Joyner Lucas (born Gary Maurice Lucas, Jr) is a rapper hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts who is a driving force of ‘new age’ conscious rap. Joyner has been active since 2007 using the stage name ‘Future Joyner’, releasing three mixtapes until eventually gaining popularity for his ‘Panda’ remix. Joyner is known to evoke varying reactions to his extremely controversial music and has been sparking a lot of discussion surrounding the topics he’s recently set his focus on. Since his blow up from the track ‘I’m not racist’, a song that showcases and tackles both sides of racism in modern America, Joyner has been consistent with releasing music that surrounds current social issues that he feels needs attention. This article encompasses his most recent single.
“Devil’s work” is the third single off of Joyner’s forthcoming album ADHD, and was released on the 2nd of May, 2019. The controversial single was released 6 months after the release of the first single off of the album. It has since been the center of debate all over social media with listeners questioning it’s intended message. In the track, Joyner mourns various rappers, leaders and other famous figures who passed or were murdered at a young age, or by a tragic circumstance. He can be seen in the walkway of a church, drinking a bottle of Hennessy while looking up at the figure of Jesus. He talks to God, letting him know that his prayers have not been answered and that our public figures are constantly being taken away from us especially our rappers. What makes the track so controversial is how Joyner begins to ask God why ‘good’ souls are being taken while ‘evil’ souls are still here on earth. He suggests that God exchange people who have passed for people who are still alive, most notably Tupac, Biggie and Nipsey Hussle for people such as Suge Knight, Donald Trump, and R Kelly. While fans of passed figures support Joyner’s wishes, many are unhappy with the explicit way that he asks God to take the lives of famous figures who are still alive, despite their flaws.
After receiving 2.2 million views on its first day, ‘Devil’s work’ has surely caught the attention of listeners and the media alike. With this track and many more like these Joyner is sure to shake up the industry even more than he already has. With his growing influence and a Grammy already under his belt, we can only expect Joyner to become a more prominent force in the music scene.
