After months of endless teasing( and torture) , South African rapper Novl, born and raised in Limpopo, is finally set to release his much-anticipated project Clichès and Realities this Friday, 11 October. As a loyal member of his fan base, The Book Club, I can’t help but share the excitement that has been building up for this drop.
“Clichès & Realities” Artwork Designed by Gerard Addison
Leading up to the release, Novl has gifted us with two singles that gave us a window into the album. The first, Skoloto, dropped in August, followed by 30 Bachelor Freestyle, which landed just last Friday, 4 October. This latest song is more than a typical freestyle—it’s a personal manifesto, reminding us that age will not diminish his artistry . On the song, the Gemini reflects on his journey, embracing his 30s with vigor and reminding us that, despite age, his lyrical prowess remains untouched. The message is clear: Novl’s talent transcends time, and his artistry continues to evolve, ensuring his place as an unstoppable force in the music scene. In this specific song, Novl asserts that while aging is inevitable, his music will immortalize him and that death, for now, remains at bay.
Clichès and Realities arrives on the heels of a carefully orchestrated and cryptic rollout that began last year, keeping The Book Club on edge. Novl first hinted at the album with the single Searching featuring Tyson Sybateli, and followed it up with two preludes: Costly Sacrifices (C & R Prelude) and Borrowed Time (C & R Prelude), both of which laid all the groundwork for this major release.
Although I sadly missed Novl’s listening session held on 28 September 2024, I have a feeling we can expect features from frequent collaborator Tyson Sybateli and Eswatini’s rising star Oriiginelle. These contributions promise to elevate the project further, blending Novl’s introspective storytelling with powerful guest performances.
What sets Novl as a cut above the rest of his peers is his unmatched ability to craft vividly intricate stories and explore multifaceted themes through his lyrics. With Clichès and Realities, I anticipate a deep dive into the contrasts between the simplistic ideas we often cling to and the far more nuanced realities of life. Novl has always been a master at peeling back the layers of surface-level beliefs to reveal the raw truths underneath, and I’m confident this album will continue that tradition. It’s clear that he’s offering more than music—he’s providing an experience that will challenge our perspectives and force us to confront the gap between illusion and authenticity.
As we prepare for the release of Clichès and Realities, I urge everyone to approach it not just as an album, but as a work of art that demands our attention and introspection. With Novl at the helm, there’s no doubt we’re in for a thought-provoking ride through his next chapter.It’s clear that this album will demand more than just a passive listen—this is music that will require us to think deeply, as we immerse ourselves in Novl’s next chapter.
Presave Clichès & Realities here: https://ampl.ink/Elb3a
