JAMIE JOSEPH

Words by Toby Rogers

Derby, former stomping ground of legendary footie manager Brian Clough, isn’t the kind of place you’d expect to find Britain’s latest R&B sensation. But rising from a black working class area of the city is Jamie Joseph, a 21-year-old singer with sweet soul voice that recalls the emotive brilliance of Sam Cooke.

A music lover from the cradle (his Dad was a record collector and huge fan), Joseph’s adoration of the sounds of Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye shape his contemporary take on classic soul. Marrying hip-hop production techniques with the songwriting nous of a youthful Smokey Robinson, he’s marking himself out as a genuine contender.

Jamie Joseph - But You (Produced by baby J) by baby J

Opening with block-rocking stabs that could’ve come straight from a Grandmaster Flash record, recent track ‘But You’ is two minutes of swaggering neo-soul magic. Produced by Baby J (Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Estelle, Wretch 32, Plan B), it’s a stunning fusion of vintage hip-hop and modern R&B.

Signed to Baby J’s new production company, Baby Music, following a meeting through a mutual friend, Joseph’s distinctive voice is breathing fresh life into the UK’s pop scene. A gifted songwriter inspired by emotions and the situations we all face in life, he’s more concerned that his audience relates to his message than he enjoys chart success. He needn’t worry; with his talent he’ll have both.

Today's tip comes courtesy of Thad Baron from 2Rype