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There are many genres and types of music for one to choose to indulge in. Over the past 30 years dozens of new music styles have appeared, with each one drawing thousands of devoted followers. One of my favorite musical genres has always been hip-hop and rap. I enjoy hearing a message when listening to music. When I was young I learned things from KRS-One that weren’t taught in school. Finding that message in Houma opened my eyes to a growing problem and one man’s plight to end it.
Joshua Albert Hayes of Houma graduated from Terrebonne High School in 2001. Josh learned music in school at an early age and was even selected to be a drum major towards the latter part of his high school career.
Music isn’t Josh’s only passion; he is also quite the philanthropist. Josh’s life is dedicated to volunteerism and making sure that every child gets a chance to pursue his or her dreams. He thus created the moniker Average Joe 44 and set out to shine a light on some of society’s ineptitudes.
“The world is full of problems that can be solved, if I can get a light shined on me and then shine that light on the problem, then it’s one step closer to solving that problem.” said Hayes as we sat surrounded by the art and the atmosphere of the Boxer and the Barrel. “I believe that I represent the 99 percent. I want to talk about the plight of the middle class and give a voice to the voiceless. I’m not a rapper that’s here to perpetuate stereotypes. I don’t want to set myself apart from people by saying, ‘I have this or I have that.’ I want to show people that were all the same in a universal sense.”
I believe this wholeheartedly and it’s part of the reason that I want to introduce others to the music of Average Joe 44. In the words of the immortal Beatles, “I am he, as you are he, as you are me, and we are all together.”
Average Joe 44 is a vantage point to Hayes’ nonprofit organization, which launches in 2014, S.A.M.E (Shared Awareness of Musical Experiences). The organization is founded under the principle of enriching the youth. Hayes’s goal is to inspire the youth to learn new skills through both the organization and Average Joe 44.
“If a million kids see me doing it, then it inspires them to either rap or pick up an instrument or just do something productive,” Hayes said. S.A.M.E. provides free music lessons and instruments to less fortunate children that normally would miss the opportunity to learn a new skill otherwise. S.A.M.E. does not just focus on music, but also helps children learn various other aspects of the arts. These include theatre and dance, as well as a variety of other subjects related to the arts. Hayes hopes that the organization can eventually brother with local educational establishments to provide scholarships to children that excel at their chosen crafts. “ I have the opportunity to devote myself to volunteerism and to also become an advocate for change. I want to change the framework of how things are done.” Hayes said.
Hayes is currently working on his first LP and expects it to be out in the early parts of 2014; however, in the meantime Josh is working on a mix-tape that should be available sometime in September. It’s plain for me to see that Josh has found his calling in life and he is making efforts to produce results. The lyrics of Average Joe 44’s songs are filled with truth, honesty and hope. They shed light on real problems that often get overlooked or ignored altogether. From the downtrodden to the disenfranchised, Average Joe 44’s message hits home to individuals from all walks of life.
I implore you to check out www.facebook.com/averagejoe44. Josh is an exceptional person with an exceptional goal in life. We need more people like him, who are dedicated to solving society’s woes. 2014 is poised to be a breakout year for Joshua Albert Hayes. The upcoming year sees not only the launch of his nonprofit organization; but, also the dropping of the Average Joe 44 album. Stay tuned into the Average Joe 44 Facebook page for more news and updates.
The message of Average Joe 44 can be received by all. I hope that a fraction of the people who read this article will be spurred into action to help the less fortunate any way they can. In five years I can see S.A.M.E being one of the foundations of the Houma Art scene. All children deserve to be treated equally. Great talent is not just a trait that you can be born with; it takes cultivation and motivation. Thank you, Josh, for being out there captivating and motivating future generations.
– Alex Martin is a local musician and thespian who loves and lives in Houma. Reach him at alex@gumboguide.com.
Joshua Hayes, of Houma, is the hip-hop artist Average Joe 44. Hayes considers himself a voice for the downtrodden and disenfranchised. He said he will launch a nonprofit organization next year that aims to enrich the youth.
