New Jersey-based rapper Ray’Jozz is an artist who is authentic both on and off the microphone. His latest project Love and the Hustle is a reflection of that as he gives fans a raw look at his emotions, ambition, and personal growth. Moreover, Love And the Hustle is more than just an assortment of records, it’s a creation of seamless tunes that explore his journeys through perseverance, love, and hard work. In the words of the prolific emcee, Love and the Hustle is a testament to life, structured in a way that weaves each story together, unlike today’s incohesive LPs.
“I miss that feeling of the ’90s and early 2000s when you got a physical project that actually told a story,” he explains. “This album is a depiction of life in a certain time, a time capsule. You understand exactly how I felt during the period of recording it.”
Ray’Jozz’s love for music started at a young age. He recalls discovering his passion for hip-hop as a kid while continuously listening to music with his father. By the age of 12 or 13, he realized he had a knack for writing not only lyrics but short stories as well. The musician’s love for storytelling transitioned into his songwriting, driving him to create relatable yet timeless records. When it comes to his creative process, Ray’Jozz lets the beat guide the way. After developing a narrative for the song at hand, he writes and records, sometimes within just 15 to 30 minutes. Given this, it’s safe to say that he’s got a strong suit in creating songs quickly without sacrificing their quality.
“I know some people sit in the studio for like four or five hours, but when you’re on a budget, you learn how to record fast,” he jokes.
Ray’Jozz puts deep thought into his lyrics, often adding hidden meanings and Easter eggs within his bars. One example comes from “Give Me Your Love” featuring Emanny where he references poker. He raps, “Call me out, I’ll show you what this love about. Turn you out, that’s without a doubt.”
“The poker reference is about how, in love, we all start with a poker face, trying not to be too vulnerable,” he explains. “Then we start testing each other’s feelings to see who cares. Eventually, though, if it’s real, you show your hand.”
In a word, the love-stricken single highlights sweet moments with a twin flame. Moreso, the song expresses the beauty of finding someone who feels like home.
Making Love And The Hustle came with minor challenges. While working on the project, he was also getting his CDL and learning the logistics business. Recording music wasn’t just about going to the studio though, it took real emotion. If he wasn’t in the right mindset, he wouldn’t force it and revisit the tunes when it felt right. To make sure that the album was truly ready to debut, Ray’Jozz spent months riding around, listening to it in its rightful order, making sure every track still resonated with others before releasing it. “If I still felt like it was a solid project by Valentine’s Day, I’d drop it. If not, I’d switch it up,” he shares.
Although Love and the Hustle debuted on March 7, the project took three weeks to complete. He originally considered dropping it on Valentine’s Day to fit with its theme but decided to strategically release singles first, including the standout track “Clowns” featuring Lady Luck. Creating the song was an organic experience for the two. She even played a role in directing the music video. Their chemistry on the record was undeniable, but their competitive nature made the recording process even more interesting. Ray’Jozz initially tried to hear her verse before writing him, but she wouldn’t let him, forcing them both to deliver their best work as solo artists. All-in-all, both artists brought their A-game, which can be heard from the start to ending of “Clowns.”
One of the album’s most personal songs “Secret” touches on cheating and the regret that comes after it.
“It’s a horrible track,” he jokes. “But it’s real. It’s about someone making a mistake, getting caught up in it, and realizing one mistake is a mistake, but if you keep doing it, it’s a choice.”
This narrative alone shows fans how Ray’Jozz isn’t afraid to open up about his past and own up to his mistakes and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
At the moment, Ray’Jozz is already planning new visuals and collaborations.
As for advice for aspiring artists? “Keep grinding,” he says. “If you love what you do, it doesn’t matter if it ‘works out’ or not. You’re still doing what you love.”
Overall, Love and the Hustle captures both sides of love and ambition.
“When you have love, you also have heartbreak. And in between, if you’re a hustler, you’re always grinding,” he explains.
At its core, the album blends vivid storytelling with a strong influence to succeed and relatable scenarios surrounding romance and determination.
