PREMIERE | Josh Stokes, "It's Your World" ft. Al Rogers Jr.
The new pop kings, from left; Al Rogers Jr. & Josh Stokes; press photo courtesy of the artists.
Reaffirmed through illustrious arts and an unmatched hustle — Baltimore continues to be one of the most prolific and influential communities for everything from artistry and activism. A collective of cultured independents, Bmore is home to some of the most diverse sets of styles, trendsetters, game changers, queen/king makers and so much more. While much of the pop polemics center their discourse around the NYC and West Coast waves of note, often the new nascent auteurs borrow from a tradition of sincerity and unabashedly suave that is found in the heart of Maryland. While those of whom are already well versed in the city’s movements of profound proliferation, the rest of North America and the world at large is only beginning to get acquainted (or perhaps reacquainted) with some of the most internationally renowned talents.
Taking the latest Bmore sounds and styles on tour is Josh Stokes who announces today a string of July dates with a debut look at the video for “It’s Your World” featuring Al Rogers Jr. A collaboration between creative titans, Al & Josh cleverly in sound and visual bridge the beatification of the throwback bop with a future forward sensibility and style. The message is one of abundant love, extoling expressions of TLC in ways that blend old school boom bap, lovers rock that rhythmically rolls off the palate like a fine vintage wine and an atmosphere of genuine sensualism. Found off the diamond studded album God Jewel, the dynamic duo shine bright like 10,000 suns in a lit joint that burns with a potent sense of devotion that defies description, superlatives and other assorted adjectives. More than a vibe or just a fleeting feeling, “World” is about building that better place with a special significant someone. Creating and fostering a celestial space and making heaven a proverbial place on earth — Al & Josh together spearhead a push toward a higher state of consciousness through the power of rhyme and song with blessings upon blessings bestowed by the universe.
The JPowell-directed video for “It’s Your World” remains loyal to the Baltimore soil and streets in a celebration of beauty and bountiful affection aplenty. From locales like colorful courts, sun-kissed parks, bright brick graffiti backdrops and stops at Sakura Cafe III on Park Heights Avenue; the natural, inherent glow from fellow denizens and friends alike are given a spotlight in a song that edifies one another as a familial unit. Regulars on the go, passersby and loved ones together are praised in modern Psalms that postulate the importance of a deep care for our beloveds as well as the local acquaintances that enrich the eclectic quilt fabrics of our shared existence. Al Rogers Jr. drops some bars of kindred romance describing a bond that is both ratchet and refined, worshipping the limitless wonders of one that is sophisticated and uniquely incredible. Josh sings sentimentally from the heart and soul, moving beyond the material paper chases for something that is everlasting and fantastic beyond the bounds of imagination. The spoken and sung lyrics take flight into the dizzying mix, propelled by a classic cruising 90s hip-hop backbeat as Al Rogers Jr. and Josh Stokes take their fusions of modern balladry skyward toward palatial dimensions governed by an elevated love supreme (one without a beginning, or end).
Al Rogers Jr. and Josh Stokes present some behind the scenes knowledge and share some upcoming July tour dates:
Al Rogers Jr.
“It’s Your World” was fun and very nostalgic for me. When Josh first played me the song before I even laid down a verse I knew I would have it on repeat. We wanted the video to feel like something we grew up watching on VH1 soul and I think it captured that essence. This joint came just in time for the summer time too!!
Josh Stokes
When I first made the track for "It's Your World" its was so smooth and groovy. I always felt like this was an amazing song that could stand on its own, and people would enjoy. As I played the beat over and over I knew I had to have a rapper bring it in like back in the days when singers and rappers would collab and the song would be huge. I immediately thought of Al. I felt he embodied the song with his smoothness and unique lyrical approach. He laid the ground work perfectly and set it up for me to just hop on and do my part. We make a pretty cool duo! Stay tuned there will definitely be more collaborations to come!
Janet Jackson's video for "Got Til It's Gone" inspired me as a kid, and I wanted to implement elements from that. Showing beauty in people just as they are. No pretense just 100 percent them. That's how you win in my eyes. And that's what I'll continue to push. Staying true to you, which is what “It's Your World” is all about in the first place. Being the best you you can be, and inspiring that in others even if it may not align with your expectation. We have to take the weight off of each other, and ourselves. Just exist and continue to be the best version of ourselves we possibly can. It's your world baybee!
Kicking off July 1, this six city tour is bound to be a true revival. Beginning in Baltimore and blazing through Atlanta, check the socials.
Catch Josh Stokes on the following July dates:
