“Just Be Honest” is the lead single from Joho’s upcoming album “Black American Scumbag”. This futuristic drill pop song features an aggressive yet vulnerable emotional delivery in which Joho begs the people of his life to “tell [him] the truth”. With three verses each respectively acknowledging interpersonal relationships, peoples perception of him and his view of himself, this song is a multilayered view at honesty and being critical of how one is viewed. Interpolating French Indie Pop band Phoenix’s hit single “1901”, this song meshes synth pop and drill hip hop in a way that is unique and trailblazing for the future.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Joho, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
- I’ve loved music my entire life for as far back as I can remember. I used to have a CD player and exclusively listen to Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” record. By the time I hit middle school, I began choir as an elective and have been singing ever since.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
- Kanye West, Drake, Future, 21 Savage. Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keem, Childish Gambino, Tyler the Creator, Teezo Touchdown, Don Toliver are my rap dream collaborators, but I would love to work with Charli XCX, Matty Healy and the 1975, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, Daisy World, Alvvays, Beach House and so many others.
Your latest song is 'Just Be Honest'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
- I spent 2021 making everything but rap music. From my folk EP, to my Pop Singles, to the disco and alternative rock albums, I purposely avoided making predominantly hip-hop projects. This was not only to showcase other sounds in my repertoire, but to also make sure that when I returned to rapping the songs would hit harder. The lyrics to Just Be Honest started off two years ago when a producer sent me some beats to work on. I recorded a 5 minute freestyle over it and part of that was repurposed as the hook for my 2020 song “Kombucha” from “Space City Serenade”. As I began work on the new album I knew I not only wanted to rap, but to explore a new sound I haven’t done yet. I started working on the beat and the bassline reminded me of the song “1901” by Phoenix. I decided to interpolate that song and it still wasn’t hitting the way I wanted it to. Only once I added the beat change to the drill section did I finally feel like there was a potential hit. Lyrically, I wanted to use a few different perspectives like on Kendrick Lamar’s song “Fear”. So I made the first verse about honesty with a partner in a relationship that’s going south. The second verse is honesty with the music industry and kinda me saying that I’m rebelling against the notion that I have to fit into a bubble. It’s my version of saying “I know I’m the shit. If you can’t see that then I don’t need you.” The final verse is about being honest with myself and being self aware of my flaws and making a cognizant effort to fix them.
What are you focusing on right now?
- So many things haha. First and foremost my mental and physical health. Secondly finishing the new album “Black American Scumbag” and planning the rollout. I have some shows this summer and between planning out new sets and rehearsing I’m finding ways to stay busy. Also, I’m starting grad school pretty soon while also managing my full time job so my plate is pretty much stacked 24/7.
What are you most proud of?
- I still find it insane that thousands of people listen to stupid little songs I made in my bedroom. The growth in my following has given me tons of validation that this wasn’t a futile endeavor like so many detractors have told me throughout the years. Things that I made resonate with other people and that’s incredibly special to me.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
- Music is the most oversaturated medium there is. So many people make music so it’s incredibly hard to get noticed. Also there’s a lot of preconceived notions so people want to write you off before they ever hear a single thing you’ve made.
How do you structure your day?
- I’m a real busy dude. I spend 7 AM to 4:30 PM working at my job, hit the gym after, get home and make dinner, and then once I’m done with all that I’m usually up working on music until around 3 or 4 AM. Everyone says I should get more sleep and they’re probably right, but I don’t want to make the excuse that I don’t have time to prioritize working on my songs.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
- I love sports. I was a college football player and try to stay active when I can in rec leagues and stuff. I love art. Video games. Movies. Bike rides. All that stuff.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
- Absolutely. It depends on what’s in my head that day. This morning it was “Slide Away” by Oasis.
What are your plans for the future?
- To be the greatest artist to ever live, win a bunch of awards, dive into new mediums like film or design and architecture or something. Treat the world as my canvas pretty much.