Joe Banga

Joe Banga is a rap/hip hop artist from Hartford, CT with a talent for mixing rhyme and rhythm to create songs that speak authentically to listeners. For him, hip hop has always been a journey of complete self expression; a way to both unburden his soul from the weight of daily living and also reach out and connect with people on a deeper level. His last project, F.A.M.E (For All My Enemies,) was a chance for him to get quality feedback on his work, as well as build his fan base and open new doors for himself with other artists like Cassidy, Red Café, and Dipset. "You’re gonna make it big one day,” Lovey XXL, a DJ for WRTC 89.3 said to him.

He really wanted to create a new sound with his next project, so he stepped out of his comfort zone to challenge himself with different concepts, hoping to not only create fresh new music, but also expand his fan base and attract new listeners. His new mixtape, “1738”, comes out on Thanksgiving Day. There will be a party to celebrate its release, giving both fans and newcomers the chance to listen to his latest work. The mixtape involves several other local musicians that he collaborated with, including DJ Get It Rite, Po, Mark Diggity, Gold, Yunier, 4d Cal, Hector Troy, Young, and Snacks. In the future, Joe is planning on going more mainstream, shooting for the chance to really take his music to the top – and the sky is the limit.

Having been exposed to the industry at a young age and growing up around numerous local musical artists, his own music pulses with the heartbeat of life experience. His stepfather, Earl Robinson, brought him to the recording studio and always brought him to work with him when he was a kid. He had the chance to hang out with a number of different local artists during their sessions, and a lifelong love for music was born. In addition to all of his time spent in the studio, Joe gains a lot of inspiration from other artists including 2Pac, Nas, Mob Deep, L.o.x., Big L, Jay-Z, and Big E.

The main thing in life that influences Banga’s music is the struggle – however, he always does his best to find a way to turn things around and take them in a more positive direction. He hopes that his music will help people who are going through a tough time and motivate them to do better in life, in spite of the odds or how bad things may be. He doesn’t create music just for the sake of making music – he does it because he loves doing it and wants to make a difference with his work.

“Fall and get back up – now that’s what makes a man.” – Joe Banga, from 1738.