Interview: Joyner Lucas Talks New Music, ‘Along Came Joyner’ and More

Joyner Lucas is a rapper with a unique blend of gritty lyricism, effortless skill and a knack for futuristic sounds even if they are borrowed from other genres like dubstep or EDM. An intriguing wordsmith that’s been catching the attention of rap fans in 2014, I sat down with the Worcester, MA artist and picked his brain on subjects ranging from his inspirations to what’s in his iPod. Joyner Lucas is comfortable in his skin, knowing what he likes and what he doesn’t: a good mantra for an artist who has balanced evolution and a dedication to being authentic to himself as he grows. Check out the interview below.

RESPECT.: You have been going hard this year dropping songs after songs from your forthcoming project, Along Came Joyner. Tell us a bit about the project and what inspired you to make that particular project?

I get inspired by different people. My love for music was the main factor, the different types of vibes that moved me. The game is real saturated with a ton of projects so this project was my sarcastic way of saying, “well… here comes Joyner.”

I was reading a review one time and they talk about you as this futuristic blend of self-conscious insighter with unapologetic street knowledge, and gritty east coast storytelling skills. Is that how you would describe yourself?

I couldn’t have said it better myself. That pretty much hit the nail right on the head.

Your latest record, “Extra Mayo,” seems to be getting a lot of good feedback. Tell us about the whole process that went behind putting that record out.

That was a concept I came up with Kato, a producer with Funk Volume. I gave it my best and it turned out the way it did.

How would you describe your journey has been from gaining attention in the underground hip-hop scene through blogs like 2dopeboyz and hiphopdox to where you are headed now. How does it feel seeing yourself grow and come this far?

It feels good when people gravitate towards the music. I still feel like I’m not satisfied, even though I appreciate the attention. I’m just starting my journey, plenty of grind in front of me. I’ve worked hard to get here. Whereas making the blogs was a goal at one point, the goals change once you get to that point.

What can your fans expect from your forthcoming music in the future?

I’m gaining new fans everyday. A lot of people love the music, they enjoy it, they spread it.

-Haleema Khan