W: Mandy Morgan

JoeJas, the UK's genre-blurring rapper and producer (also known by his production alias "HairyMuffinMan"), is set to release his highly anticipated fifth studio album, Left Handed Bandit, in 2025. This project not only solidifies his reputation as a unique creative force but also delivers his most critically acclaimed work to date, having already received high praise from influential tastemakers like The Needle Drop.

The foundation of JoeJas's universe is ‘Fat Llama,’ the brand, label, and umbrella organization he launched in 2014. More than just a music label, Fat Llama is a hub for his "whacky ideas," driven by the mission of promoting the outcasted and weird and giving a platform to those who dare to challenge the norm. The ventures housed under the Fat Llama name are wide-ranging, encompassing live music events, art shows, pop-up shops, and clothing/accessories, reflecting his limitless pool of creative concepts.

JoeJas's five studio albums form a progressive narrative, consistently embracing bold experimentation. The core of his discography features the recurring character Gappy, who serves as the protagonist in this imaginative world. His debut, Planet (2016), introduced his distinctive style, followed by Gappy (2018), which introduced the titular character. A major career highlight came with Four Wing Island (2020), an album that earned JoeJas the prestigious Vans Musician Wanted award, along with high praise from star artist Anderson .Paak. He followed this with Gaps & Nomads (2022).

The 2025 album Left Handed Bandit represents the latest chapter in the Gappy narrative and perhaps his most critically lauded work. The album has already generated significant buzz, notably from the single ‘WTF.,’ which was named one of The Needle Drop’s (Anthony Fantano) best tracks. This album continues his experimental, genre-blending sound.

The track "Last 108 Ride" serves as a perfect example of JoeJas's comprehensive artistry. The song—rapped, produced, and the video shot, directed, and edited entirely by him—explores a personal bus journey he used to take home in a specific area he lived. Lyrically, the track expands on the first and last years of his life there, while the accompanying video deepens the lore of the Left Handed Bandit character, creating a rich, self-contained story. In an industry of specialization, JoeJas stands out as a fearless storyteller and visionary, building a rich, self-contained universe one zany idea at a time.

Discography Defined by Experimentation