show J Noa in Santo Domingo, the song is nothing short of universal, coming to terms with mental health struggles among young people through staggering rap flows.

Given the lyrics touch on depression, anxiety, and insecurity, J Noa’s fast-paced delivery might shock listeners. But if anything, it shows she can utilize her rapping style for any topic, serious or otherwise. Her confidence in discussing potentially upsetting subject matter is backed by her pondering tough questions, such as “Have you ever wondered why happiness is so ephemeral…Have you wondered if evil is necessary, have you wondered why humans don’t know how to love?” (lyrics translated from Spanish to English).

Unsurprisingly, the stripped-back beat allows J Noa to flow and let the words do most of the talking. That’s not to say the production lacks any character. The track’s climax bounces back to life as fluttering strings contrast the beat, increasing in intensity. However, J Noa still stands as the strongest aspect, adding another single to a long list of impressive material accumulated relatively quickly.

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In the music video for “Era De Cristal,” directed by frequent collaborator Lennyn Salinas, J Noa wrestles with insomnia in an accurate and familiar sight for young people. Unlike the frenetic energy of previous videos, there’s a sense of being stuck in the same place, particularly when J Noa becomes submerged in a dark pool. What’s meant to be a space for comfort becomes a cage, encapsulating much of what’s mentioned in the song’s lyrics.

Scoring a nomination at the 2023 Latin Grammys would’ve been enough of a feat for any burgeoning creative, but J Noa continues to pick up recognition for her flourishing career. In the past few months, she scored Breakthrough Artist nominations at Premios Soberano and Premio Lo Nuestro. And breakthrough she has, with 2024 expected to be another banner year for the 18-year-old.

Words: David Sosa

“Era De Cristal” by J Noa is out on streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow her on Instagram.