We’re so pumped about our conversation with Joshua Jenkins. Joshua is a rapper and also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this.
Josh Jenkins started rapping at the age of 7 years old. His father, Julius is a musician, producer, rapper and singer. He plays a variety of different instruments. He fell in love with hip-hop and poetry had an early age. Listening to great artist such as Eminem, Royce Da 5’9”, T.I., Lil Wayne Ludacris, André 3000, HOV, 50 Cent Kanye West Joshua professionally started recording at the age of 14. Joshua’s dad told him in order to be great, he had to study the greats and he did just that. He read tremendously, was a scholar in school, utilizing all the information absorbed to him as metaphors, punchlines and anecdotal. He’s been performing all over Milwaukee, releasing album after album. At the age of 19 he released is first album titled “Redemption”. He followed that year releasing his sophomore album on 7/23, titled “Lionh3arted”. Jenkins is an advocate, poet, emcee and youth organizer. The 23-year-old Hip-hop Artist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin comes from a highly segregated city, with racism reverberating throughout. He’s extremely vigilant of this and doesn’t shy away from prominent issues in society. At 14, he also created his 3-man rap group A.D.H.D.
Check out our conversation with Joshua below.
When did you start with music and how long have you been on this journey?
I started music when I was 7 years old. At that time, I was listening to Eminem, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, Kanye, 50 cent and T.I. These prestigious artists inspired me daily to be great. Furthermore, my father Julius is an extraordinary musician. Watching him play the guitar, sing, rap and occasionally turn up to songs of all genres, really planted a seed with me. I started to dabble in free styling rapidly to sharpen my skills. I am currently 23 so I’ve been on this journey for 16 years.
Who’s your favorite artist?
Eminem.
What inspires you to create?
My experiences really influence my music. Therefore, along with my ambitious drive to be a great emcee, it also brings euphoria when I create. I love to make music that inspires and provides motivation.
What ups and downs have you experienced?
Often I’ve had to dim for my light for others. More specifically, with friends or people I thought wanted to the best for me. My relationships have failed because of the attention being drawn to me and my drive being unmatched. Growing up in Milwaukee and being vigilant of a malicious environment, racism reverberating and systemic racism. I’ve lost a lot of close friends and family due to violence. Most often, murders going unsolved, even with law enforcement. There’s also been times where I’ve questioned my talent, lacked confidence because of depression. I’m happy to say that I love myself and have persevered through the most detrimental situations.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself has a very successful artist, with a record label, real estate and a plethora of different sources of income.
Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
My name is Joshua Jenkins on all streaming platforms. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and many more
IG: thereal_josh
Twitter: thereal_j0sh
Facebook: Joshua Jenkins
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Joshua Jenkins
- Twitter: thereal_j0sh
Image Credits
Intellectualimage Craig Jackson
