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R&B Crooner JOE Romances AC

saba,ink
JOE
Date of Interview: 4/5/07
A bonafide preacher's kid (PK), Joe's gift for music was nurtured through the gospel choir. For this, I say, Hallelujah because he has been spreading the gospel according to Joe since he was 19. With compositions like "I'm in Love," "All The Things (Your Man Won't Do)" and "I Wanna Know," Joe has won much respect from men and brings chivalry back, which has won the hearts of women with his heartfelt lyrics and delivery of words they long to hear.

Joe's music is classic in every sense of the word and as far as me and my friend girls are concerned, he is certified Platinum for BMM (that's Baby Makin' Music). Um,um, I'm sorry excuse me while I digress.

For a few years, we have had samples of his music keep us going with Mariah Carey, Nas ("Thank God I Found You"/Remix) Big Pun ("Still Not a Player") and G-Unit (Ride Wit U), but JOE is really back and he is ready to give us a little something for the poolside to the bedside. And frankly folks, the title is right on because there certainly Ain't Nothing like some...JOE.

He describes his new album "Ain't Nothing Like Me" as a "reflection of me and all the things I've seen in life. Adding that "this album really captures my own journey."

Arranged with collaborators like Jermaine Dupri, Dre & Vidal, Tim & Bob, Brian Michael Cox, Stargate and Sean Garrett, the album is billed as a "rhythmic interpretation of Joe's more private thoughts and feelings." With guest spots by Papoose ("Where You At") , Yung Joc (Ain't Nothing Like Me") and Nas who appears on ("Get To Know Me"), I'm just going to put it out there folks,.....it's going to be one HOT Summer!

Tour dates are now set and guess who's going to be joining JOE? Non other than fellow crooner Brian McKnight. So, y'all better get your money right because beginning April 27, 2007 they're coming to a town near you.

I Thank God for small blessings because before JOE hit the road, I had the opportunity to speak with him one-on-one. I share that conversation with you right here and dedicate it to the Lover In You......

Saba,Ink: Joe, I have got to say thank you for your commitment to soul -stirring music.
JOE: Oh Wow! Thank you so much. I'm glad you appreciate the music.
Saba,Ink: As the Son of a Preacher, are You still involved in the Church?
JOE: No. I'm not as involved in Church. I don't go as often as I'd like especially with doing my music. It is hard sometimes. I do know that all of this is owed to GOD because ain't nothin' going down without GOD.
Saba,Ink: What has been the most spiritually evolving event(s) for you thus far? How has it affected your life professional and personally?
JOE: My whole background. I have three sisters and two brothers and with both parents being Preachers, I had to walk the walk, stay true and set an example for the other kids. I learned respect for life, others and the basic principles from the Bible that states "Do Unto Others." I surround myself with people that are positive and supportive of me and that have greater spiritual calling.
Saba,Ink: I have often wondered (and of course this is for the audience), Do you play your own music on special dates or during those special times?
JOE: You know what, I can't say that I do. It would be sorta of cheesy you know. It would have to be a special request and that woman would have to be persistent.
Saba, Ink: How did the collaboration between you and Brian McKnight Come About?
JOE: That was a management hook-up. But I have known Brian for over 10 years. It is a great collaboration with our appeal to ladies and similar style, we have the same vibe. Also, with his album already released and my about to release April 24, it is perfect timing.
Saba,Ink: Any special passions or projects you are currently working on outside of your music?
JOE: I have really been focused on this new Album. I've put a lot of things on the back burner. I've been doing lots of spot gigs to promote the new album. I love writing and producing and will have a chance to that with my new label.
Saba,Ink: What is the name of your new label?
JOE: It's the same as my clothing line....J.THOMAS.
Saba,Ink: Nice....a clothing line? I can imagine with your style what it would be like but what kind of look can we expect?
JOE: I'd say that it is old school haberdashery. It is a couture line of men's clothing...we're working with designers out of Turkey, UK and Italy.
Saba,Ink: Wow...I love Italy. I used to live there.
JOE: What part?
Saba,Ink: Rome....I'd love to go back.... I love that City.
JOE: (laughs)....I know that's right.
Saba,Ink: Anyway, back to you and the clothing line.
JOE: Yeah, well it is based upon a lot of European flavor. We're going right after GUCCI and Prada with this one.
Saba, Ink: That is great, I can't wait to check it out.
Saba, Ink: Many of the more mature folks I know, have you on their play list and in fact my friend girls have certified you Platinum BMM (Baby Makin' Music). How do you respond to that?

JOE: Laughs. I'll accept it. It is a good title to have. I've heard it so many times that I'll accept that. I've heard that I am responsible for lots of babies out there.... I may have some child support to pay.... (joking).
Saba, Ink: "If I Were Your Man" is the first release from the new album and to me it brings back a time when romance was a part of courtship. What inspired that song?
JOE: Well, in my mind, most men want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, we're always doing stupid and dumb things. This song talks about understanding what was done wrong and asking for a chance to make everything better.
Saba,Ink: It is certainly a beautiful song.
JOE: Thank you. I'm glad you like it.
Saba,Ink: So, Joe... You are on a date or going through some rough times in a relationship, what verse or song do you pull out of your arsenal?
JOE: WOW! WOW! That is a good one. Good question. From this new album, I'd say "Life Of The Party."
It is about me enjoying life....and being the life of the party. But deep down I am hurting because I've just broken up with my girl about 2-3 months prior. I can't show my soft side and can't let people know I'm suffering inside
.
JOE: I know, another one is, "It's Me", I admit my mistakes because now I realize I'm losing You. It is about not blaming You and taking responsibility for my actions. I''m admitting that ..."It's Me."
Saba,Ink:
Ok...this one's for my friend girls. What words can I take back to them this evening straight from JOE.
JOE: Tell them, "I Love 'Em and thank them for their continued support."
Saba,Ink: Thank you for your time.This has truly been a great conversation. Peace & continued blessings to you. I look forward to seeing you on tour.
JOE: Thank you, Saba.

To quote Nas, " It's been a long time since I heard some new Joe....dawg's crazy like an R&B Cujo."
......On that note, we'll let the choir say, AMEN!!!

3 Comments

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  • Alyce Rocco6/18/2007

    I agree with Shamontiel that was an excellent question.

  • Shamontiel5/4/2007

    I liked your question about whether he plays his own music during that "special time." That was interesting. That's a good question! Now I'm wondering about other R&B artists doing that as well. Cheesy or not, I love the hell out of "Where You At?" I've played that song into the ground.

  • Saba,Ink4/19/2007

    Thanks Joyce....
    JOE is most certainly a gentleman on all accounts!
    It was a nice experience/conversation. Thanks JOE....

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