Jozeemo

Known for blending boastful gun raps with mature, introspective lyrics, Durham, North Carolina rapper Jozeemo, also called Joe Murda, moved repeatedly during his youth as his family failed to keep him from a hazardous street existence. Born Joseph Murdock III in Texas, he first shifted to southside Chicago before landing in North Carolina. There, in Durham, he linked up with friends who likewise gravitated toward hip-hop and together launched the local crew Living on Barnes. Local recognition arrived quickly once he began besting rivals in freestyle battles and contests staged on area radio stations and inside clubs. Raleigh-based 21st Records became the initial label to pursue him, yet a 2003 meeting at an MC contest with North Carolina underground rap darlings Little Brother and Hall of Justus CEO Mischa “Big Dho” Burgess would shape his path in the years ahead. Under 21st he issued multiple gangsta rap street projects, including the Blockhuggerz mixtapes, followed by his debut album Greazy in 2004. That same summer an arrest for firearm possession breached his probation terms and led to nearly two years in federal prison in West Virginia. After his 2006 release, Big Dho brought the hardcore MC onto the Hall of Justus roster. Although pairing with the alt-rap circle tied to Little Brother raised eyebrows at first, Jozeemo soon grew comfortable working alongside Justus League producers 9th Wonder and Khrysis on the imprint’s 2007 release Cry Now L.A.F. Later.