MMIM: I read in your bio that your mom had an influence in your direction in music, are there any other people or experiences that have influenced you throughout your career? Such as current artist or past legends?
Josh X: Honestly as a child I wasn’t allowed to listen to hip hop, I was raised on classical music, so as soon as I got a chance to break away from that I started listened to Bryan MckNight. I thought he was mad cool and he was very inspirational.
MMIM: As you know, the recession is affecting everyone, how do you feel about this issue? And how do you feel it is affecting the music industry?
Josh X: I feel that this is a very serious situation and we have to be smarter as a whole country. Such as spending a lot less, saving more, and being a lot smarter about the things we purchase. As to the music industry part of the question, I believe a lot of people are definitely spending a lot less and therefore the artist should put a lot more into their must to give the fans what they deserve and they need it because they are supporting the artist. I believe artist need to give their fans 100%.
MMIM: I’m sure you heard Nas’ comment about how hip hop is dead. What do you think about the state of hip hop in your perspective? Is hip hop changing for the better or worse?
Josh X: Nas is a legend and a music mastermind, but regardless, music is changing as a whole, and I think some people embrace it or look down on it. People must understand that it’s different than how it used to be. Nowadays people want to enjoy themselves. They want to dance and move. I respect Soulja boy’s hustle, but I feel that Legends must move with the times. You have two options, either stay true to yourself and do what you do with your craft that you will. Or stay true to yourself and keep it moving with the times. I think they are several new forms of music one of my newest favorites is hip-pop.
MMIM: In Your recent album “Can I Live”, you displayed your knowledge of the industry and the rapid bandwagon popularity that comes with it. What type of artist do you aspire to become and what audience do you want to target? What if any, issues will you raise awareness about?
Josh X: The industry is the industry, it has made me stronger. As to what type of artist, I want to be a leader. I want to raise awareness for heart disease. Mom was recently diagnosed with the disease and I am currently putting together a benefit concert. In the immediate future I want to raise awareness for young people and their health through school programs. They need to understand that the habits they acquire in their youth affect their future and health. I feel x that people should educate themselves b4 it’s too late. I want to give back to community as much as I can, because I was given a good Mother who is my hero and I can only hope that for the youth of today. I would love to see more awareness from artist because we are at the forefront of the youth’s attention so who better than the leaders of hip hop? I wants to give it my all because I went to Julliard but I know many people who wanted but couldn’t. It’s one thing to say it but I want to act on it. It’s our job to give back. Kids are the future, were lost without them.
MMIM: Why is the album entitled “Can I live?”
Josh X: It is entitled Can I live, because at the end of the day we are all living for something and life is all about making choices and living with the choices you made. So can you live with the choices you made? Is the theme of the album and of life.
Josh X guarantees that he’s putting out real music and that every song is about stuff that he went thru…ups and downs of life. MMIM would like to hope the best for his Mother as she battles with heart disease. And thank Josh X for doing this interview despite the recent news of his mother.
