Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our readers to some deserving up and coming artists/bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass, and we hope you do too! Today we’d like to shine the spotlight on lyricist, songwriter, storyteller, and force Joey Cool!!
We take evolution into our own hands. We ultimately control how, when, and where we grow.
Joey Cool consistently levels up as a lyricist, songwriter, storyteller, and force. The Kansas City
rapper deliberately pushes himself forward with each subsequent release.
About his latest effort, Roller Coaster, the epic 20-track body of work showcases his elite
lyricism front-and-center. He celebrated the album’s arrival by sharing the music video for the
single “GOYF” featuring labelmate X-Raided. Bass-y piano adds an encroaching sense of pomp
and circumstance to the proceedings as he quickly advises, “Get out your way, get out your
feelings, get out your pain.” Picking up the ball, X-Raided delivers a bulletproof barrage of bars
fueled by his nimble wordplay. In the visual, Joey puffs on expensive cigars from behind an
ornate desk with a box full of cash. Various friends pop out as Cool and X-Raided command
attention in every frame.
Roller Coaster practically overflows with thrilling raps though. On the standout “Crawl Space,”
Matt Phoenix sets a dark tone with the confession, “I’m on the edge, I said it for the last time.”
Palm-muted guitar crunches beneath Joey’s rhymes, “Momma told me that’s just how the devil
go, then the homie he told me to let it go, kicking up all this dust, let it settle bro.” Finally, Tech
bodies the production and warns, “Talking shit, now I’m busting your bubble.” Then, there’s
“Heart” featuring Doobie. Thunderous 808s skitter as Joey gets reflective, “Look what I did, I
wouldn’t change it for the world.” He recruits The Popper for “Give Thanks.” Bold horns and
lively handclaps erupt while Joey leans into a smooth cadence. He shrugs off negativity, opps,
and haters, promising, “Still giving thanks, this is for the record.” Elsewhere, “Slow Down”
featuring Head Da Don showcases another side of his artistry, while he and Lil Wyte welcome
everyone to “Trouble Town.” On “The Fuse,” he delivers scorching bars between triumphant
trumpets Exuding confidence, he grins, “I done got so damn hot, you don’t even need to find the
lights.” It also boasts the recent fan favorites “OG Cool” and “Vibe Check.”
With impenetrable flows, hypnotic hooks, and debonair flair, Joey Cool persists an outlier
through and through. From the jump, the Kansas City phenomenon has mined influences as
diverse as R&B, big band, rock ‘n’ roll, alternative, and rap. “I’ve got a Frank Sinatra tattoo
on my arm, and I’m from the Midwest,” he grins. “I’m a little different.”
We sat down with Joey Cool for a short, but fun Q&A session.
Every superhero and villain have an origin, and a band is no different. Well, minus the
radioactive spiders and secret government experiment. What is the origin of Joey Cool?
Joey Cool – “Joey Cool” the artist was born in Chicago. That’s what I always tell people. I went
to Columbia College of Chicago, which is a prominent arts & media entertainment school. To be
honest, I didn’t even have a rap name until I moved there but The Universe still provided! I
dropped out of school like a year and half in because there was too much going on. Too much to
do. So much to see. Anyway, one day I was in the studio with the homies. I was loungin’ on the
couch writing and this dude L.Dot was like, “man this dude always so Joe Cool about sh*t!” I
said yeah, there it is. That’s it. I used that name for like 2 years then my cousin Anthony was
like, “yo you should change your name to Joey. Sounds more like you.” And it stuck.
You recently released your 8th studio album Roller Coaster on Strange Music. Can you share
with us your creative process when you start working on new music. How do you come up with
ideas for your songs and lyrics?
Joey Cool – My creative process is pretty much an organic thing. It can definitely differentiate
from album to album. It depends on what I’m writing. Who I’m writing for. Am I doing a feature?
