Better known by his stage name, DJThriller, Joshua Hurst is a 19-year-old on-riser out of Los Angeles. With a childhood upbringing in Ladera Heights, Joshua is studying at CSUN, majoring in film production to fulfill his dream of making a statement in the music world. He looks to advance a new wave of alternative hip-hop, merging the classic lyricism and samples of older styles with contemporary jazz.
The latest single from Joshua, “Snakez,” is a sterling case of that special artistic concept. This intro to the song has that soulful guitar riff that throws the listener back years; you know, that kind of ‘feel good,’ relaxed, summertime vibe, very reminiscent of those blues and jazz jams from way back when. Over this vintage sample, Joshua starts to rap in a relaxed flow.
The sample is the perfect backdrop for Joshua to paint a dazzling tale through his words. Reflecting on a past toxic relationship, he further mentions what he learned from it. His rapping itself is quite revealing, keeping a gracious tone throughout the track despite the subject.
Slowly, the beat comes alive, elevating itself with sharp beats and percussion. So what was once more of a low-key intro track turns into more of a vibrant session. Joshua’s flow seamlessly stays in line with the shifting rhythm. His rap delivery stays fluid and easily digestible, never resorting to unnecessarily complicated rhyme schemes.
In many ways, “Snakez” is an anthem for personal growth and reflection. Joshua shares his story not to attack others, but for the listeners to help themselves from falling into similar mistakes. His message makes you learn to appreciate yourself before you fully invest in a relationship. With his reflective lyrics and jazz-influenced production, Joshua proves he has much more to give fans beyond surface-level hip-hop trends.
I loved the opportunity to get familiar with rising talent Joshua Hurst, who produces and releases music under the alias DJThriller. The new single “Snakez” hooked me right from the soulful sample, not to mention the heavy and insightfully well-written lyrics from Joshua. I appreciate how Joshua is putting his twist on things with a jazz influence and mature storytelling. I am looking forward to what he is going to come up with next. The song had me yearning for more of his talent and life perspective. I’m going to be following all of Joshua’s new music and performances as his career progresses.
Fans can expect great things from this talented individual, so for all of you reading, make sure you check out “Snakez” for yourself today on Spotify.