The DMV area has been home to quite a few rising talents lately from Rico Nasty to Jay IDK, all of which carving out a sound and movement all their own. Though when it comes to DMV talent its safe to say that Joey Swagga is certainly next up. A product of the thriving Prince George’s County, of Washington, D.C. Joey is no rookie to the DMV music scene.
To keep Momentum going in Joey’s Direction he’s decided to release his 1st EP entitled “89” the 6 track project features some rather soulful melodies accompanied with a few hard-hitting 808’s, sure to knock the pictures off the wall.

Check below for a brief interview where we dug a little deeper into a few stand out singles

Your song “Moonwalking” sonically has southern trap influences. Do you see yourself strictly staying in the trap music lane or do you see your self-expanding your sound to a mainstream audience? ~ ~~~

A: … I see a broader range for my music, Moonwalking just like most of the tracks I make are based on the vibe I have when I hear the beat, and that was the vibe I was in. But I’m pretty sure when I come across that production that transcends my sounds it’s going to be fun and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Also, in your song Moonwalking you discuss your drive to reach success with your team, how much of an impact do they have not only for your music but in your personal life as well? ~~

A:[ Man my team is everything. They may not know but they motivate me, I hear their dreams, their life experiences their situations and it makes me wanna go harder after my dreams & goals so I can not only put my self in a better position to provide and support my family, but I can empower them to be able to do the same for themselves because they deserve it. They pay attention to all the things I can’t or don’t, and it helps me/us making better decisions regarding my career. But when you think about it to have a group of people with there own problems, goals and families, dedicate time and put there lives on hold to help me chase my dream is humbling and, dope as hell at the same time. I am them and they are my period.

Being a DMV native a lot of legendary artist like Pharrell, Missy Elliot, J Cole, Chris Brown made a huge impact on the music culture, how have they or other artists from that area that you idolized inspired your sound and pen game?~~~

A: [ The legends are the blueprint they kicked down the doors for an artist like me in this area so I’m going to always show love and respect to that, but as far as my sound goes I treat it like sports. I always think I’m the best or most talented in the room that’s just how My confidence is wired, but I’m still aware enough to know I can always add to my game. So if I see a move a two I like that I don’t already have n my toolkit I might put those in my back pocket until I can put my own twist and make into something of my own. So when I hear different flow patterns or styles of production they use it just motivates me to continue evolving my craft.

Your other single “All My” is one of your more “turned up” records. How do you find a balance between making the records that will have an influence on the current state of hip-hop music and staying authentic to the music you want to make?-~~~~

A: [ For me it’s one in the same everything I make is organic and based on a vibe. my lyrics ours based on my life experiences, the people close to me and there experiences, ideally I’m always making the music I wanna make but sometimes that music can shift and or fit the mold of today current hip-hop state, but that’s the beauty of creating the music to see the final product created that was started from one idea one word one situation one vibe.

Check out the project below
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1361458254?ls=1&app=itunes#.WrZatEga9ik

Q and A By Qualhata