Twice the Artist, is a phrase that fits Chicago born artist Joshua ” JE the VANDL” Ellis to the core.
As an animation graduate from the elite Art Institute of Atlanta, he truly has an understanding and passion about the arts, which has lead to a higher level of artistry. Inspired by hip hop legends like Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane, and Mos Def, JE had made a name for himself with his unique and unparalleled approach to music. By combining intricate and involved metaphors and similes with witty and intelligent punchlines, his music gives a refreshing twist to “the art of storytelling”.
Falling in love with music early, he began a lifelong devotion to performing. JE’s first musical encounter with a crowd was a rap performance in a school play at the young age of 10. He started writing shortly after. JE has grown from performing in school shows to opening events for New York fashion week. As a strong family oriented individual, he credits his success to his parents, who have influenced him to be the artist he is today.
JE’s graphic artistry stimulates his listeners imagination while his sound and music create an original feel that connects to his audience on a personal level. He has possessed the ability to transform his trials and tribulations into positive motivation for himself and his listeners. JE defines Music as an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions and can be illustrated as freedom, poetry, art, passion and love. Being “twice the artist” means being twice as ingenious, twice as insightful and twice as dedicated to his craft.
JE continues to VANDL-ize the norm, and showcases how REAL JOSH ELL-is.
