Joe Little III aka “Joey Beanz”

Joe Little III aka “Joey Beanz” Grammy/Billboad Award Winner & Multi-Platinum Songwriter

Legendary Songwriter

Interview by Teresa B. Howell & David R. Navarro

Grammy/Billboard Award Winner and Multi-Platinum Songwriter. Lead Singer: @therealrudeboys Founder: @urbeanjoecoffee

Joe N Little III a.k.a. Joey Beanz or Casino Joe is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor and American entrepreneur most known as lead singer of the internationally known group The Rude Boys most known for 1991 Billboard R&B Song of the year “Written All Over Your Face”, along with being C.E.O, co-founder and spokesman of Urbean Joe Gourmet Coffee, a self acclaimed first African American independently owned coffee brand and franchise. Joe, along with Edward (Buddy) Lee Banks, Larry Marcus and Melvin Sephus, were discovered by Gerald Levert, who was responsible for signing them with Atlantic Records. “Rude Awakening,” the band’s 1990 debut LP, included the single “Written All Over Your Face,” which held the #1 spot on Billboard’s R&B chart, as well as #16 on the pop chart. It also won Billboards R&B Song of the Year in 1991. “Are You Lonely for Me,” which was written by Joe Little and Tony Nicholas, would score another #1 hit on the R&B charts from this album in 1991. “Heaven”, another single from the album was a top ten R&B hit. “Rude House”, the group’s second album debut in 1992 and included the singles “My Kinda Girl” (an underground new jack hit) held the #2 spot on Billboards R&B chart and “Go Ahead & Cry.” Joe launched his solo career with the 1994 release entitled, “Puttin’ It Down (Atlantic Records) which spawned two singles”The Hump Is On” and “Me and You”. He has written, produced and collaborated with Platinum and Gold Artists such as Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat,Charlie Wilson, Men at Large, Troop, Intro, and The Temptations which won him Grammy acclaim for writing and producing two songs on their album, Joe has an unreleased duet with the Queen of Soul herself… Aretha Franklin called “Only You.” He has also worked with music great Jay-Z who raps on the remix of “My Kinda Girl”… a song off the Rude Boys 2nd album. He’s also worked with a host of other music professionals such as Ojays, Temptations, LSG, Troop, Rome, Drama, Special Generation, Gene Rice, Roger Troutman, Wyclef Jean, J. Holiday, B2K, Marques Houston, Ginuwine, Lyfe Jennings, Charlie Wilson, Romey Rome, Snoop Dogg, Lil Flip, Layzie Bone, Strings, Jazzee Phae, Dru Hill, Cheri Dennis, Latif, Dark Blue, Say Yes, Stoxy, and Young Ray.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Joe Little III, I’m the lead singer of the 90’s R&B group, the Rude Boys and known for the #1 Billboard Award Winning Smash Hit Song “Written All Over Your Face.” I love to sing, I love to perform and I love to take care of my family. I’m also thankful to the Most High, the Creator of life and for all that he has blessed me with. How long have you been involved in the music industry? Professionally, I have been in the business since 1990 when my first album “Rude Awakening” came out on Atlantic Records. So, it’s been thirty-one years.

What made you decide to be serious about music? Who are your major music influences?

What started me to be serious about music is that I always felt it inside, I always felt that music, new music, old music, singing and writing was me ever since age 5. Major influences: Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and Gerald Levert.

I know you have worked with many talented artists/celebrities. Can you tell us 1 to 2 of your favorite stories?

Definitely, the Aretha Franklin story. Aretha requested me to sing a duet with her and I was amazed that she would even think about little ol me. I didn’t even know that she knew who I was. I studied her as a kid listening to her Gospel & R&B Music albums. I was just blown away that she would even consider me or even sing with me. Being in the studio working with her, it was just an amazing time, and I now have an unreleased song with the Queen of Soul titled “Only You” written & produced by Brian Alexander Morgan. What is it like being a Multi-Platinum Songwriter to you? It’s great because I love expressing my lyrics and my experiences, I love combining my lyrics and melodies, its amazing to just be able to create. It’s like making a baby with the music.

Tell us about your most favorite song you have written?

I would definitely say “Are you Lonely for Me” which went #1 on the R&B Billboard Charts and was my first number one song as a writer and producer. Also “All of Me” my current single & video being released on Friday, August 27, 2021.

Which people or books have had the most influence on your career and why?

Gerald Levert because he opened up the doors, he opened up the gates for me to be heard and for me to express my talent. So, definitely Gerald and he is deeply missed.

What would you say is the #1 key to success in the music industry?

Being dedicated to your craft and to keep growing with it, being consistent and nurturing it. The key to longevity is consistency. You have to be in the studio writing and recording. You have to work out, be healthy and you have to take care of yourself. Self-care/Self Love taking care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.

Does your music come from a place of passion or a place of necessity?

A place of passion. It’s in my soul, it’s in my spirit, I love it. It’s me, it’s who I am, its my most truest expression.

What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

If music is what they love, then just be dedicated and be serious about it. It will take care of you if you take care of it. In this game of music what you put into it, you will get out of it. I can’t guarantee that somebody will blow up, but you will be good at it. Always remember real success is within yourself and not out here. Even if people never make it, it doesn’t mean their not good.

Tell us why they call you, Joey Beanz?

Because of my coffee company, because I invested into the coffee business and people started calling me Beanz or Joey Beanz.

Any new projects in the works you can talk about?

My solo career, my new single & video “All of Me” which will be released on Friday, August 27. My record label, Brother 2 Brother International that I have with my best friend Marc Jenkins, the Rude Boys working on singles and videos, my coffee company (Urbean Joe Coffee) and my Self Love movement.

What is the song you sing in the shower?

I don’t sing in the shower, I listen to music in the shower.

Please list your website and/or your social media platforms.

Websites: www.joelittle3rd.com, www.urbeanjoe.coffee, www.selfloveroom.com

Social Media Platforms:

Facebook: Joe Little (Casino) Joe Joey Beanz Little, Joey Beanz Little Page II

Instagram: @joelittlerudeboysofficial, @therealrudeboys, @urbeanjoecoffee & @theselfloveclubhouse

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I’m thankful to the creator for allowing me to share my talents with the world. I love my fans and I am grateful for their support over the years.