Papa Joe Is ‘LIVING FOR LIFE’ In More Ways Than One! Inspiring Everyone To Be The Best Person They Can Be
Papa Joe’s music career is soaring, and only going higher and higher. His first release, ‘Last Night a DJ Saved My Life,’(Kult Records) was an overnight worldwide smash hit as it topped the charts and hit #6 on Billboard Magazine Dance Charts. The track featured the international house music sensation ‘LuLa’. This instant attack of fame happened so suddenly and as being successful in the music industry was a dream of Papa Joe’s, he has been embracing every moment.
Papa Joe’s nickname stuck by him for years, “Papa Joe is my club name, I have had this nickname since I have been 14 years old. Someone told me that I’m like a farther-figure you know, like a Papa!”
At the beginning of our conversation, Papa Joe said, “I am having a good day, everyday is a good day. I got my miles in today (walking) and I am good to go. I walk and I lost over 200lbs this way!”
His story begins like this, “I worked on Wall Street in sales in New York City. I moved here with two suitcases and a dream to do acting or what I thought was acting at one point. Eddie Amador walked in on a rehearsal and heard me signing and asked if I would mind if we recorded a track because he liked my voice. From there on out my demo went to a label, it got signed in ten minutes. They had fired another rapper and asked me to step in, so I did. My first track ever went to #6 on Billboard. My background has been in music all along. I played violin and was in the marching band when I was little. I have always had an acquired taste for music; I love all of it. Dance music was my thing. If I had to pick one style of music it would be dance. I love the harmonies and melodies and the bass and when you are walking into a club environment, that bass hits you right in your heart. Makes you move and groove! To be able to do the music has been a great experience so far and this is only the beginning.”
However, Papa Joe’s success was dampened by a harsh realization. As he viewed the music video for, ‘Last Night a DJ Saved My Life,’ his self-image took a downward turn. He realized how uncomfortable he was in his own skin, just from the sight of himself weighing 450lbs. It was seeing himself in this condition that helped him to change his entire outlook on life. Papa Joe commented on his experience loosing the weight, “the track came out and it has been a really humbling experience to be able to start new and fresh at the age of 40. After I saw the video it immediately triggered something in me. I have been overweight all my life and to finally get that wakeup call, that was pretty much it because I saw it. The fact it was going on Billboard and on the charts – anybody that is trying to put themselves out there, it is all about self-image. When I saw myself, ‘I thought, are you kidding? You look like that?’ I knew it had to be changed. Since then, I have been getting up everyday and walking. I have lost over 200lbs since then just by walking and have kept the weight off for two and a half years.” Papa Joe’s amazing story has a strong reflection on his music, “Now I am trying to get others to get motivated and get them to listen to their calling that they may have for themselves and just DO. I like to write inspirational lyrics. I am the Tony Robinson of house music!”
Papa Joe’s success in weight loss was a natural process. He didn’t undergo surgery and didn’t partake in any fad diets. He says, “Every morning I walk and some mornings are a struggle thinking, ‘oh man I have to walk.’ But when I am walking in the street and people see me, they are waving and honking their horns. That makes everything feel a little bit better, so I keep going. Some people will come up to me and say I heard your story so I started to walk and I feel so much better. It is connecting the dots with people, hopefully it will spread and that people will take on the music and apply it to their own lives. What I want to do for others is motivate them and inspire them to be happy number one, but also to pursue that goal in life.” He continued, “I did change the diet, not going to lie. To be honest with you when the track came out, I couldn’t afford a gym at the time so that is why I started walking. The people I have met along the way and the ones who have asked can I walk with you, I say, ‘sure!’”
His ultimate goal in life is based on happiness. He said, “I am happy and happy to help! I am one of those guys that are motivated to help others.” I asked Papa Joe if he has tried any other forms of exercise to keep fit and he say, “I like bicycling. We go down to Venice Beach and bike for two hours. I put that music on and I just go. I am looking forward to doing new activities. I hike also. Someone suggested a kettle-bell workout. I am going to try!
This is the beginning of a new life for me. Physically, mentally, mind body and soul. Bring it on baby!”
I asked what his advice would be for people who are planning on making a New Years Resolution, who by chance are struggling with their weight and self-confidence, he said, “If they are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then get up and do it. Get up and do. If they do need that help or that little bit of motivation, follow my story, listen to my story and live my story and they will be able to do it. Papa Joe’s most recent dance hit, ‘Live For Life,’ (Molacacho Records) with Willy San Juan, has been released. It is already is racing up the International Dance Charts. It is more than just a song; it is a positive movement and message that he is putting out there. Papa Joe said, “If anyone is interested about ‘Life For Life’, the song itself is about living each day with full positivity towards others and to be the best that you can be. It is short, sweet and simple. People don’t think about it enough. I can only talk about the experience I am going through and that is how I can help others because obviously it has worked for me.”
Apart from being in the recording studio and making music, Papa Joe is very busy with his other ventures. His clothing line, ‘Joe Joe’ fashion house, represents him as, “ I am a t-shirt and jeans kind of a guy with that I started an inspirational clothing line that allows me to be empowered and when people read the message they are empowered by reading it.” And his Production Company, ‘Papa Joe Network Production,’ he says, “is my production company. I am doing a little bit of everything! I started it for myself at one point but now it is about branching out and helping others to help them start their message of what they are trying to do. For Christmas, I am shooting a homeless shelter and there is this woman who feeds the homeless every Wednesday, there is only one restaurant that helps her. With the network I am able to share her story to people on the Internet so that maybe she can get more help. If I can be the vehicle to help, I am there. As well as film, events, things like that. I really want to help people get their message out there. With the new music I have coming out, I have been collaborating with a lot of musicians in Hollywood. I am very passionate about people and what they want to do.”
His future projects that he is planning are aimed towards strengthening his ‘Life For Life’ movement. He said, “Starting in April I am going to get everyone in the U.S. motivated and I am trying to now plan to walk across America. We will be going city to city and get people motivated through the music with the track Live For Life that is out. I will bring the production company with me and the clothing company and we will document the whole thing and get people excited about their lives. What has helped me is what I am applying to them and hopefully move forward.” As well, he works towards benefiting peoples lives any way that he can, especially by donating his time to charities, such as: ‘AIDS Walk’, ‘The American Red Cross’, ‘Ronald McDonald Walk For Kids’, ‘MMPA ‘(Multicultural Motion Picture Assoc.), and the ‘Alzheimer’s Association’, along with others.
Papa Joe’s story is truly inspirational as it projects the importance of making people understand that their health is a vital component of their life. Papa Joe said it best himself, “hard work never goes unrewarded.” Keep up the amazing work Papa Joe!
Watch The ‘Live For Life’ Music Video!
Written By: Michelle Coveny
