From Oklahoma's Cherokee Nation to Miami's hip-hop scene, Joe Howard's passions are vast and varied. For the last several years he has chased these interests across the country and immersed himself in their study. The reason? He's filled to the brim with a genuine and energetic curiosity that most of us lose all too soon. Where others see looming obstacles and heavy workloads, Joe sees a world waiting to be cracked open.
Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Joe grew up hearing stories from his family of their rich tribal history. It sparked an interest in him, and he soon became an active, self-educated student of the complex issues surrounding the Cherokee people. He researches the subject in his free time, writes about it on his blog (www.wordwarrior.typepad.com), and will happily discuss it with customers and passersby.
In 2004, after leaving Virginia, Joe became certified as an instructor for English as a Second Language. He wanted to move north to Montreal to teach, but a series of barriers and restrictions dashed this plan. Instead, he moved to Miami, where he hoped to find work in construction. It was there, while working as a security guard at a local nightclub, that he started making music. Before long, Joe's face had become well known in local hip-hop circles.