JOEY BAGS - Another Year Older May 8th!!

As a youngster, growing up listening to his brothers tapes by Run Dmc, The Fat Boys to Slick Rick & LL Cool J. Joey Bags loved Hip Hop. Born in the Bronx, New York he moved down to Florida at the age of 8. Beat boxing with his older brother Darren and rhyming together to Parents Just Don't Understand by Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff was always fun. He began catching on to his own favorite artists as he became older such as Krs One, Gangstarr, Kool G Rap, & Boot Camp Click to name a few. He recalls going through his brothers tapes, "Popping in those cassette tapes after school would be the first thing I'd do when I got home" he adds, "I'd sneak into my brothers room to take one to school, but the drawer was so damn squeaky.. it never worked." Being put onto hip hop at a young age made Joey Bags appreciate it more as he got older.
Longtime friends Andre` and Kyle (aka Paizon) put the spark in his ass to run with his ear for music and to be more involved. The crew, always listening to the latest music, discussing rhymes, beats and samples like it was there job. But it was the love for hip hop that it was a constant topic with the crew. Freestyling and scratching records was another part of what drawn Joey Bags closer to what he loved. "I always enjoyed freestyling off the top with the crew, but scratching records.. there wasn't anything like it" he adds, "I was doing it for fun as a past time and I would always say to myself, cats get paid to do this." But the money was never something that crossed his mind when it came to hip hop. Writing rhymes was also a pastime but he knew it wasn't for him to follow through with. After buying records of every genre on the regular and some equipment he began making beats in '00. Now with the support from his crew, the New Yorker is staying busy. Currently working with artists such as Bandana and other Queensbridge rappers, he's in high demand. Artists and managers contacting him on a daily basis inquiring about beats has made him appreciate every bit of interest he's received. "I put in 100% in my work, nothing is half assed. If you can't give it your all, then you're in the wrong business." he adds, "Yeah it's competition, but your competing against yourself in my opinion. I'm always trying to step my game up, everytime I step in the lab." Don't get it twisted, he's a heavy eastcoast street bangin' producer but Joey Bags can flip the switch. "I've made r&b joints and club beats. That's not a problem, but it's not my main interest."
Influenced by DJ Premier, Havoc, Alchemist and Rza to name a few, Joey Bags has been like a sponge. Soaking up all the different ways tracks were made and flipped. He recalls an Alchemist line that has stuck with him for a while now, "There's nothin to it, but to do it." he adds, "Like I said, if you can't go 100% and give it your all, what is the use? I'm up all day and night in the lab doing what I love and never regret a minute of it."
The street audience is often neglected by many producers in favor of creating popular hits for mainstream artists. Joey Bags isn't worried about that because the streets is where it started and a radio hit isn't what made him get where he's at. "I got into this for my love for music and producing records. I can't say I wouldn't like the money and having a hit track on the radio, but that's not my vision. If it happens I'd feel blessed, but I feel the respect and admiration from my peers and fans as artists now for my work is much greater. Respect will last forever, the money won't." Joey Bags is on his way, trying to keep the streets still involved and hip hop a float from the mediocre music on the radio. "Hip Hop has definitely changed as a whole, for good and bad" he adds, "The game is too flashy, get your money but don't shit on the game. The business, radio, television, style and sound is different but has brought a lot of us together. What genre of music can bring cats from every ethnicity together like hip hop music?" With plenty of years ahead of him, Joey Bags is someone you'll be familiar with.
Much respect to everyone taking the time out to check the page, also check out the OFFICIAL JOEY BAGS WEBSITE http://www.JoeyBagsProductions.com no doubt! Shout to my boys Andre` and Kyle, couldn't be where I'm at without the support, that's real. My parents and brother Darren, you put me on to this when I was little, my role model I appreciate everything you know that! Also my Belizian gal, Natalie. I Love You. You hold me down, your faith in me and my music is something that strives me to get where I need to be. You're all main pieces of the puzzle, without you.. this hot pot wouldn't bubble. To all the haters and doubters, do what you do.. I'll do mine, get familiar!
Currently working with:
Bandana
St. Laz
Pottersfield
Chozen Few
DJ Davito & Davito's Way Family
Songs Featured On Mixtapes From:
DJ Ophax
DJ Scarface
DJ ILLMATIC
DJ Block
DJ Diggz
Myspace Layouts, Contact Tables & More!
Track #5 St. Laz "Gun World" PRODUCED BY JOEY BAGS
Track #17 St. Laz "Gun World" PRODUCED BY JOEY BAGS
Track #10 St. Laz & Pottersfield "Here We Go Again' PRODUCED BY JOEY BAGS
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