Joey Valence & Brae: The DIY Duo Redefining Hip-Hop's Fun Factor

In an era where hip-hop often takes itself too seriously, Joey Valence & Brae have emerged as the genre's much-needed burst of unrestrained joy. The Pennsylvania-based duo has carved out their own lane by crafting infectious beats from Joey's bedroom studio, armed with nothing but raw talent and an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s hip-hop, video games, and cartoons.

Origins of the Sauce

Joseph Bertolino (Joey Valence) and Braedan Lugue's story begins in 2021 at Penn State, where they met as college freshmen. What started as casual hangout sessions in Joey's dorm room, freestyling over his homemade beats, evolved into something unexpectedly magical. Their chemistry was instant, bonding over shared interests in music, video games, and similar senses of humor.

Musical Evolution

Their sound is an audacious blend of '90s hip-hop and electronic music, seasoned with references to Y2K culture. Despite garnering millions of streams and selling out shows internationally, they've maintained their independence, recording everything from Joey's bedroom/basement studio. This DIY approach hasn't held them back – if anything, it's become their superpower.

The duo's trajectory took off when an unfinished track gained massive attention on TikTok, leading to the completion of "Double Jump."

Their debut album "Punk Tactics" (2023) showcased their ability to merge old-school hip-hop with modern themes, featuring collaborations with established artists like Logic. The album's success led to appearances at major festivals and opening slots for bands like Limp Bizkit and Sum 41.

No Hands: The Sophomore Triumph

Their 2024 follow-up album "No Hands" represents a significant evolution while staying true to their core sound. The record features notable collaborations with Danny Brown and Ayesha Erotica, demonstrating their growing influence in the industry. Songs like "The Baddest" and "Packapunch" showcase their ability to craft infectious hooks while maintaining their signature blend of humor and technical skill.

Production Style

What sets Joey Valence & Brae apart is their distinctive production approach. Their sound draws heavily from golden-era hip-hop acts like the Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, and NWA, while Joey, who started as an EDM producer, brings additional influences from electronic acts like Skrillex, Pendulum, and Knife Party. Their homegrown sound, maintains a distinctive DIY quality that has become part of their signature style.

Cultural Impact

Despite their meteoric rise, Joey Valence & Brae have remained remarkably grounded. They still live with their parents, saving money while racking up hundreds of millions of Spotify streams and TikTok views. This authenticity resonates strongly with their fanbase, who connect with their unfiltered approach to music and life.

The duo has carved out a unique space in contemporary hip-hop by embracing what many artists shy away from – pure, unadulterated fun. Their music serves as a reminder that hip-hop doesn't always need to take itself seriously to be impactful.

Looking Forward

As they continue their ascent, Joey Valence & Brae show no signs of compromising their vision. With sold-out tours on both sides of the Atlantic and a growing list of high-profile collaborators, they're proving that success doesn't require following the traditional industry playbook.

In an age where algorithmic perfection often trumps raw creativity, Joey Valence & Brae represent something refreshingly real: two best friends making the music they want to make, bringing that 90's nostalgia back, but making it exactly how they want to make it. Their rise isn't just a success story – it's a blueprint for the future of independent music in the digital age.

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