Nova the Rebel

Meet the Artist: Cleveland rapper Nova the Rebel has been dropping releases at a staggering rate over the past few years, including more than a half-dozen mixtapes since 2009. "It is definitely important for me to stay busy," he says. "As an artist, you find different things that trigger your writing. I write just about every day."

Happy Hump Day: Most recently, Nova released Rebel Wednesday: The Soundtrack, a collection of tracks that debuted on Facebook and Twitter every Wednesday for 30 weeks straight. Impressive, no doubt. What's even more impressive is the consistently high quality of the cuts.

Making an Impression: Nova says he likes to think about crafting a song from the perspective of a painter, with beats acting as the main inspiration: "If I hear the music, then I can envision the kind of portrait I can paint. Once I can see that portrait in my mind, I can craft my masterpiece."

Why You Should Hear Him: Nova isn't just prolific — he's eclectic. You'll hear everything from Houston chopped-and-screwed to Diplo-influenced electro to dusty boom-bap soul samples. His way with words keeps it all moving — from quickly quotable punch lines to image-laden narratives.

Where You Can Hear Him: novatherebel.net

Where You Can See Him: At Earth Night Club on Friday, May 11.
- Scene Magazine

As I entered his hotel, the lobby had an unusual Sunday busy-ness–two family reunions were based there, a conference ended in one of their banquets, and Nova The Rebel had filming crew Flat Out Productions documenting his weekend Atlanta trip. Talk about an exploding star! SoulTrain.com managed to find the most vacant spot in the hotel lobby to talk with Nova about the inspiration behind his name, his album Thinking Out Loud, and Cleveland sports.

SoulTrain.com: How did you get the name Nova The Rebel?

Nova The Rebel: I used to play Final Fantasy VII, and took the name from the character Nova.

SoulTrain.com: Wow, so are you excited for the new Final Fantasy?

Nova: Yeah! I’m not into my RPGs like I used to be, but I might have to take one for the team and get it.

SoulTrain.com: So how do you implement the character Jenova, or the game overall, into your music, if you do that?

Nova: As we all know, nova is an exploding star by definition. I just look at that as symbolic to what I am and what is to come.

SoulTrain.com: What is your take on your musical direction from songs like “Follow Me” to the stuff on your debut album Thinking Out Loud?

Nova: Obviously from the title, I am shedding thoughts from my personal life and giving it to the world. People are gonna appreciate it because it’s so much of me it’s just real.

SoulTrain.com: As far as your sound and style of rhyme, how does Thinking Out Loud fit in?

Nova: I wanna say soulful, but the music is too diverse. You got a little bit of everything, from trunk-rattling music to your sit-back-and-think music. It’s just a big mixture of things.

SoulTrain.com: What will folks hear when they hear your lyricism and lyrical content?

Nova: I’m not an A-B-C type of artist. I bring in a lot of wordplay, but I still get across what I wanna say.

SoulTrain.com: I remember meeting you at last year’s A3C when you were there as a performer, and you’ll be there again this year. How did you link up with them?

Nova: My publicist is a beast! She presents my music very well. All I really know is they liked what they heard, wanted me there and I was there.

SoulTrain.com: It was nice to meet folks who were doing their thing as an artist at A3C, and then meet somebody from Ohio like me! So about Ohio, and Cleveland, and Cleveland sports. First, I gotta see how you feel about Andrew Bynum becoming a Cavalier.

Nova: If he can stay healthy, we’re good. And keep his hair straight, we’re definitely instantly in the playoffs.

SoulTrain.com: I feel you because you have the rest of the Cavs, too.

Nova: Yeah, Kyrie is doing his thing. Plus, you got Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson growing into beasts. We’re a young team, but it’s some strength there. And then to bring in some vets, I like what we’re doing. We haven’t been to the playoffs since that one guy left though.

SoulTrain.com: Oh, “that one guy?” Word?

Nova: No, not like that. Ok, since LeBron left we haven’t been to the playoffs, but I look forward to seeing that we do this year.

