Black American Scumbag - Joho (Pop/R&B) It was very difficult to figure out how to fill out the genre for Black American Scumbag—a 24 track opus by the incredibly versatile Joho. And that’s because it has nearly everything you can think of. When it starts, your pretty confident it’s a rap/hiphop album. But then it’s R&B. But then it’s pop. And then it’s rock. And then it’s R&B again. And then, and then, and then. So in the end all we can really categorize this master work as is an opus, and expression of artistry from someone who clearly loves music in all its forms.
Before digging into our favorites of the, again, TWENTY FOUR tracks, we want to talk about the project overall—and it certainly is a project. The word “scumbag” appears often, tying the songs together, which is apparently something Joho has been called, or been made to feel he was, by people throughout his life. The spoken word intro to the first track, aptly called Scumbag, speaks of finally deciding to become the villain those around him paint him as. It is a central theme through the album—rejection and misunderstanding—as Joho struggles with identity and loss. And it takes many different forms, from rejection in love to friendship to people not believing in him, and many different points of view. At times, Joho is hyper confident and will “show them all,” in other moments introspective and vulnerable.
And that is where the genre hopping really shows Joho’s artistry as he pairs specific soundscapes to the specific message and point of view of each song. This is so much more than a collection of songs, it is an artist baring his soul and finally showing the world who he is—every part of him—letting him define his identity rather than others. It’s music at its finest.
When it comes to the production, it’s extremely professional and, as mentioned above, always keeps you guessing as to what is coming next. We were constantly surprised as the album weaved from a 00s-style rap/hiphop into the recent contemporary spin on 80s (thanks Stranger Things), then a surprising turn into alt rock before moving into ballads and then back again to where we started. The collection of sounds are incredibly diverse and yet the sequencing of the tracks gives you one small changeup at a time, leading you carefully into the next soundscape and genre, which keeps things surprising, but not out of nowhere.
Vocally, the album shines, from Joho himself to his selection of exquisite guests. At first, he introduces himself as a rapper that is HEAVY on the early Kanye vibes. HEAVY. His delivery and flow feel right out of the College Dropout and Late Registration eras, and one in particular, “The Emotional Impact of Your Actions”, feeling right out of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The lyrics are raw and delivered with passion.
But then Joho surprises to show that he is also an incredibly talented singer, with influences from Bruno Mars to the Jacksons. He has an incredible ear for melody and proves himself a true musician with his harmonies—standout track and closer “Fade” gives us a cathedral Brandy-esque vocal layering. And the biggest surprise—some of Joho’s best tracks are actually when he dives into alt rock, providing his most Top 40 friendly material.
We could write all day about each of these—again, if you didn’t hear us the first time—TWENTY FOUR TRACKS, we’ll stick to our personal favorites and standouts. “Scumbag” is a must for understanding the overall message of the album, feeling the Kanye influence and getting acquainted with Joho’s passion in performance, as well as his versatility in his layered background vocals. “Just Be Honest” and “Outside” are our first looks at real Top 40 potential, with the former being a real showcase of Joho as a singer while sticking to his Kanye vibes (we hear “Good Life” in this one). The latter is anthemic, showcasing a spectrum of sounds from the 80s (that cowbell) to present, with a really fun chord progression.
“Constant Spirals”, “Tides”, “Shoegaze Sally” and “Inside Your Mind” are Joho’s pop rock numbers, with the first two being standouts for us. Constant Spirals uses that great “Pumped Up Kicks” vocal effect accompanied by masterful harmonies showing impressive musicality—get this one on the radio. Tides shines for the duet with IIRIIS, whose sparkling soprano is a perfect pairing with Joho’s resonant baritone rasp. It’s extremely sing-along-able and catchy—this one should be a karaoke staple.
For a taste of Joho’s vulnerability, we recommend “Empty Streets”, “The Emotional Impact of Your Actions” and “Throne for Two”—the latter venturing into Bruno Mars territory. And finally, “We Left The Party” is a contemporary dance bop which has serious playlist potential.
Versatility, musicality and self expression are all on display on this, we say it again, TWENTY FOUR TRACK exhibition of Joho’s heart and soul. And while throughout the work he self proclaims that he is a scumbag, the only thing we hear is an impressively polished artist with vision.
