Hnst Talk: Joshua Scales

The Ohio emcee makes music for a cause and is building a platform to share that message.

From secular music to CHH, Joshua Scales knows his purpose.

“I started in middle school around age 14.”

“Riding the wave of my classmates who were all in groups and rapping in the lunchroom or at talent shows, I was rapping about things I most certainly didn’t have (bling, money, cars). Honestly, I just loved rhyming.”

“My Godmother, whom I owe the responsibility of keeping me going to church and knowing about God, ultimately showed me this Christian rapper by the name of T-Bone.”

“I got hooked on his ‘The Hoodlum’s Testimony’ album. I fell in love with the truth he was telling of his salvation and redemption, as well as his style. I told myself, ‘I want to be like this dude!’ I wanted to be real and inspire people with my own rapping from then on.”

Scales’ family embraced this new direction with his art.

“I didn’t have a whole lot of friends, but my family definitely love me doing the new genre.”

“They believed I had found my niche in music with CHH. I had begun wanting to sing R&B music, then came rap. I also dabbled in acting/musical theatre as well.”

While working various 9-5’s and building to a hopeful full-time career in music, Scales gave everything to God and started noticing the blessings. Including connecting with one of his favorite artists, former DC Talk frontman and Gotee Records head Toby Mac.

“I always think about when I first bought the ‘Welcome to Diverse City’ album in 2004. I used my own allowance money at a Christian merch booth at this outdoor festival. I fell in love with Toby’s eclectic sound and how he does his ministry.”

“God saw it fit for me to meet him (Toby) along with members of his Diverse City band. I have been volunteering at shows over the years, since 2015. Getting connected with him has allowed me to dance, on-stage, four times now to his song ‘Feel It’. Its been an exhilarating feeling every time and a blessing to be able to do so along with other fortunate fans. At this year’s SpiritSong in Cincinnati, Ohio, I caught up with him after his meet-and-greet along with his tour manager.”

Being born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Scales is among a growing CHH community forming in the country’s “north coast”.

“Maaaan…let me tell you! Ohio breeds music artists, period. Definitely a lot of talent and gifted people here!”

“My fellow Dayton bros Rapture Ready and Reborn are a couple of my favorites that are out here right now.”

Scales spent his summer with performances at festivals such as Elevation Music Fest and GospelFest, sharing the stage with artists like Rapture Ready and Jordan Feliz. It was busy, but there is no slowing down as we head into the last quarter of 2019.

“For the most part, I’ll be supporting the #Chapter28 project. I’m also looking at possible feature contests as well.”

“I’ve heard that I have more of an old school flow as opposed to a lot of the intricate, fast-paced cadences that many of the new CHH artists are using. I believe that’s a way to set me apart. It kind of let’s me have my own style.”

—

One thing that people within CHH may not know about Scales, but they will quickly learn, is that he looks to impact mental health awareness with his music.

“I am a huge advocate for mental health and suicide prevention awareness.” 

“I was born with a condition as a result of my biological mother abusing drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. This resulted in me having a congenital heart disease called Tetrology of Fallout. I suffer with depression, developmental delays, and ADHD.”

“I am a testament that even in the darkest of times, including extreme doubt and lack of self-confidence, that God heals. He reassures and continues to provide. He’s kept me and, through moments of dealing with my own suicidal thoughts, I’ve found that he is in control.”

“I am so much more than what the enemy tries to make of me!”

“I believe that you should be open and real in music, especially in this space. I’m glad that it is happening.”

“Like in CCM it’s more inspirational where they lightly touch on the fact that we all go through hardships, but that we find our hope to get through them in Christ. This is true, but it doesn’t really get descriptive or as thorough as CHH can.”

“I would like the artists who have experienced it personally in their lives to continue to speak on it and support a call to action towards mental health and suicide awareness in CHH. Don’t let it be something people just MIGHT come across by reading a bio somewhere.”

—

Check out Joshua Scales and get ready for #Chapter28! @TheJoshuaScales