Interviews

Published on February 25th, 2017 | by David Morales

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Josh X Tops Billboard Charts with Cardi B

Josh Xantus (Josh X) is a certified top of the Billboard R&B singer and song writer. Since breaking out into the music scene, Josh X has written songs for hit TV shows like FOX’s EMPIRE and has collaborated with artists like Lil Wayne, Jadakiss and Jim Jones. Most recently, he has teamed up with Cardi B to create a new hit single titled “Heaven On My Mind.” Now Josh X is giving back to his fans in anticipation for his upcoming debut album Black Excellence by giving away his new downloadable 10-song mixtape Amour dropping March 1. But what drives this Julliard scholar? The Hype magazine recently got a chance to sit down and learn a bit about Josh X and his journey from his musical roots to a musician who keeps it real within his message.

“As long as you believe in yourself and you are passionate about your dreams, you can pull yourself out. You don’t have to take short cuts.” – Josh X

Endorsed by Stevie Wonder, Josh X is truly a new an upcoming star who values the importance of storytelling by creating a focal point of empowerment within his music.  He is a dope musician, writer, pianist, producer, and a R&B star that is paving his way in the game. In his young career, he has been dominating the music charts and has worked with mega hip hop stars. Currently trending at #26 on the Billboards, “Heaven On My Mind” featuring Cardi B is popping and with the upcoming release of his new mixtape Amour in March, there are sure to be more tunes to talk about leading into his summer debut.

What can you tell me about your single with Cardi B “Heaven On My Mind”?

It was produced by my manager. But I wrote and recorded it myself. I like to be involved in the actual recording process, because of how my vocals sound! When I recorded the song, Cardi B heard it and jumped in on it! We put out the record together and now it’s on the charts! I can honestly tell you that I had no plans of even releasing it when I did. It all happened when my manager introduced Funkmaster Flex to the record. He knew it was going to be a hit, and that it would start going crazy on HOT 97 every night. That is what made us get our act together and package the record and shoot it out!

How did you get involved in the music industry?

It started off with playing the piano. I started the piano at a very early age and I knew right then and there that my passion was music. I used to practice the piano nonstop. For example, I would get out of school at 3 p.m. and my mom would tell me to get on the piano from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. I knew the passion was there when I stayed on the piano until like 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. She would have to tell me that it was time to go to sleep. I loved the music that I was creating! Eventually, I started to discover the fact that I had a voice. At first, I was shy about it. I wasn’t so quick to sing in front of others. It took a lot of me before I could actually do that.

I started off playing piano, playing music and then dabbling with the vocals. One day a really hot chick from school came up to me and said, “yo, you sound really good.” So, I said — you know what, I can capitalize on this. From then on, the passion kept bringing in results like a full scholarship to college. It’s my calling! This is obviously something that I’m supposed to be doing, because the doors weren’t closing on me, they were opening.

What is it like being endorsed by Stevie Wonder?

I mean that was mind blowing! I’m going to take that with me forever. It’s not every day you get to kick it with Stevie Wonder. It was intense having to sing and play for him. I had to bring my A game. It was like 7:30 a.m., so I was just like whoa, is my voice warmed up enough? But when I saw Stevie’s sort of snapping nods, doing his head nods and moving from left to right, I started harmonizing and it felt cool After that, he endorsed me and had a lot of good things to say. He told me that he wanted me to continue in his footsteps and be one of the artist out here that’s representing what the art is really about! He told me to be a story teller, that if I were to receive his endorsement, that I would have to use it to uplift people and help change their lives for the better. So, coming from Stevie that was wild! And Ive been trying to do that ever since. That’s why I do songs like “Heaven On My Mind” where I’m talking about the girl to where she is not being put down. I feel like today every song you listen to is thot this or thot that. Honestly, I feel like women today need to be uplifted. My mother was always there for me and I think that women should be held with the highest regard. I couldn’t make music about putting women down or degrading them.

Is there anything out there that you want your fans to know?          

I just want my fans to know that Iam out here coming from Queens, New York. I’m Haitian. I came from a single family home. My father was not present in my life. Growing up, it was hard for me to accept certain things. I want people who are reading this to know that as long as you believe in yourself and you are passionate about your dreams, you can pull yourself out. You don’t have to take short cuts. You can actually go to school, get a degree and still follow your passion. I also want my fans to make sure to check out my album that comes out this summer titled “Black Excellence.”

Go to www.JoshXantusMusic.com to get your free copy of Amour on March 1.




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About the Author

is the Executive Editor of The Hype magazine. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, David has a background as an artist manager, writer, blogger, drummer, and in the human services industry. He is passionate about helping others, learning and has a deep empathy for the creative process. You can follow his social media @dcypherstudios


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