#INTERVIEW with celebrated indigenous rapper Joey Stylez

Since getting his break in 2001 by opening for 50 Cent, Joey Stylez (Moosmin First Nation), has gone on to become a singer, songwriter, hip-hop artist and fashion designer. Above all of else Stylez honors his roots as a First Nations through his activism, performing on isolated reserves to inspire youth living in poverty and setting up workshops focused on empowering Aboriginal youth. Now with four albums and three Aboriginal Music Awards under his belt, Stylez is considered one of the top rappers in Canada. Stylez is currently on his Warrior Sun Tour and has dropped a new track Pride of Lions featuring Dragonette. Here is Stylez taking time out of his busy schedule to chat with The Xtra Mile.

What nation are you from?
Cree representative all day!!!

Where did you draw your inspiration for Pride of Lions?
In every song I write, I really just talk about what I’ve lived and seen, and that’s where I draw all my inspiration from… No fiction from this guy.

You touch on the subject of residential schools in Living Proof. What are your thoughts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission findings in June?
There is still much more healing to do. “Living Proof” was a cause and effect idea. We fill up prisons, and people don’t see that these jails are just taking the place of the residential schools. The effect from abuse and cultural genocide has not disappeared…and it has translated into hate and anger. Many of us still have issues with society because of our past.

What Indigenous artists you look up to?
I just think the world of John Trudell and Buffy St. Marie.

You just collaborated with Dragonette. Is there anyone else you see yourself collaborating with?Any artist that is on the same wave as me… anyone that I connect with well one to one is who I am making songs with. I am working a lot with Carsen Gray right now.

You are seen as a pioneer that has swept across Reservations and urban cityscapes throughout North America. What do you hope to do with your music in the future?
I want everyone to see that we can keep up with every other race or culture in the fashion, sports, and entertainment worlds… or in any world for that matter. I want Native American kids to see that there is a place for them in popular mainstream culture, and if I can succeed within it, so can they. Never lose hope.

Check out Joey Stylez single for “Pride of Lions” with Dragonette below!