Joe: The Next Chapter

Last summer saw the release of your very solid, yet still underrated tenth studio collection Doubleback: Evolution of R&B — For starters, why do you think that the album didn’t perform so well from a commercial stand-point?

Well, the commercial performance of an album depends heavily on the label’s exploitation of the product. What a lot of people do not know is that during Double-Back… I had already began the departure from my former label and manager Kedar Massenburg. The label did not push as they should’ve, however, I delivered a solid album for my fans who would support.

In having said that, you wasted no time at all, obviously, returning to the lab and crafting yet another smash in the form of your new single “Love & Sex (Part 2),” featuring Kelly Rowland, which is also the follow-up to the song of the same name from your last LP, which was a duet with Fantasia — That being said, how did this Joe & Kelly collaboration actually come to fruition?

It was a decision my new manager/label partner and I made. In this industry, we are always creating, thinking and moving, our vision of music forward. It was just one of those things that we knew, “Call Kelly, she’s gonna’ blaze this joint!” We spoke it, made the call and now we’re here. She’s a pretty incredible person — Big ups to her and her manager/husband, Tim!

It’s been reported that “Love & Sex (Part 2)” will serve as the lead single from your next solo opus, Bridges, due in July — Conceptually, what does the title Bridges represent both to and for you?

June 23rd 2014 is the actual release date for Bridges! I say it all the time, decisions and relationships are “Bridges.” They where you go and where you end up in life. A GREAT deal of new decisions, strengthening relationships and even going back to repair old ones that needed to be repaired, went into this new album, and even my head-space today.

How does Bridges either differ and/or compare to previous Joe efforts?

I’ll just put it out there, “Some of My Best Work To Date!”

For Bridges, and as you already briefly touched on, you also recently aligned yourself with a new manager/business partner, as well as a new label home, BMG Chrysalis — After such a longstanding working relationship with Kedar Massenburg and Kedar Entertainment, what prompted this decision?

A: The split with Kedar was very necessary at this stage in my career, and when something is necessary or needed you don’t put a great deal of thought or time in doing it. The results of that decision will speak volumes for itself. With Gerald “Plaid” Isaac, my new manager and label partner, I call him a razor in this game. Very sharp! We’re very happy and settled with our new deal with BMG, and I think you’ll see that as Bridges plays itself out.

Longevity, ultimately what do you feel has been the key to yours?

Hard work, consistency and not taking this for granted.

Do you have any other additional/outside aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Yes, and a couple of them are already in the works. I think you’ll be quite surprised — Wait and see…

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? And, as an extension that question, where exactly do you think you actually fit in when it comes to the present sound-scape of today’s music?

I would say it can be more exploited, but that wouldn’t make me unhappy with the state of it. When you see the fans that appreciate it and are trenched into supporting it, that within itself keeps you happy and optimistic about it making its way more mainstream and commercial. History always repeats itself.

Looking ahead, say five or even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Compared, Loved and mentioned along with the best.

As for the immediate future, what’s next for Joe?

New music, Touring (and) Just enjoying and appreciating life as much as I can.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

Thanks to everyone for their loyalty and support…BRIDGES IN-STORES JUNE 23rd 2014!

Any “message(s)” for our readers?

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By: Todd Davis