— UK-based rapper and producer, JoeJas, blends genres like no other in his latest self-produced project, Gaps & Nomads.
JoeJas (AKA HairyMuffinMan when producing) is an artist in every sense of the word. This rising star is not only a rapper and producer, but he even shoots and directs his own music videos among other things. Still, even beyond his wide-ranging skillset, JoeJas has a vivacious and almost child-like energy that allows him to draw inspiration from all over, resulting in his incredibly diverse sound and free-spirited delivery. Since 2016 JoeJas has dropped four projects — Planet (2016), Gappy (2018), Four Wing Island (2020), and Gaps & Nomads (2022) — and a steady flow of singles, exhibiting growth with each new drop. His latest project, Gaps & Nomads, may be his best work to date.
With production handled entirely by JoeJas’s alter ego, HairyMuffinMan, you would imagine that Gaps & Nomads would consist of similar beats across the board, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The album incorporates elements of a few different genres — such as the Punk-influenced track “Nomad” or the smooth and jazzy “Planet The Band” — that deliver a multitude of sounds, moods, and emotions. Just about every genre from Hip-Hop to House music made an appearance on Gaps & Nomads. Still, despite each track being a unique work of its own, HairyMuffinMan was magically able to make the project sound incredibly cohesive.
When it comes down to the lyrics, JoeJas is no less eccentric, yet shockingly relatable. The consistent theme throughout the album is “self-acceptance” as JoeJas helps his listeners to navigate the world as a person who defies their stereotypes while still being boxed in by them. Tracks like “Escape!” speak to this feeling as JoeJas details his own dismissal and nonacceptance. Later in the song, shortly after repeatedly chanting “just be free”, he enters a breakdown where he welcomes fellow rejects as he raps,
“To the freaks, the geeks, the losers,
Keep goin’ in the way that you cruisin’
If you still tryna find your own path,
You’re welcome with the gaps and nomads”
So far, JoeJas has released two official music videos from Gaps & Nomads for “Suedeflips!” and “Sally’s Last Dance.” Both music videos — directed, shot, and edited by JoeJas — feature vibrant colors, wacky visuals, and JoeJas’ cartoonishly animated persona.
All in all, Gaps & Nomads is a great listen, especially for those looking for a uniquely refreshing deviation from traditional Hip-Hop. Some standout tracks include “Sally’s Last Dance,” “Escape!,” “Nomad,” and “Suedeflips!” although playing the album straight through is highly recommended.
Check out the full project right here and be sure to keep up with JoeJas via Instagram and Twitter.