Josh Levi launched his DISC TWO EP practically a 12 months in the past as a sequel to his 2020 mission, DISC ONE.

DISC TWO was preceded by the singles “NASA,” “Vices” and “Don’t They (Remix)” that includes Normani. Whereas the mission has amassed over 16 million streams on Spotify alone, Levi goals to increase its attain to new audiences.

On Could 12, Levi launched a deluxe model of the mission, DISC TWO (SCRATCHED UP). The expanded version included all the unique songs plus 4 bonus tracks: “See Low,” “Ego,” “Birthday Dance” and a sped-up model of “All Over Once more.”

Levi says he was impressed to reissue DISC TWO after noticing the mission was gaining recognition amongst new listeners. “I felt like so many individuals had been nonetheless discovering and being introduced into the world that I created with DISC TWO,” Levi explains to Rated R&B about releasing SCRATCHED UP.

He continues, “Main as much as the discharge of the deluxe, I used to be seeing a lot love, and I simply wished to offer one other life to the [project] and add some new songs. I used to be releasing new music in any case, so I felt it was a good suggestion to repackage it and proceed that world.”

In Rated R&B’s interview with Josh Levi, he talks extra about DISC TWO (SCRATCHED UP) and breaks down every new observe on the mission.

This interview has been edited for size and readability.

What prompted you to launch a deluxe version DISC TWO practically a 12 months after its launch?

That was intentional. I’m so appreciative and pleased to anybody who likes something from DISC TWO as a result of I put a lot of myself into that EP. I did as a lot content material and stay performances for it as I might. These new songs had been a continuation of that. I wasn’t going to let it breathe with out giving one thing new. I used to be already going to launch new music, however I figured it was a possibility to increase that world I used to be already in with folks.

Have been these songs created whenever you made DISC TWO?

I’m at all times creating. “Ego,” for instance, was within the DISC TWO period of making music. I’ve had that tune in my pocket for a while now. It’s produced by [TONE], the identical producer as “All Over Once more.” I additionally wrote “Ego” and “Birthday Dance” across the similar time. “See Low” was a current tune that I did in my studio in my home.

Now let’s get into these new songs. What’s the inspiration behind “See Low”?

“See Low” is the center finger tune. It’s the final ‘F You’ to somebody. I wrote on TikTok, “I somewhat you say the worst issues to me than act like an individual I don’t know anymore.” “See Low” is saying, “Inform me the worst issues, [but don’t] act bizarre or be unrecognizable.” That occurred in a relationship the place I knew somebody for thus lengthy, and he or she turned a stranger over time. It was this unsaid factor. I might’ve rathered her say the ugly phrases to me than for the vitality to have modified with out an evidence. It was the primary tune I’ve written in my dwelling studio.

What was that studio session like?

I bear in mind having Popeye’s that day. I had a rooster sandwich and candy tea. I hit up my guitarist JHAWK, who went on my Vices Tour. I used to be like, “Yo bro, I simply wish to do a bunch of concepts to guitar.” I write in another way on a regular basis. It depends upon what I’m within the temper for. I used to be actually impressed by a bunch of guitar-based songs from the ’90s and ’80s. So he laid down these chords and that riff, and we began doing a little melodies. The story simply took place. I used to be like, “That is how I really feel. Let’s simply decide to all of it the best way.”

What impressed “Birthday Dance”?

“Birthday Dance” is an excuse to really feel good with out having a purpose. It’s one thing you don’t need to suppose laborious about and forces you to smile and transfer. It’s the gratitude of getting one other day of life and a superb time with folks you get pleasure from.

What’s the which means behind “Ego”?

“Ego” is about confidence. It’s about understanding your energy and never chasing something, that are issues that I’m about as an individual. I’m a Libra, and I’m actually huge on understanding who you’re. “Ego” is that horny vibe [and] letting your vitality converse for itself. It’s actually necessary to me when folks hearken to my music to really feel good, seen and understood.

You launched a sped-up model of the beforehand shared “All Over Once more.” Why that tune particularly?

I simply really feel prefer it knocks, and the beat feels good. Typically I’ll sit on my sofa and watch reactions to my movies on YouTube. One evening, I discovered myself listening to my complete discography of fan-made sped-up and slowed [versions]. It’s so attention-grabbing how the music sounds at totally different speeds or pitches.

While you’re on YouTube, do you ever end up critiquing your work within the course of?

I’m my largest critic. I at all times suppose I can do one thing higher, however I’m on the level the place gratitude is a theme and a part of my life now. I’m appreciating issues for what they had been and never choosing issues aside as a lot.

Random query: What makes you cheerful?

That could be a bounce scare of a query (laughs). I simply forgot the place I used to be — in my interview or my remedy session. I’ve truly been speaking about that this week and the way I want to put in writing down an inventory. I used to be simply speaking to my mother about that. The happiness of others makes me pleased; I don’t know if that’s wholesome or not. Watching TV exhibits make me actually pleased. I’m an enormous TV present slut. I like TV exhibits. Relating to music, seeing folks really feel one thing from what I create makes me very pleased. I nonetheless have imposter syndrome with regards to that. I don’t know if it’ll ever go away, however it’s nonetheless mind-blowing that individuals can recognize one thing I put my limb into. Meaning the world to me.

What exhibits are you watching?

Every little thing. Queen Charlotte. Now, I’m rewatching Bridgerton. I’m obsessive about Succession [and] Euphoria. I simply watched Beef on Netflix. I’m a TV present man — and that’s simply within the final like two weeks. I might provide you with a protracted record (laughs).

You talked about earlier that you simply’re at all times creating. What’s subsequent for you?

I’m engaged on my album. Somebody advised me you spend your entire life making your first album. I’m at all times fascinated about that. I’m very intentional and detailed-oriented about issues. Constructing and placing collectively the primary Josh Levi album is one thing that I’m fascinated about and dealing on day by day. One other main focus of mine subsequent is touring. I like nothing extra about being an artist than performing. That’s at all times on the forefront of my plans and targets.

Stream Josh Levi’s DISC TWO (SCRATCHED UP) EP under.