Urban Vault caught up with New York-based Hip Hop artist IAMJOSHSTONE to ask him some questions about his latest release GAMETIME, produced by The Heatmakerz & more…

The protege of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Stone is the CEO of his own label Real Vibez Only Inc. Artistically, he is inspired by many great artists such as Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Nipsey Hussle, Eminem, and of course his mentor Chuck D.

Josh ‘IAMJOSHSTONE’ Stone, presents his latest single ‘GameTime’, produced by The Heatmakerz. Fresh off of his 2022 album ‘Therapy Sessions‘, ‘GameTime’ comes on the heels of his 2021 single/video release ‘Magic‘ featuring Pnb Relly, St. Rose, and fellow New York City rapper Jim Jones.

You hail from the birthplace of Hip Hop, NYC. How have you seen it evolve over the years, what’s the vibe right now?

It’s evolved from being the birthplace and Mecca to being irrelevant while the south took over, to now this new drill wave that really comes from Chicago/UK. Everyone thinks they’re a rapper, but rap is an art form and there is a huge gap in messaging and fan relatability to music. Pop Smoke impersonators are how I view it (RIP), and it’s sad people are just copying one another but it also gives me space to be relatable and authentic.

How did you hook up with Heatmakerz & what’s it like working with them?

Playing a number of roles in the industry, I was around the Heatmakerz since 2012 even being in their old studio time. After ‘El Capo’ came out, I liked the feel of the album from records to sequencing. I had just done another record with Jim out in LA ‘Magic’ and reached out to rsnonsit, who told me to come by the studio. One record turned into an album. And we have a lot more cooking. Working together is seamless and effortless. It’s mutual respect & it’s always great creating relationships that become more than music.

How did you and Chuck D connect, what’s the relationship like and what are you guys working on?

After I had a career-ending injury after being a top prospect for the NHL draft and 5 surgeries on my right shoulder. I was working with Chris Lighty and then went on the road with DJ Whoo Kid. I connected with Chuck D as my father owned the first black club on LI in the 80s and Chuck used to work for my father as a promoter while he attended Adelphi University as Chuck is from Roosevelt LI. One night an act didn’t show up Chuck always wanted to perform and my father gave him his opportunity. My father didn’t like where my life was heading as I was still in a sling, depressed after my best friend also passed away in his human shell and I really had no direction at the time (08) except going on the road and getting Whoo Kid ‘White Moisture’. He (my father) reached out to Chuck after 30 years thru Public Enemy’s website, and within 20 minutes Chuck told him to call him. I only knew him from the movie ‘He Got Game’ music scores and knew Flav thru ‘Flava Of Love’ I didn’t know he was hip hop royalty and an icon. He told us to meet at a local diner and for me to bring a pad and pen. He then sat me down for 6 hours and said,

“I’m gonna tell you the same thing I told Pac and Ice Cube. I’m not here for no reason you need to learn this if you’re serious about having a career in the music business”.

He sat me down and gave me what I call ‘The Music Industry Bible’ (I have it to this day). I didn’t know what anything meant at the time, from publishing splits to retaining masters, even sync licensing. I had no idea at the time what any of this meant. During the meeting he took a liking to me, and he told me

“I want you to learn how to be in the studio and have your hands on the boards. I have a private studio at my house on LI you can use it anytime, it’s free”.

I learned from him and Johnny Juice from the Bomb Squad how to mix, record, and I ended up being in there for 3 years. I was doing 3 beats a day, 48 bars which were like 144 bars a day for 3 years. He also suggested I make my own studio, and after my first 100 songs I thought were good… throw them out and restart again. He was right about everything. Chuck’s wisdom and knowledge are something I will always appreciate and cherish, we also ended up walking carpets together years later and still do, not even knowing we’ll be at the same place/events sometimes and it’s great full circle moments, and I’m glad I can make him proud. And will continue the #1 rule: be your authentic self.

What’s the number one lesson you learned in 2022?

common sense isn’t so common.

What are your plans for 2023?

I have a new project on the way following the success of Therapy Sessions. My brother Troy and my entertainment company Real Vibez Only has signed 4 artists. We’re producing and getting out all their first records this year. I am working on their projects as well. We also have opened a sports division of the company and are co-managing Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis as well as NHL stars Evander Kane of the Oilers & Adam Fox of the Rangers including many others, including Noah Clowney who is projected to go in the top 10 in this year’s NBA draft. We also are working with the NY Islanders to bring more culture and diversity to the UBS Arena, as they saw us bring Bobby Shmurda to his first hockey game at The Garden during the playoffs to support our client Adam Fox. We just brought pop star/influencer Madison Beer to the Islanders game and the building was shaking as we also raised 10,000 pounds of food as well in the process for those less fortunate for thanksgiving with county executive Bruce Blakeman and Islanders owner Jon Ledecky. Last but not least we have teamed up with Former EVP of Warner Brothers Susan Kantor opening up a film division where we have a highly anticipated game show launching in 2023 along with other scripted shows/movies as well as a documentary taking you thru the journey that got me here today to even have this interview. Thank you!

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

IAMJOSHSTONE – Gametime via iTunes/Spotify

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