Josh Banton Buries His Past in “Funeral” Featuring Lenny Eastside: A New Era Begins
Josh Banton is many things, but what people often overlook is his strategic approach as both an artist and a brand. Since the release of "Stand on It" featuring Jazzy J, we've witnessed Josh gradually move away from the Temperature Era and enter a new phase of his career where he clearly understands his goals as an artist, a brand, and an individual. As creatives, finding that balance amidst everything we face is challenging, but if there were any doubts about the authenticity of this phase, Josh made his intentions clear with the announcement of "Funeral."
Drawing inspiration from Galatians 2:20, which speaks about being crucified with Christ and living through faith, “Funeral” explores themes of spiritual transformation, leaving the past behind, and embracing a new identity. To give more context we had an exclusive preview of this song with a live performance this past March at Rockview Entertainment's return of the 5 or 5000 shows. WIth a suprise appearance by Lenny East Side we saww off the rip the chemistry the two had from how they touched the stage to the comrodery they had once they got off the mic.
Fast forward to last week, Josh Banton released a spooky trailer just before Halloween to signal the transformation from the old Josh Banton. Dressed in a blend of Men in Black and Sinners and Suits, they prepared to show the world the necessity of being ready for the funeral. Let's discuss the tracks: with songs like Stand On It, Josh skillfully dominates Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B, becoming a household name while demonstrating strong conviction in his beliefs about God and self-confidence, revealing someone who is very comfortable expressing his faith. However, in "Funeral," we finally strip away the layers of his persona, introducing the idea that growth requires letting go of who you used to be, as he confronts the aspects of himself he knew needed change. By referencing Galatians 2:20, it provides a deeper understanding that the concept of dying to your former self can give words a double meaning.
“He turned my mourning to dancing my beauty for ashes I call that a trade. If saying Jesus gets me cancelled then I want the smoke I ain’t ducking no fade”
Then we have the word play, Josh plays on the concept of death giving us Death to Slim Shady vibes with the celebration of putting that chapter in the past. FInding beauty within the fire the contrast between life and death pushing him with the confidence in his wordplay. Which by the way is extremely next level. We have never seen Josh at this calibur before.
We are also introduced to Lenny Eastside the man putting the battery on Josh's back. Giving us J.Cole meets Meek Mill and Lecrae with his storytelling, thoughtful bars and personal introspection of his faith and he reinforces what Josh is looking to promote that Christian Hip Hop does not have to fit in a certain box. Lenny creates an opportunity whether its through delivery or his cadence and energy the collaboration gives the record more depth without losing sight of its message.
We need to also give an honorable mention to Maz former VDP member and longtime friend of Josh who has made his cameo in every Josh Banton visual. We are now dubbing him the Stan Lee of the Banton content . Its dope to see friends like that support an artist in all phases of the career. We need the GLT Podcast back though ! (Shameless plug sorry not sorry )
As we get ready for The Hardened Heart the track and the video was the perfect warning shot that this new creative direction that Josh is on is here to stay,
Follow them everywhere @joshbanton @lennyeastside
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