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The Indianapolis rapper Joosi Got Bars is one of 70 artists scheduled to perform this weekend at Chreece, an all-day hip-hop festival held in the Fountain Square neighborhood. Joosi describes her music as R&B rap.
She discussed her music and her upcoming performance at Chreece with WFYI’s Kyle Long.
This interview has been edited for style and clarity.
Long: In the last few years, you've released multiple projects, albums, mixtapes and singles. Tell us a little bit about the work you're doing today in music. And can you describe your sound and style as an emcee today?
Joosi Got Bars: I am just trying to be as productive as possible. I'm realizing that without a team, the weight can truly be heavy. So every day, I set a goal musically, whether it's big or small, and it has to be accomplished before I go to sleep. It helps me on this journey. I am doing it alone, but it's working for me. You know, I just want to focus on making great music.
As far as my sound, I consider myself an R&B rapper, because on almost every song, I find a way to sing, whether it's in the background or on a verse. I want to make music that my mom can listen to as well as my kids, even though they're going to have to skip a few songs. I just try to be mindful of everybody, but also stay true to myself.
It gets tough sometimes doing it alone. I get discouraged, but then it's almost like as quick as I got discouraged; it goes away just as quickly, you know, because I have to make it for my daughters. I have two of them, and I just truly want to show them what not giving up looks like.
Long: Joosi, you have a big performance coming up August, 23 at Chreece, an all day Hip Hop festival in Fountain Square. This is the 10 year anniversary of Chreece. Tell me what you have planned for this year's Chreece.
Joosi Got Bars: So I incorporated a drummer this year along with a DJ, and I threw in an equal amount of R&B songs. I was heavy on rap last year. So I want to display some of my R&B vibes this year. The drummer changed the whole vibe of the show. So I'm looking forward to rocking out. This is my second year having my own set at Chreece, my fourth year in total performing there. It’s a vibe. It's like the Super Bowl for us. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm grateful to be a part of it.
Long: You mentioned this is like the Super Bowl for rappers in Indianapolis. I like that analogy. Why is it so special?
Joosi Got Bars: It's one of the biggest festivals, if not the biggest festival that we have here. And I mean, it's a day of music and just being able to display your art in a way that not every artist gets a chance to do throughout the year. We work all year long just to be able to get that stamp. I'll never forget: I literally had footage of getting that call from Chreece, and I cried.
For me, it's like the little girl inside of me that used to sit at home saying, 'I can't wait until I can be onstage,' or 'I can't wait until people know my name.' When you get a phone call and you're being recognized for all the hard work you've put in, it's just that feeling you get. You know, it's unexplainable. So even though Chreece is here in the city and I have bigger, bigger, bigger, bigger plans for myself, I still definitely respect Chreece and what it's done for us here at home.
This interview originally aired on WFYI's Cultural Manifesto.
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