Navigating the World with Wolfacejoeyy

You may know him for his viral song, “Buku.”

Photography by Zay Maverick

Wolfacejoeyy has always known that a monotonous life was never for him: Waking up, going to school and work, going home, and repeating. “I’m good, just existing and living in the free world and shit,” Joeyy casually says after performing in front of hundreds of people at Gramercy Theatre. He’s always loved music but didn’t know how to make it until he became a teenager.

Joeyy spent much of his childhood in Nigeria. When he returned to what is now his hometown, Staten Island, he taught himself how to make music. The self-taught artist experimented with music software and production equipment, leading to his broad sound today.

He initially found it difficult to make music, but it stuck with him once he got a hang of it. Soon after that, his musical career skyrocketed. Last November, he performed at Rolling Loud Miami for the first time — landing him to go on tour with Eem Triplin and perform at Rolling Loud California this March.

At only 21 years old, Joeyy has released two albums, all your fault and 22Joeyy. His hit song “Buku” went viral on TikTok, leading to a remix with Michigan musician SoFaygo. We sat down with the rising star to discuss his inspirations, love for different genres, and what’s next for Wolfacejoeyy.

How did you get into making music?

I was 14 or 15. I had just returned from Nigeria, and I’d always loved music. Being at home and the only kid, I saw what I could do to occupy my time because I was doing the same thing. Every day, I would wake up, shower, go to school, come home, do homework, watch TV, and sleep. I needed to do something with myself, and music just so happened to be one of those things. I’ve always loved it; I just didn’t know how to make it. Once I knew how to make it, I kept going with it.

What’s the biggest venue you’ve performed at so far?

I’m not sure. I usually don’t ask how many people…I only ask if it’s sold out. I think Boston may have been the biggest.

What are your favorite things about performing?

I’ve dealt with certain crowds that don’t want to move unless the headliner’s out. But I’ve been able to navigate in those situations. I like both aspects, whether it’s just me turning up or the fans turning up.

Do you usually feel nervous before you perform?

Nah, not really. I’ll have a couple of jitters. I really don’t think about it too much. I just go.

Can you talk about your recent single with Chenayder, “tylenol?”

She’s a super-talented artist. I decided to sample her on the song, and I sent it back to her, and she loved it. She asked to add some more vocals to it. That’s like my little sis.

Photography by Zay Maverick

What was the creation process for your most recent album, 22Joeyy?

It was just vibes, I’m not going to lie. There were a lot of times me and 22 would be in the studio, and he’d send me beats, and I’ll make shit. We had a lot of cool stuff going on at the time.

You’ve also worked with Cash Cobain and SoFaygo. How did those relationships and collaborations come to be?

I’ve known Faygo since 2019. Music aside, me and him are homies. We talk every day. I used to produce for him. Me, Cash, Chow, and his whole crew started kicking it on regular shit. He became a good friend to me as well. All of it happened naturally.

Who else do you want to collaborate with?

My favorite artist; Tyler, the Creator. There are a lot of people. Brent Faiyaz is one, more of me and Faygo, and Lil Yachty.

You have various types of sounds and genres throughout your discography. How do you blend them?

I don’t know. It just appends. It’s a lot of stuff that I listen to and that I can hear about combining, making it, and sounding authentic.

What do you think it is that makes you authentic?

I’m not afraid to try things out, and I’m not afraid to fail. I’m always myself.

Could you tell me what listeners can expect from you?

I’m working on a project. It’s going to be, I wouldn’t say, a lot more emotional, but it depends on how I’m feeling. It’ll always be vibes with me.

What achievements can you see for yourself?

I just want to be happy, man. I want to have my big mansion. My little sports car, maybe a couple of dogs, and a Grammy or Billboard award. I don’t ask for much.