May 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m. ET
Eric Jackson catches up with Noah-O for a conversation about Charged Up Fest, the power of community, mental health in Hip Hop, fatherhood, and leaving a legacy that matters.
The energy being built in the city around Hip Hop has been charging for its moment for a while, and with the festival’s return, the current seas of talent have not only leveled up but are looking forward to riding the wave this celebration brings.
There’s an undeniable electricity moving through Richmond’s creative scene right now, and few artists embody it more fully than Noah-O. The veteran rapper, entrepreneur, and community advocate has long been a steady presence in Richmond’s Hip Hop landscape, but with the return of Charged Up Fest and the upcoming release of his new album Heretic, he’s making it clear that his mission is more than just the music — it’s about culture, community, and legacy.
Read More: Charged Up, Richmond Brave: A Community Brand’s Legal Battle and Triumph
The idea behind Charged Up Fest, now in its second year, is simple on the surface: a multi-day celebration of Hip-Hop and R&B featuring performances, panels, and community events. But as Noah explains, its purpose runs a little deeper.
“I believe we’re building something special in Richmond,” he says. “It’s not just about me getting a bigger stage or a platform. It’s about what we can do for this city and the people coming up in it. Sure, I could go to New York, Atlanta, or Cali and get interviews or appearances, but my mission has always been bigger than that. I believe Richmond has so much going on right now in terms of what we’re building in the scene.
Catch the full story in print — available May 25th at Le Cache Dulcet, Vinyl Conflict, or have it shipped straight to your door.
