JOSH X is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Queens, NY who has been dedicated to music since the young age of 6. He began by learning classical piano, eventually graduating to R&B. Over the years, JOSH X has worked alongside some of the biggest names in rap music like Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, and Cardi B. JOSH X recently answered a few questions for us about his past projects and his upcoming work. Read Hip Hop Scriptures’ interview with this week’s Fresh Artist Friday JOSH X below.
conducted by Priscilla Guadarrama via email
Although he now focuses on R&B music, JOSH X has his roots in classical piano. He was trained in the instrument by the age of six, citing his first musical influences as Mozart, Chopin, Bach, and Beethoven.
How does your background in classical music come through in your current music?
Classical music takes a lot of passion to really play. RnB music requires the same out of emotion and passion so it connects for me once I made the transition out of classical music.
During college, JOSH X met Jadakiss in a late-night studio session. He eventually starting working with him, along with Swizz Beatz, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and Cardi B.
Tell me about some of your favorite collaborations. What was it like working with Cardi B, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, and Swizz Beatz? Any interesting stories that came out of your work together?
It’s been a blessing. Being a Haitian-American kid out of New York, I never imagined I would get to work with some of my favorite artists or even play a role with developing an act.
His song “First Time” caught the attention of Stevie Wonder, who gave him some encouraging words to support his career.
How did you get connected with Stevie Wonder? What did you learn from him?
Stevie Wonder was one of the first icons to endorse me and I’ve made Stevie Wonder a promise that I would stay true to the music and help heal with my song writing.
Flash-foward to today, JOSH X is focusing on a new chapter in his career. His latest solo single, “I Miss You”, hit the top 20 on Billboard’s R&B Chart.
Tell me about "I Miss You". What was the song writing process like and what is the inspiration behind the song?
Writing is always a vibe I have to feel or something I’m dealing with that inspires me to write. “I Miss You” is about heart break I learned from my past relationship. I’m better now.
What do you hope to convey with your music? What do you want your listeners to take away from your work?
I want my listeners to know that love still exists. I’m an artist for the lovers and we know with love comes a lot of different types of emotion, so listening to my music will def be a help. I’m a hard worker. I never asked for any hand outs. In my music you will also learn about my ups and downs becoming who I am today.
Besides music, JOSH X also has a passion for acting. He recently starred as Derrick on the Amazon Prime Series SISTER’S KEEPER.
What was it like playing Derrick on Sister's Keeper? How did you land the role and what did you take away from the show?
Playing Derrick was fun for me. The writer of the show kinda wrote Derrick’s role very similar to who I am in real life. My record label put me in the show knowing I always wanted to get into acting.
JOSH X’s next project is his upcoming album “The X Project”.
What can your fans and our readers expect from The X Project? What are you most excited about in your future projects?
The release date will come soon. I’m getting ready to drop new music in a few weeks. Just know I got that heat coming.
Check out his music through the links above and stay connected with JOSH X through his socials to make sure you never miss new music. Remember to follow Hip Hop Scriptures to stay updated on the latest Fresh Artist Friday.
STAY CONNECTED WITH JOSH X ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - www.JoshXantus.com