SoulTrain.com: Oh ok, I feel you. I root for Cleveland just because it’s a team in Ohio doing their thing. But back to the music. A lot of people ask me about talent from Ohio, so I wanna know, who are some Cleveland artists that you know and love?

Nova: There’s an artist under Krayzie Bone’s label named Caine who’s definitely doing his thing. There are a few others too: Jay Casino, who’s usually on the road with me; Mookie Motonio, L.O.E. and Defoe are the ones I can think of. But you have to check out the scene–the scene is beautiful.

SoulTrain.com: Are any of these artists on Thinking Out Loud?

Nova: I have absolutely no features on this album. It’s all of me.

Follow Nova on Twitter @NovaTheRebel or go to his website www.novatherebel.net.

–Starletta Watson - Soultrain.com

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 24, 2013 - CLEVELAND -- Cleveland hip-hop artist, Nova the Rebel and his imprint Novastar Music Group have inked an exclusive worldwide distribution deal through Tri Entertainment Group/Urban City Entertainment/Select-O-Hits Distribution.

Signing with Tri Entertainment Group will allow him to have his debut album in every store—from FYE to Target to the mom and pop stores.

 Brian Anthony, Chairman/CEO, Tri Entertainment Group adds, “Innovation is always impactful and something that is groundbreaking but I think that this is something that Nova is bringing back to the state of hip-hop.  Hip-hop was all about the lyrical content, the delivery, the originality, etc. all of which I feel Nova possesses.  I’m looking forward to getting behind something that not only the world but the hip-hop community and the fans have really been patiently waiting for.

Johnny Roscoe, President, Urban City Records said, “I’m excited about the signing of Nova the Rebel.  The future is bright and what we are going to do for Cleveland is going to be major.”

Tri Entertainment Group is an entertainment/multimedia company currently located in Cleveland, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia.  After observing and researching the untapped potential of the Cleveland entertainment market, Tri Entertainment Group has created an outlet for artist to professionally develop their skills, as they prepare for both national and global exposure.  With the company being located in two (2) metropolitan areas, Tri Entertainment Group has secured its recognition among Atlanta's record company executives for distribution and operates as the only entity of its kind in the city of Cleveland.

Select-O-Hits is one of the largest independent record distributors in the country, providing services for over 300 independent vendors to all key US music traditional "brick and mortar" retailers, as well as digital media sites such as iTunes and eMusic in Memphis, Tennessee. They have been in business for 50 years and distribute artists that include Eightball & MJG, Pastor Troy, Dondria, Jimmy Buffett, Three Six Mafia, BeBe & CeCe Winans and more.

Nova the Rebel has this to say in regards to this new endeavor, “My team (Novastar Music Group) and I have been working extremely hard, working nonstop in order to garner attention and that’s exactly what we’ve done.  This is what we needed in order to expand the brand.  I look forward to everything that’s about to happen, not just for me but for my city.”

Nova the Rebel has been tirelessly working on making a name for himself and with seven mixtapes, countless videos, performances at Kvarious major festivals, co-signs by major industry professionals and a few awards/nominations under his belt this guy is definitely making waves.    
- http://www.prlog.org

Nova The Rebel is an upcoming rap artist, who started out at the age of 7 just rapping and freestyling, making little low quality tapes on his karaoke machine.
Now recording in studios located in his hometown of Cleveland, as well as recording in New York, get to know him.

