Joe Jackson, known in the music world as Joe Black or J Black, grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, a hard edged West Side neighborhood of New York City that is often overlooked. This same area has produced influential artists such as Alicia Keys and Lisa Lisa from Cult Jam. Raised within African American culture, Joe was exposed to a wide range of musical sounds from an early age. Hip hop became his core influence, shaped by legendary artists including 2Pac, Nas, Jay Z, Big Pun, and Eminem. Their storytelling and lyrical depth inspired his love for poetry, rhythm, and expressive rap flows.
Joe’s path was not without hardship. A wrongful armed robbery accusation led to a year of home confinement, a period he used to sharpen his creative vision. From this difficult chapter emerged Hell’s Kitchen Entertainment, a label founded to give a voice to his neighborhood and to shed light on the unseen struggles that exist behind Midtown’s bright lights and towering buildings.
In 2016, Joe faced a devastating loss with the passing of his mother. Channeling grief into purpose, he immersed himself in his music. With steady support from family, close friends, and longtime friend NBA player Joakim Noah, he spent countless hours in the studio refining his sound. His online presence expanded rapidly, including early features in WorldStarHipHop’s A Day in the Life series. His solo version of Lisa Lisa’s Take You Home gained more than eight million views.
By 2021, Joe Black reached a career high when his song Motorola climbed to number seven on the Billboard charts. The track later appeared in the film Beyond the Rush, helping it reach new audiences across the country.
Recognized for his sharp lyricism and emotionally grounded storytelling, Joe Black blends raw street experiences with universal appeal. He continues to grow as a rapper and songwriter, with his latest release You Were Wrong attracting attention from key industry figures. Through high profile collaborations and a steadily expanding body of work, he remains a strong representative of Hell’s Kitchen and a rising force in hip hop.