Josh X is bringing back the man in romance and the love in R&B with his song “Promise”. But his attempt at reviving the sweet R&B of past groups like Hi-Five, Shai didn’t start with that song. The spiritually-focused lush ballad “Heaven on My Mind” has that distinction. Already, the legendary Stevie Wonder has recognized that Josh X has a lot of stuff in his musical pouch. The Brooklyn native has worked with industry Goliaths such as Los Da Mystro, Cardi B., HoodCelebrityy and Swizz Beatz, among others. His EP Amour is somewhat a prelude to greater things in the future.
Kreyolicious: So, you once had this encounter with the legendary Stevie Wonder, and his words to you were: “Continue to carry out the legacy of being a musician that represents real music.” What did it feel like getting these words of wisdom from this musical great? How do you plan on applying his advice?
Josh X: By just being me, it’s important to me. Stevie saw something in me at the time I didn’t even see in myself, and I can never go wrong with just following advice from a icon.
Kreyolicious: You’re from Brooklyn. You ever been to Haiti?
Josh X: I was born in Brooklyn, but raised in Queens. I haven’t been to Haiti yet. I can’t wait to go. I love my culture so much…the food the music. Even though I was born in [the United States of] America, it amazes me how Haitian I am. [Laughter]
Kreyolicious: You collaborated with Cardi B on the song “Heaven’s on My Mind”. How did that teaming come about?
Josh X: Me and Cardi B. are labelmates I believed in her since the very beginning. In fact, I produced the first song she did. I’m so proud of her and everything. I knew back then she was already going to be amazing. “Heaven On My Mind” went top 20 on Billboard and we did it independently.
Kreyolicious: Your mixtape Amour received a great deal of critical acclaim. What inspired the songs on it?
Josh X: Love inspires me stories about true love some I might of personally went through and some of them through others.
Kreyolicious: There’s always a lot of talk about creatives suffering from long down moments and bouts of depression in spite of all their success. How do you keep things in your world upbeat and positive?
Josh X: Through everything about God is what saves me from a day to day hence the title of my first single “Heaven On My Mind”. Without Him, I would be lost especially in this business.
Kreyolicious: You’ve worked with so many figures in the musical industry who are much older than you and more experienced than you. Los Da Mystro, Cardi B., HoodCelebrityy and Swizz Beatz, among others. What have you learned from these veterans.
Josh X: Swizz Beatz taught me a lot. Sitting with that man if you’re not inspired then it’s just not in you.
Kreyolicious: Talk to me about your collaboration with Dro.
Josh X: That’s my brother from another mother we’ve been friends for a while. I worked with him on the record, ‘Love Me’ for his album. When it was time for me to drop my record “Promise”, it definitely made sense. People loved the fusion between the Konpa/R&B.
Kreyolicious: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Josh X: Happy…that’s exactly where I want to be five years from now. Happy doing whatever it is that I love…I’m confident that God’s plan for me will be a great one.
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