Rising music star NovaBlaq pulled back the curtain on his highly anticipated album, NIGHTCRAWLER, during an interview on 3Music TV’s Big Conversation. The session offered fans a detailed preview of the project, which blends modern sounds with a mix of high-energy anthems and introspective storytelling. With seven tracks in the works, NIGHTCRAWLER marks a significant milestone in NovaBlaq’s career as he continues to carve out his space in the global music scene.
NovaBlaq described NIGHTCRAWLER as a “modern contemporary album,” a deliberate choice reflecting his desire to experiment with fresh, forward-leaning production styles. “I chose a bunch of modern sounds to go with,” he explained, signaling a departure from the strict hip-hop roots of his earlier work toward a more versatile sonic palette. The album’s title, NIGHTCRAWLER, hints at its primary vibe—an energetic soundtrack for nightlife and social moments. “It’s for before you go out, at the function, even if you’re just chilling,” he said, painting a picture of an album designed to elevate moods and set the scene for memorable nights. Of the seven tracks, five are “straight bangers,” crafted to get listeners moving, while two delve into more personal territory, offering a glimpse into the artist’s inner world.
Among the personal tracks, NovaBlaq revealed that one song subtly addresses the recent passing of his father, a loss that has deeply affected him. Recorded as the second-most-recent track, it captures a moment of raw emotion, though he was careful to clarify its limits. “I touched on it a little bit, but I don’t fully go into it,” he shared candidly. “I was going in to record a grief song, but the beat took me somewhere else.” He emphasized that he’s still processing the experience and isn’t ready to fully unpack it musically. “I’m not about to just pick up a pen and start talking about my pops passing—I need to know what this loss means first,” he said, underscoring his respect for both his father’s memory and his own emotional journey. This restraint highlights NovaBlaq’s approach to authenticity: he refuses to force vulnerability for the sake of art, choosing instead to let it emerge organically when the time feels right.
The album’s development hasn’t been without its challenges. NovaBlaq began working on NIGHTCRAWLER last year, initially planning a 2024 release complete with a rollout strategy. However, personal struggles derailed that timeline. “I was dealing with some stuff, and rapping felt kind of trivial,” he admitted, recalling a period when creating a “fun album” seemed out of step with his reality. After taking time to regroup, he reignited the project, recently sending it for mastering—a critical step he entrusts to specialists. “Mixing and mastering are their own disciplines,” he noted, crediting engineers Axel and Matt Volk for handling those final touches while he focuses on production and performance. “You start to understand very quickly there’s a huge difference—you can’t do it all with a creative mind.”
NIGHTCRAWLER will also feature collaborations with up-and-coming artistes, including Jaleel Thomas, whom NovaBlaq hailed as “so tough” and “underrated.” The pair’s track, held for over a year, found its perfect home on this album. “I was like, this is the time,” NovaBlaq said, excited to spotlight Thomas’s talent alongside his own. Other unnamed features will round out the project, showcasing NovaBlaq’s knack for spotting and elevating fresh voices. These collaborations add a communal layer to NIGHTCRAWLER, amplifying its appeal as a shared experience for listeners.
Reflecting on the album’s significance, NovaBlaq called it his “best sonic project” to date, a bold claim rooted in its polished production and emotional range. “My next one after that is gonna be better,” he added with confidence, hinting at an ambitious trajectory ahead. The delay, while unplanned, allowed him to refine the work, ensuring it meets his high standards. “I think that’s gonna be for me, like, my best sonically,” he reiterated, suggesting NIGHTCRAWLER could be a defining moment in his discography.
The album builds on NovaBlaq’s growing reputation, bolstered by past successes like his 2021 hit frodo baggins and the 2023 heartbreak-inspired single TOO RISKY With NIGHTCRAWLER, he aims to solidify his versatility, blending his comfort zones—drill and Afrobeats, where his vocals “sit very well”—with broader influences. “I’m always trying to take it there, whatever shape it takes,” he said during the interview, whether that’s Hip-hop, Pop, or beyond.
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