Joshua Leon or J. Leon for short is known to most people as “Mr. Leon” or “Sho”. He was never given a moniker or nickname for an alter ego as his best identity is the truth of whom he is. Some may wonder where “Sho” comes from, but originally calling himself “J-Sho” and moving the letters around got him that name before dropping the “J” and dash.  He was born July 5, 1994 in Raleigh, NC and as a young kid he was introduced to a variety of music from his father whom went to Woodstock and many concerts like going to his first show seeing Sting preform. What he is best known for is writing songs, poetry, rhymes, rapping, singing, music production and any form of music engineering. 

Mr. Leon has received many reactions from being a suburban kid stepping into the culture and foot hold of what Hip-Hop is. Many people have belittled him and few have praised him. Instead of seeing the dreams he has set forth for others many misunderstood his actions as a person and saw it in a rebellious nature.  He has put aside any and all harsh criticism seeking his own truth within which he found and is now able to express. This gave him the comfort and the confidence to spread his motto’s peace, love and music allowing others to find hope and happiness to bring universal unity. His goal or revolution is helping others to relate through experiences bringing change and understanding to all on a spiritual level. Thus, he leaves is heart and soul on the line through his music to bring compassion about.

Nothing standing in the way of this young man has stopped him. Through all adversity and underdog bids he continues to conquer and impress! As some of his accomplishments to date are playing shows across the nation from Cali to Detroit and NY to back home all over NC. His music on Reverbnation at one pointed charted as high as #2 in the Hip-Hop category in NC. Mr. Leon first debuted on the radio back in 2012 for his song “A Bottle of Wine” with Rasta B on 88.1 WKNC, which is NCSU’s radio station. He later got word that a few of his songs were also played on WCU’s radio station. His music has been heard all over the world being selected into many independent podcasts as well. He has been apart of many interviews and musical projects such as his most notable, the debut EP, “Nightwalker” released in 2015, featuring artists Koncept and Supastition. On top of his two biggest singles “Run This Country”, which has over 1500+ plays and “Heaven”, featuring the legendary King Los and Typical Nick hailing just shy of 7k plays.

Since relocating in 2015 to the mountains of NC after the release of “Nightwalker” he has had much time to reflect, study online at Berklee College of Music and fully grasp the meaning behind his own motto’s, inner peace and musical soundscapes. He will not stop sharing these thoughts and in some ways teachings to others that can relate to his music and situations he or any have gone through. At the end of the day Mr. Leon wishes to inspire people to be better for a better tomorrow. He is a firm believer in leaving the universe off in a greater light then we have found it. All of these things gave birth to the idea of his debut full length LP called “Vision and Soul”. It goes in depth of his reflections and ideas to help save this planet as well as sparking change in a rebellious manner that could be considered righteous. His heart is coming from the lightest points and the darkest depths of his being as his emotion runs true and is pouring endlessly throughout the album garnering attention for you to hear him out with his idealistic views. Through pain, through struggle and through all the glorious moments that are the embodiment of his vision and soul it becomes one with a spiritual being, the Night Walker. As he says in one line from the album “I’m not a leader without you leading too/so follow me and I’ll follow you”.

This album will feature artists such as stated before the legendary King Los, Rockie Fresh, Rapper Big Pooh formerly of Little Brother, Substantial, long time friends and collaborator with Nujabes, 2009 Grammy nominated singer/song writer in the Urban Category, Kokayi, famous battle rapper Soul Khan and Blame One! “Vision and Soul” will be coming to you all sometime in 2019. In the meantime, Mr. Leon will release a side project called “The Curse of Leon”, gearing up for a release near the end of 2018. Be ready and be prepared for these mystical journey’s of a life time!