There’s a resurgence in the ether and it seems to be of a spiritual if not religious nature.
The hiphop community as it were is not particularly known for its more uplifting message in this day and age but with superstar artists like Justin Bieber openly celebrating their beliefs, it’s impossible to ignore there’s been a shift in the conversation. We caught up with rapper & singer-songwriter, Joshua Nathaniel regarding the soon to be released track, Yolk and his intentionality when it comes to his new direction when it comes to rapping.
Q: Obviously the new project is a more restrained vibe; talk about what’s been motivating this?
A: For me the restraint in writing is another form of discipline. In my previous project, Niño Brown, I just let the tap run with no filter and what came out, came out.
It’s true I don’t want to be associated in that way but I really have always been inspired by topical songwriters like Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
Q: How do folk singers influence you as a rapper?
A:Think of it this way, folk music was the rap music of its time period. There’s so many parallels between what was taking place then and what the hiphop and rap community became.
To say the very least, someone like Springsteen made me look at songwriting from different angles and perspectives. Oftentimes from a different person’s point of view all together.
Q: Having said all that, what if any is your intention working with the same Christian rapper for a 3rd time now?
A: I don’t work with just anyone anymore so there’s that, make what you will of that statement but if I can be moved to tap into my own faith and give a more accurate representation on what’s important to me and where my mind is then it’s all the better.
I grew up hearing about God by “secular” rappers like Tupac and DMX and that was the music that really spoke to me. They had the ability to shine an honest light on the internal struggles we all face but there was no need to classify it as Christian rap and that’s because it wasn’t. It was just honest and that’s what really drew me in.
Q: I’ve heard it been said that Tupac was a prophet, what’s your take on that?
A: Maybe not in the biblical sense but I can’t think of an artist who had more influence on the modern world at least personally speaking and I’ve already said his music led me on a spiritual path that has shaped my life to this day, so I’m not opposed to that sentiment.
Q: What’s on the horizon for Joshua Nathaniel?
A: I’m releasing my next single “Salty Dog Moan” on September 26th. It’s a more traditional blues song but you know I’m always here to remind people about the link between hiphop and traditional music.”Yolk” by Tingzzz featuring Joshua Nathaniel will be available on all platforms on September 4th.
