I was introduced to Joi as the girlfriend of Bigg Gipp Goodie circa 99 after hearing Black Ice. Little did I know she had already been on the single with an acclaimed debut release, The Pendulum Vibe, produced by Dallas Austin. It was lauded as the work of the next Madonna.
Joi was one of the first artist to be dawned a “neo-soul” artist. Her sultry voice and often seductive groove permeates the senses. The most righteous lyrics still have a sexual esteem that moves hips while motivating the mind.
Despite her break-through sound and stand out persona, Joi, has been victim to the major label sludging. having projects pushed back indefinitely. Even falling through the cracks after signing with Universal in 2000. But a masterpiece like, Star Kitty’s Revenge, could not be held down. Joi moved to former Toni Tony Tone frontman, Raphael Saadiq’s label, Pookie Records.
Though the first single to Star Kitty’s Revenge, Missing You, failed to create much buzz for the project, the second single, Lick, more than made up the slack. Thanks to a feature in the movie XXX, Lick, went on to push Star Kitty Revenge and Joi into a new demand.
Joi’s last studio album, Tennessee is the Bomb, was released in 2006 on her own label, Joilicious Records. Joi has modeled, acted, and continues to sing and tour while working on a new film Smiles & Cries, currently in production.