Am I trying to convey a message for a peer’s fanbase or my own? Just a bunch of different
factors to be honest. But typically, I pick my producers first. Because if I don’t have the music, I
don’t have anything. That’s just how I work specifically. I can usually figure out where the album
is headed after the first like, 3-4 tracks. All of a sudden, something will click, and it all starts
coming together, organically.
Strange Music is well known for their diverse collaborations. How do you approach writing lyrics
when collaborating?
Joey Cool – When I’m doing a collab, it’s typically because someone reached out and wants to
use my specific services. So, I take that “feature” part very seriously. I’d prefer someone sends
me a song with the concept already built in, because I’m really just trying to incorporate my
contribution with their vision. Also, that friendly competition thing is real, he laughts. It’s good for
the culture.
Who are your biggest musical influences, both within and outside of hip-hop? How have they
shaped your sound and style?
Joey Cool – Anybody who really knows me will tell you I’m from Kansas City, New York, and
Chicago. I grew up in the metropolitan area of KC. But I’ve got heavy roots in all of those places.
My musical influences reflect my personal upbringing more than anything. For instance, my
grandfather is my idol. He’s where I get most of my music ability/DNA from. He used to sing in
the nightclubs & lounges back in the day in NYC. Crooning and whatnot. I have Frank Sinatra
tattooed on my arm. I’ve watched “Devil at the Crossroads” on the legendary Robert Johnson at
least 27 times. James Brown and Muddy Waters are my spirit animals. I study Robert Plant &
Freddy Mercury’s voice. My very first show EVER was at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. I’m
huge into big band and swing sounds. Soul. Funk. Classic Rock. And I try to incorporate a bit of
all of it into my own pieces.
If you could collaborate with any artist, even if they are no longer with us, who would it be and
why?
Joey Cool – Francis Albert Sinatra. Because he embodies everything I’ve grown to love. I
couldn’t tell you why I was drawn to him at a young age, it just happened. His voice was
smooth. His style is timeless.
How did you get started in music? Was there a particular moment or event when you realized
this is what you wanted to do?
Joey Cool – For as long as I can remember I’ve been into music. I was freestyling with my
cousins and brothers in basements comin up. I would rap at house parties. I would rap on the
bus on the way to basketball tournaments. I would sing to girls on the phone, he laughs. Funny
thing is, I was a really shy kid. Somehow, I knew I had to overcome that fear. I think the moment
I knew I wanted to rap, was when Jay-Z dropped “The Blueprint” album. I think that was the first
time the world really heard how Kanye West was about to fuck up the natural order of things
with his production.
If your art were a cocktail, what would be in it?
Joey Cool – I don’t do cocktails, so I don’t really know. Everything I drink is neat. But I DO know,
whatever it is, it would have Teremana Tequila in it. You can bet on that.
What advice would you give to a teenage Joey Cool who is just starting his musical journey?
Joey Cool – I would tell teenage Joey to stay focused. That it’s going to be tough and you’re
gonna want to quit, but if you stick with it, it’ll pay off. Just gotta keep the vision alive. By any
means necessary.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music that you can share with us?
Joey Cool – I read many books and articles. I love gaining knowledge in the traditional sense.
I’m a mafia buff. Extremely into organized crime and the story of it. (It’s fascinating to think about
really) I’m a huge movie guy too. Cinema has always been something that interests me.
Obviously, I’m a writer. With that being said, I am working on something that I can’t divulge yet.
But it should be good. I hope!!
As we approach the end of 2024, do you have a New Years Resolution for 2025? And are there
plans for more new music and/or touring in the new year?
Joey Cool – I don’t really do resolutions. I think that if I just strive to be a little better each day,
eventually I’ll land exactly where I’m intended to be. As far as new music and touring goes for
2025, yes absolutely. I’m always working. Literally always. I would love to get out there and see
some of your beautiful faces too. So, you can definitely expect to see me on the road next year!
Connect with Joey Cool online:
TikTok
YouTube
