Jahan Nostra is a talented MC from Stamford, CT and Mount Vernon, NY. In his early childhood, Nostra lived in Mount Vernon, NY — hometown to Pete Rock, Heavy D, and Sean "Diddy" Combs. Nostra's musically talented neighbors inspired him to begin rhyming at 9 years old. After moving to the inner-city of Stamford, CT, Nostra continued to develop his lyrical talent and at age 13, and he was signed to the label BMX Entertainment in Brooklyn, NY.
In high school, Nostra showcased his talent on the independent scene, recording freestyles on mixtapes. He and his partner Kyro also recorded tracks with producer Raydar Ellis (who later worked under Dr. Dre at Aftermath).
After high school, Nostra moved to North Carolina to study Journalism. During college, he worked at Duke University Radio with 9th Wonder, who introduced him to Big Pooh and Phonte. During these years — the early stages of Little Brother — Nostra even had to face-off in a battle with Phonte at the famed Cat's Cradle. After returning to CT, Jahan recorded and released the Bedtime Street Album (2012). Then, in 2013, Nostra released "Sleepwalking", produced by Poppa Pill featuring Hakim Green (of Channel Live).
Nostra spent 2014 touring with the Vans Warped Tour and the Full Blast Summer Tour. In 2016, he released his latest album, "ESP", remastered by Daddy Kev, with features by Smif-N-Wessun and Tone Trump. In 2017, Nostra freestyled with RZA at the City Winery (NY), he performed at Spotify (NY), and he traveled throughout the United States and Canada to promote "ESP".
With respect to his creative influences, Nostra credits Tupac Shakur as an inspiration for "his ability to paint pictures with great emotion and put poetry in motion while still being true to himself". Taking his craft seriously, Nostra has an artist statement that he lives by: "To uplift for the future, reflect reality and prove that I'm the illest."
Last Updated: May 31, 2021