We Speak Indie Artist

Emerging Music Artist Joshua Sheppard Releases Indie-Pop Single ‘Rolling Thunder’

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2023

Hailing from Ontario, Joshua Sheppard is an emerging music artist who has released his upbeat indie-pop single ‘Rolling Thunder’.

‘Rolling Thunder’ hones in on the foundation of his love for music and creative ambitions. The indie-pop offering infuses electric guitar, piano, drums, some minor fillers, and vocals. There’s a fun vibe to the track that showcases Joshua Sheppard’s exceptional musical talents.

Based on an event he had when he was younger, Joshua Sheppard penned this song. He went to the studio to cut the track. Firstly, he recorded it with vocals and an acoustic guitar, before changing the production to add other crucial musical components to the tune.

Joshua Sheppard comments on the track, “‘Rolling Thunder’ is about looking back at a fond memory in life, and not feeling sad it’s gone, rather using those emotions to propel yourself forward into the future to even better things. In my case, the song is based on a true story from my childhood”.

ABOUT JOSHUA SHEPPARD

Growing up, Joshua Sheppard was exposed to various musical genres and started singing before he could talk. He began piano lessons at the age of five and picked up the guitar at the age of 10. He began playing in bands at the age of 12. At age 15, Joshua started writing original songs and albums, numbering nearly 80 titles today. At 17, he released his debut single ‘Take My Time’, followed by ‘The Bigger Picture’ and ‘If I Make It’.

Joshua Sheppard has developed his own unique sound which draws from various genres of music from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons, Juke Box The Ghost, and M83. He has a mix of eye-catching visuals, thoughtful lyrics, and refined means of presentation making him stand out as an up-and-comer in the music industry.

Joshua Sheppard is paving his way into the music scene with his promising sound. Stay tuned as ‘Rolling Thunder’ on all streaming platforms. For updates on Joshua Sheppard, please visit his social media and streaming platforms.

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NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)

Published

4 days ago

April 14, 2026

MJ Savino

Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.

MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.

Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.

MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.

Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.

MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?

Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.

MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?

Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.

MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”

Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.

MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?

Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.

MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.

Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.

MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.

Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.