HipHopLEAD: Give us a brief introduction of yourself.
Nova The Rebel: I am Nova the Rebel. I’m not out here trying to be anyone else but me. I don’t try to conform or morph myself into something that I’m not. I give 100% in everything that I do and you can sense that in my music, my performances, my freestyles and my all around work ethic. I’m young, witty, a beast, ill, exciting, aggressive, fun and I’m N.O.V.A.
HipHopLEAD: How did you get your art name?
Nova The Rebel: Actually, I got the Nova part off of a video game where there was an evil character. I liked the name so I took the “Nova” and the “Rebel” just represents how I stand period, as far as my viewpoints oppose to others. The “Rebel” is the way that I have always felt, I always felt rebellious to a lot of the ways of society. It’s so much drama and material worship around where I felt like I needed to rebel against it.
HipHopLEAD: For how long have you been into music making?
Nova The Rebel: Since I was about 7 years old.
HipHopLEAD: What or who motivated you to get into music making?
Nova The Rebel: Both of my older brothers who are also underground artists. In the industry, guys like Nas, Bootcamp Clik, Bone Thugs n’ Harmony and a host of some of the early 1990’s rappers.
HipHopLEAD: Have you been making any live performances recently?
Nova The Rebel: My last performance was at the 20/20 Martini Lounge in Cleveland, Ohio which was in November 2009. Prior to that was Rockstar in Cleveland, OH which is located above Peabody’s in September 2009.
HipHopLEAD: How do you promote your music?
Nova The Rebel: The Internet is such a powerful and dominate force in everything that I do so I use it to my advantage. Any website I could possibly use to put myself as well as my music out there, I use it. I also have flyers and of course word of mouth. I promote also through my concerts and through radio interviews.
HipHopLEAD: Do you ever plan of getting signed to a major label or you are good as far as you are able build up your buzz?
Nova The Rebel: I’m good with building my own buzz, I’m not necessarily looking for a major label to sign me. I have always felt the need to control my own destiny, me and my team. I don’t feel like I necessarily need that particular help.
HipHopLEAD: What should the audience be expecting from you in the next coming years?
Nova The Rebel: More performances, more music, more exposure, just a lot “More”.
HipHopLEAD: Give us the title of one of your favourite tracks done and why is it so special to you?
Nova The Rebel: “Two Middle Fingers Up” is my favorite and the reason being is that I let my emotions pour into that track. It was therapeutic and it let me get a lot off my chest. It’s one of the songs people can relate to the most, it’s funny but at the same time it showed me that a lot of people felt the exact same way that I felt.
HipHopLEAD: How can anyone interested in your music for business proposals or get more from you get in touch?
Nova The Rebel: Through my publicist Natasha Daniels at mzndaniels@gmail.com or through myspace.com/NOVAstar23 and twitter.com/Novatherebel My website is under construction but it’s: novatherebel.net
HipHopLEAD: Any last words?
Nova The Rebel: Don’t be afraid to be you. Never expect anyone to guide your career, take your destiny into your own hands. Only deal with people you feel you can truly trust. Make your music the way you want to make your music because when it’s from the heart it’s the best music. Finally, don’t be afraid to step out of the box but with that be an individual. Thanks HipHopLead for letting me introduce myself. - On the Grind

Cleveland’s Nova The Rebel is also garnering some attention from some heavy hitters in the rap game. After a few celebrated mixtapes – check Underground Rebel Vol. 1 – his debut album is due for late 2012 through his own Novastar Music Group LLC label. Expect more of his Wale or Andre 3000-style witty and playful rhymes over some golden-era beats, with such producers as Max Beats, Vette Boyz, Elo the Source and Grammy Nominated BpZy aka Baby Paul all signed up. - NXNE

Feb 02, 2011 – Originally released in late 2010, "Life Under Lights" was a solid piece of work which showcased Nova the Rebel's versatility & songmaking ability. Revisited with previously unreleased bonus cuts & an endorsement from veteran music producer, Baby Paul aka "BpZy" we present:

Life Under Lights 1.5"- mixtape available for download on http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com, http://www.datpiff.com & http://www.doe4life.com

The Cleveland native, Nova the Rebel is definitely creating a lane for himself as well as garnishing attention from a few heavy hitters in the music industry. "Life Under Lights 1.5" features talent from New York's own Angelous and fellow Clevelander Jay Casino. It also displays production from such producers as Max Beats, Vette Boyz and super producer BpZy aka Baby Paul who has worked with hip-hop greats such as AZ, Fat Joe, Big Pun and Nas just to name a few.

