— Multi-disciplinary artist JoeJas brings us back into his otherworldly, everchanging universe with his latest project, Left Handed Bandit.
Always exploring the far reaches of his creativity, rapper and producer JoeJas is as unique as they come in all of the best ways. Delivering project after project with his one-of-a-kind flair highlighted by his all-in DIY approach, the Fat Llama label frontman boldly presents his unapologetically imaginative artistry with reckless abandon. Most recently, JoeJas put this artistry on full display with the release of a genre-bending 9-track EP titled Left Handed Bandit.
Left Handed Bandit finds JoeJas taking on a character that channels his own personality and life. Tackling topics like navigating adulthood, handling romantic relationships, and even being “outcasted” by family and peers, the UK-native reveals a great deal about his personal life through this abstract and highly-expressive work of art.
Kicking the album off with the inspirational and prideful “A Bandit’s Intro” bolstered by a comforting instrumental peppered with soulful background vocals, JoeJas set the tone early dispensing boastful bars like,
This ain’t what you want, this the sh*t you need
Been screaming that, since the ‘19
Now these raps got me sightseeing,
Making facts out of my dreams
Still a ways to go, I ain’t slow my roll
Only sped it up, sh*t can’t stop me huh…
JoeJas then follows the opening record with the previously released “Left Hearted Bandit” where he opens up about his hesitation to be vulnerable in relationships over trance-inducing production.
JoeJas then goes on to weave in and out of a number of complex soundscapes, still never failing to provide meaningful raps and moving subject matter throughout the project. Case in point, look no further than the heartfelt storytelling of “Last 108 Ride” — a song sure to elicit a spirit of sentimentality — or the more uptempo “WTF” — an anthem made for anyone committed to their mission despite outside optics or unfortunate circumstances.
Produced entirely by JoeJas’ alter ego HairyMuffinMan, Left Handed Bandit is quite the assortment of sounds incorporating elements of alternative hip-hop, rock, jazz, and R&B into one surprisingly cohesive album. From punk rock-inspired bangers like “RUN?!” and “Off Kilter” to bouncier vibes like “WiiiZARD POOLS” to the oh-so-smooth “Push Slow,” this concise yet hearty project has a mood for just about every occasion.
Left Handed Bandit is JoeJas’ 5th album and his follow up to 2022’s Gaps & Nomads. Steadily growing a larger and larger following since then, JoeJas continues to inspire, impress, and engage listeners with his radical creativity and infectious energy. In fact, he’s currently on a 5-city UK tour ending with a show in London on July 16th. Tickets are available now at the official Fat Llama website.
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If you aren’t able to catch him live this go around, don’t worry. You can always follow him on Instagram to see what he’ll be up to next.
Until then, listen to Left Handed Bandit right here and be sure to check out the Left Handed Bandit YouTube series where JoeJas goes deeper into the lore of his new character.