West Harlem's Joe West, Unveils a New Movement of Mindful Hip-Hop
Exclusive Interview with B. Sims
When Joe West steps onto the stage, he doesn't just bring Harlem with him; he brings a whole continent's heartbeat. The Senegalese-American rapper and model Joe West is ushering in a new era for Hip-Hop—one where the genre isn't just a melting pot but a crucible for innovation and consciousness. Recently signed to Republic Records in 2023, a division of Uptown Records, with new singles on the horizon this summer and a European Tour commencing soon.
West has swiftly soared into the limelight, his unique sound amassing hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, and breaking ground with his new single “Switch” featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
While West’s rhymes turn heads, his multifaceted appeal holds the gaze. His prowess extends to modeling and gracing campaigns for fashion houses including Pyer Moss and Reebok. His artistic acumen is as much visual as it is auditory, and it was enlightening to chat with him on Tuesday, May 13th, exploring the motivations for his expansive artistry and developing body of work.
The Interview
1. In a recent conversation on Black Talk Radio, you opened up about how music found its way to you in your junior year at college, despite not having a prior interest. During that time in your matriculation, what jumpstarted that creative process in you?
I never thought I would be making music. I was in school and my Boys from Chicago used to Rap, and I would give them advice on their music and help critique. And over time they were like ‘You got to make a song Bro.’ So, I just tried, and it was cool and freeing. And then, I began writing and creating more from there.
You also said you were chosen by music, and I didn't choose it. Sounds like divine design, how did that feel and are you a very spiritually driven person?
It's moments when I started to create, and some things would guide me to an opportunity. And there were moments where I would say to myself, damn ‘I did say this, or how am I meeting this person?’ The more I got into the industry, I realized that people were aware of me already and this was predestined. Thank you, Momma, because Momma- she was praying for me regularly, lol.
It seems you draw some inspiration from Akon and Sheck Wes, what other artists are you inspired by?
ASAP Rocky, Tyler The Creator, Mick Jenkins, Isaiah Rashad, and Schoolboy Q to name a few.
Your breakout hit, "I'm Him," has a grandiose name and chorus. One line says, ‘Want my Momma in all of the finest of items. The sirens is going crazy I'm seeking peace and some silence.’ Could you share more about where that came from?
I remember when I was going to school in Minnesota, and it’s quiet as hell. But I'm from New York City. Double entendre, so of course the sirens are going crazy when you're from the hood but I had to play air conditioner in my dorm during college, just to hear some noise, to go to sleep. But I eventually learned to appreciate them both- the noise and the silence.
In your latest single, "Switch," featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, which I also enjoy, the chorus goes, ‘Comin' from where I come, Gotta talk like this. Watch both ways, I'm worried about who gon' switch. And I'm keeping the peace on both of my sides.’ Can you speak more on the mental space where that came from?
Mental peace and a physical piece, are both forms of protection, for anyone living in the city.
Considering New York's reputation for producing a wealth of rap talent, how does that affect you at this stage of your career? Does it motivate or daunt you, or is it a mix of both?
Hell yeah, but it's a lot of pressure. And at times, it can feel as if everyone has seen it all, so you gotta move in a way to do/be something different. But, where I'm at, the difference comes from the opportunity I have, and being Senegalese, Muslim, and living in the richest space in Black history allows me to talk and relate to so many different types of people. So, that's the difference I have, from the people who came before me, that keeps me motivated and inspired.
Authenticity and originality in your artistic work are important to you. Can you elaborate on why that is?
My Mom, she always had a dream of being SOMEBODY. She sacrificed a lot for us to be in this country, so I'm always trying to live the most authentic dream for her and her sacrifice.
So, in regards to the upcoming Single and Tour with A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie-how do you feel and are you looking forward to it?
Regarding the upcoming single, I’m extremely excited because it is a New York essential song, and it has all the elements of the New York sound, you know, so, I'm really excited to drop.
I'm also excited about the tour because I performed before, so you know, one of my favorite attributes of being an artist, is the performance part. It is about this connection that I get to have with the people there that may not know me, just as much as the ones that may know me.
It's just a thrilling feeling to know that every performance I have is gonna be somebody different, you know what I'm saying? And so I always look at it as a new experience.
Is there something about you that your followers might not be aware of that could give them a closer glimpse into who you are?
I mean, my uncle is the Prime minister of Senegal. Yeah, on my mom's side, they're very educated with economic interest. My Dad’s side is a family of shoemakers and peanut farmers, from the village.
And I'm also an Anime nerd.
Lastly, I'm an MTA train fanatic, like I love trains. I know the engines, the type, and the model of NYC trains. I downloaded an MTA train simulator when I was like 13. I would literally like, simulate engineering and driving the trains lol
After speaking with Joe West, I came to appreciate his genuine modesty and the palpable excitement he exudes. He doesn't just recount his journey; he's voicing the shared narratives of countless immigrant families across the U.S.
From Harlem stages to international airwaves and walkways, Joe West is more than an upcoming artist; he's a visionary shaping hip-hop's future, proving that music can be a universal language, a bridge between worlds, a vessel of hope.
Links Mentioned in this Interview
Joe West-Switch feat A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (Official Audio)
Joe West - Switch feat. A Boogie wit da Hoodie (Official Audio)
Joe West- I’m HIM
Joe West - I'm Him (Official Music Video)
Follow The Artist
IG @joewestington
X @ALWAYSBELIEVENYK
Linktree https://joewest.lnk.to/Links
Follow The Journalist
Substack https://bsims.substack.com/
Email urbanmusicenthusiast@gmail.com
Just listened to Im Him. Fire!!!