Lyrically it’s hard to suggest that any new rap artist today could match up to the lyrical deftness of Joyner Lucas. It’s fair to say that between his controversial videos and undeniable performance at the BET Awards cypher 2015, the industry is asking what’s next for the increasingly popular rap star. Although success could inherently be around the corner, Joyner Lucas holds no punches as he questions “Who Got The Yayo” to start off 2016.
“I’m not saying I’m not confident or I don’t believe in myself, but in a world of a billion rappers and an independent situation, dealing with industry snakes who disguise themselves as people who want to help you and have absolutely no major backing…yeah sometimes I worry this music sh*t may not work out the way I planned to,” he explains. “I already had every job you can think of before anyone ever knew who Joyner Lucas was. CVS, Burger King, Friendly’s, a barbershop, a dishwasher at a Japanese restaurant and even a painter. I hated working a 9 to 5 because I knew it wasn’t my calling and I don’t have patience to work for someone else’s company when I should be the CEO of my own business. All I know is the moment I feel like I’m running in circles with this rap shit and I stop elevating and never really pop off the way I want to then…well…. who got the yayo??”
Joyner made a few people uncomfortable with his horrible expression of anger directed toward his actor son in the video for his single “Happy Birthday,” and continues to turn heads and garner fans with his undeniable talent and no-holds barred approach to his music and visuals. The East Cast rap artist was one of the hottest stars in last year’s BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers, garnering acknowledgement from industry greats such as Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes in addition to winning Best Video of the Year and Outstanding Artist of the Year at the UMA’s. To round out the year Joyner found himself sitting next to Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy for a jaw-dropping hilarious interview on The Breakfast Club.
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