Josh Johnson’s love for sharp storytelling goes beyond comedy, and his rap taste proves it.
He knows a thing or two about crafting the perfect line — whether it is for a comedy set or a rap verse. The Daily Show correspondent and stand-up comedian recently sat down with Rap Latte hosts Touré and King Green to talk about everything from the symbolism of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show to the future of comedy. Naturally, the conversation turned to hip hop, and Josh had plenty to say.
With his knack for thoughtful observations and love for precise wording, it is no surprise Josh finds a connection between hip hop and comedy — two art forms built on rhythm, timing, and storytelling.
Growing up in Louisiana, he did listen to Boosie Badazz, but they parted ways quickly. Now, Josh’s rap taste leans more toward lyricism with substance. He states:
It goes Kendrick, Nas, and J. Cole. Eminem shaped a big part of my teens. Those are my top tops.
Beyond the heavyweights, Josh keeps an eye on artists outside the mainstream, like Zero and Frankie Tsunami:
There are some people I get excited about because I feel like whatever spark someone lights up for you, in whatever genre of music, — there is something there. I understand one-hit wonders for commercial success, but I think that anyone who can touch on something inside you at that moment so intensely can probably do it again, as long as they stay on the same wavelength of creativity and understanding. So, I try to follow people just because of one song sometimes.
Maybe that is one of the reasons Eminem’s music continues to resonate with millions — his ability to create a deep, personal connection through his lyrics, making every listener feel like part of the story.