BpZy has this to say about Nova the Rebel:
"I have to say it's been some time since I've come across an up & coming artist of this caliber in today's industry climate. I have quietly watched this artist over a period of about 5 years grow & develop into 1 of the most promising new hip-hop artists in the marketplace."

About Nova the Rebel
He was discovered by the Indie New York label K-Class Music who at sometime back when boasted, Angelous, the underground rapper known most for his vocal tone which sounds similar to rapper Jay-Z's, also the man behind "Manic Mondays", K.Sparks, and now G.O.O.D. music artist Kid Cudi who has dropped numerous mixtapes since he joined the team.

Undergound Rebel Vol. 1, Underground Rebel Vol. 2, the Compilation Mixtape Grind Team USA "Chain of Affiliates", Familiar Portrait, Life Under Lights and Life Under Lights 1.5. He's also been working with a former member of Da Beatminerz; Baby Paul aka BPZY. Nova the Rebel was featured in the audio section of Hiphopgame.com, djBooth.net (audio section with K.Sparks), MixtapeNYC.com, has been on DJ Sireel's The Bailout Plan mixtape, has appeared on numerous K.Sparks and Angelous mixtapes, featured on Joey Fingaz mixtape "Say Hello To My Little Friend", has been featured on the Cleveland based rap dvd "Block to Block" parts 2 and 3, led the intro. for Cleveland based hip-hop show "Did it Happen Overnight?" which came on public access television, has performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as Peabodys Concert Club, Rockstar Rock Lounge, 20/20 Martini Lounge and the Blue Rock.

He has been interviewed and featured in Cleveland based magazine "B- Fly", interviewed and spotlighted on HipHopLead.com, interviewed on Ms. Kitty Williams Radio Show, is a regular on 89.3 FM WCSB the Cleveland State University radio station, was the First Champion of Cleveland based rap battle ground "Spitboxing" (which was a place where the battle rappers engaged in verbal combat), interviewed on Urbanunionradio with DJ Ice Mike and Chef and his single “Paper Callin” was also spotlighted on DJ Latin Assassin’s Z107.9 fm Cleveland Homejamz which generated radio spins on the radio station, and is currently nominated for an Ohio Hustle award for Lyricist of the Year. So this guy is doing things but is really poised to take off at this point!

Nova the Rebel is currently finishing up his project entitled "Rebel Wednesdays" in which he releases a new track via twitter and facebook every Wednesday for 30 weeks. He is currently on week 15. So far this year he will be featured on several Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes, DJ Ames International Hustle 1.5 hosted by Ace Hood and thisis50.com presents In The Studio Booth volume 2. He will also be releasing another mixtape scheduled to be released this Summer and a host of other projects that are currently in the works and soon to be announced.

In response to how he feels about his growth in the music industry, Nova the Rebel has this to say:
"I'm more and more excited about it, each time that I write. It's been proven that things only get better with time and I think the more I grow, the more my fans will be able to grow with me because the content is always going to be there. As long as I can consistently deliver and execute with my view points, I think that my growth will help with keeping my listeners growing with me. I think that it all ties in."


For more information on hip-hop artist Nova the Rebel, check out his website at http://www.novatherebel.net follow him on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/novatherebel check out his music at http://www.reverbnation.com/rebelmovementftw and stay posted on what’s going on with Nova the Rebel at http://www.novatherebel.tumblr.com/ - PRLog.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Nova the Rebel
Nova the Rebel
PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 24, 2011 - Cleveland hip-hop artist, Nova the Rebel is continuing to pave a way for himself, not only by showcasing his versatility and songmaking ability through his music but as of 2011 we can now add "award winner" to his list of credentials.

Nova the Rebel has not only clinched the 2011 award for Lyricist of the Year for OhioHustle.com (http://www.ohiohustle.com/2011/08/2011-ohiohustlecom-awa ...) but he has also won (2) awards [People's Male MC and Artist's MC] at The Fourth Annual Rebel Army Awards (http://rarawards.t83.net/) which will take place October 1, 2011 at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, OH where Nova the Rebel will do a live performance.

