Hip-hop lovers across the nation are probably eager for fresh sounds in the space. Luckily, Joe West is making his name known and continues to skyrocket with his new single ‘Switch.’ Joe is an artist all-around, from fashion to music, he has it all and brings freshness to the industry around every corner. We had the opportunity to sit down with him and get to know him a bit better. He revealed his favorite African artists and dream editorial shoot with us while also letting fans know why his music is so important to him.
GET TO KNOW JOE
Welcome to The Honey Pop, Joe! We are so excited to deep dive into your musical journey and newest track, ‘Switch.’ First, would you tell our readers three fun facts about yourself? Something that both new fans and OGs can learn.
1. I played college basketball in Minnesota
2. I’m a signed model in 4 different countries
3. My uncle is a Prime Minister
You seem to have a wonderful support system around you! If your friends had to describe you in just one word, what would they choose?
They would probably use the word “ENERGY”.
What are some of your favorite songs of all time, and who are you currently listening to?
‘Heartless’ by Kanye West, ‘The Panties’ by Mos Def, ‘Hail Mary’ by Tupac, and ‘It Was Written’ by Dave East are some of my favorite songs of all time. I’m currently listening to Toure, Sir, Mick Jenkins, Dvsn, and Central Cee.
Each of us has our own unique experience and relationship with music. What is your first memory surrounding music? Did you grow up around music in your household?
My first memory surrounding music was my parents’ cassette of Michael Jackson, and I would play that every day with my guitar, I didn’t grow up in a music household. My parents played a lot of Senegalese ( West African Country) music but no musicians. I’m the first in my family.
FASHION AND ARTISTIC INFLUENCES
Tell us about your editorial journey. You stun in the pages of magazines across the globe and most recently were featured on the cover of Numéro. Did your artistic journey begin in fashion and modeling?
Yes, my journey began in modeling after I graduated from college. I immediately got into modeling in 2018 and didn’t look back after that.
If you had the opportunity to be on the cover of your favorite magazine, which one would it be, and how would you creatively direct the shoot?
It would be on Time Magazine. The shoot concept would be duality and double identity in American immigrants. It’ll have myself facing all major components of who I am, showing the dexterity in my character.
Tell us about your relationship with Hip-Hop. How have you evolved in the genre since you first started?
My relationship with Hip-Hop began the moment I was born in Harlem. I made up music and freestyles, and honestly, just seeing Jim Jones when I was 11 reaffirmed my love for the genre. It evolved in college when I started freestyling with my boys from Chicago. Then, from there, it was no stopping!
Your parents are from Senegal, and you have familial ties to West Africa. Who are your favorite African artists? How do you incorporate African sounds into your music today?
My favorite African artists are Youssou Ndour, Salif Keita, Ndongo lo, and Thione Seck. My accent is already attributed to my music, but there’s one banger I have that has a Senegalese sample of one of our biggest artists there, and it freaking rocks!
‘SWITCH’
For us, ‘Switch’ is a song all about keeping good friends close while cutting out the negative energy of “fake friends.” What does the track mean to you and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
That track really grew on me. To me, it signifies the realization of being present and taking the necessary steps to become better! I want listeners to feel like they’re being heard and that I understand. Just focus on what’s best – it’ll always come from This Way That Way This Way That Way.
In the opening chorus you sing, “Comin’ from where I’m from, gotta talk like this/Watch both ways, I’m worried ’bout who gon’ switch”- tell us about this lyric and why you chose to include it.
I’m from New York City, where my confidence is high, there’s 8 million people on this island. You have to have tough skin, no doubt, so it can be misconstrued for arrogance, but I just talk like this. So now I gotta check who’s gonna switch because of my growth!
MOVING TOWARD THE FUTURE
What are your aspirations for 2024 (musical or other)?
I want to have a Gold record, hit over a million monthly listeners, drop over 5 videos before the end of the year! I want to be on tour this year on the biggest of stages performing in front of millions of people, getting recognition from the greats… best new emerging artist by 2025.
Is there anything else you’d like new fans to know about you or your music?
I’m very versatile. What you hear in one song can be a different dynamic in another song because of the way I feel, sound, or just my infliction at the moment. I want new fans to know I’m old school with a mixture of this generation. My music is meant for speakers to the voice of the unheard! It’s energy that transcends the ear.
Wow! We are so impressed by Joe’s dynamic influences and abilities in the industry! What did you think of our interview with Joe West? Are you a new fan or an OG one? Let us know in the comments below or by buzzing with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram 🐝.
Eager for more interviews? We’ve got you covered, honeybee!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOE WEST:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
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