Nova the Rebel is currently nominated in the category of Lyricist of the Year for the 2011 Ohio Hip Hop Awards which will take place September 24, 2011 at the COSI Science Center in Columbus, OH (http://ohiohiphopblog.com/2011/08/16/the-official-2001-o ...)

Nova the Rebel's "Life Under Lights", which was originally released in late 2010, was a solid piece of work which showcased Nova the Rebel's versatility & songmaking ability. His "Life Under Lights 1.5" is now revisited with previously unreleased bonus cuts & an endorsement from veteran music producer, Baby Paul aka "BpZy".

Life Under Lights 1.5"- mixtape is now available for download on http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com, http://www.datpiff.com, http://www.doe4life.com & http://www.novatherebel.net

The Cleveland native, Nova the Rebel is definitely creating a lane for himself as well as garnishing attention from a few heavy hitters in the music industry. "Life Under Lights 1.5" features talent from New York's own Angelous and fellow Clevelander Jay Casino. It also displays production from such producers as Max Beats, Vette Boyz and super producer BpZy aka Baby Paul who has worked with hip-hop greats such as AZ, Fat Joe, Big Pun and Nas just to name a few.

BpZy has this to say about Nova the Rebel:
"I have to say it's been some time since I've come across an up & coming artist of this caliber in today's industry climate. I have quietly watched this artist over a period of about 5 years grow & develop into 1 of the most promising new hip-hop artists in the marketplace."

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH the 80's baby who now goes by Nova the Rebel, started out at the age of 7 just rapping and freestyling, making little low quality tapes on his karaoke machine. Nowadays, he's recording in studios located in his hometown of Cleveland, as well as recording in New York. He was discovered by the Indie New York label K-Class Music who at sometime back when boasted, Angelous, the underground rapper known most for his vocal tone which sounds similar to rapper Jay-Z's, also the man behind "Manic Mondays", K.Sparks, and now G.O.O.D. Music artist Kid Cudi who has dropped numerous mixtapes since he joined the team.

Undergound Rebel Vol. 1, Underground Rebel Vol. 2, the Compilation Mixtape GrindTeam USA "Chain of Affiliates", Familiar Portraits, Life Under Lights and Life Under Lights 1.5. He's also been working with a former member of Da Beatminerz, Baby Paul aka BpZy. Nova the Rebel was featured in the audio section of Hiphopgame.com, djBooth.net (audio section with K.Sparks), MixtapeNYC.com, has been on DJ Sireel's The Bailout Plan mixtape, has appeared on numerous K.Sparks and Angelous mixtapes, featured on Joey Fingaz mixtape "Say Hello To My Little Friend", has been featured on the Cleveland based rap dvd "Block to Block" parts 2 and 3, led the intro. for Cleveland based hip-hop show "Did it Happen Overnight?" which came on public access television, has performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as Peabodys Concert Club, Rockstar Rock Lounge and the 20/20 Martini Lounge. He has been interviewed and featured in Cleveland based magazine, "B-Fly", interviewed and spotlighted on HipHopLead.com, interviewed on Ms. Kitty Williams Radio Show, is a regular on 89.3 FM the Cleveland State University radio station, was the First Champion of Cleveland based rap battle ground "Spitboxing" (which was a place where the battle rappers engaged in verbal combat), interviewed on Urbanunionradio with DJ Ice Mike and Chef and his single “Paper Callin” was also spotlighted on DJ Latin Assassin’s Z107.9 FM Cleveland Homejamz which generated radio spins on the radio station.

Nova the Rebel has finished up his latest project entitled "Rebel Wednesdays" in which he released a new track via twitter, facebook, thadoubleo.com and ohiohustle.com every Wednesday for 30 weeks. The Rebel Wednesday Soundtrack can be downloaded for free at http://www.datpiff.com and various other websites and blogs. So far this year he will be featured on several Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes, DJ Ames International Hustle 1.5 hosted by Ace Hood and thisis50.com presents In The Studio Booth volume 2. So this guy is doing things - PRLog.org