Junior Cinema and Media Arts major Josiah Broyles, alternatively known as WORLDWIDE BABY, is an R&B rapper who was raised in Thailand. With 142 monthly listeners on Spotify, this young artist is gaining traction, especially among fellow Biola students. Inspired by artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jon Keith, and Foggieraw, Broyles aims to communicate stories through his music. 

“I hope to reach people kinda like me,” he said. But who is Worldwide Baby?

THE NAME

The name, “Worldwide Baby,” according to Broyles, comes from his older nickname “Baby Broyles.” This name originated in his freshman year of high school, where he played on varsity basketball teams at only 14. The “worldwide” comes from Broyles’s identity as a missionary kid. He was born in China, grew up in Thailand, and for the time being is planted in the States. 

THE HEART

What’s behind the lyrics and stylistic choices of Worldwide Baby’s music? 

Broyles said he emphasizes themes of home and belonging in his verses, and in his recent music, he has been exploring the relational nature of human beings.

“… as we’re created in the image of God … our relationship with God also reflects how we relate with other people,” Broyles said. 

Making music has helped Broyles learn more about himself, and whether he’s making tracks on his family’s iPad or playing live shows, Josiah has kept a spirit of humility. 

THE MUSIC

“Once I got to senior year [of high school] … [my music] became like a journal.” Broyles’s earlier music was often derived from personal experiences, but with that, he felt, came an odd invasion of privacy. He expressed how vulnerable it was to let others “glimpse into his journal,” acknowledging the intimate side of writing autobiographical music. After gaining a little traction, Broyles started writing what he calls “satirical” lyrics. This new approach to crafting his songs combines multiple perspectives and stories to create one cohesive piece. While conveying the sentiment that “…everyone has a desire to be known- and to be understood by people,” Broyles affirms the importance of privacy in his experience. 

Though his writing is grounded in his beliefs and theological worldview, Broyles does not want to fall into the category of a “Christian artist or influencer.” He simply wants to be a music artist who is also a Christian. 

Josiah talked about how believers have a tendency to set worship artists or Christian artists on a pedestal, almost taking their lyrics as additional words from God. 

“I’m just making music about my life, and I’m messed up.” 

ARTIST INSPIRATION

 Broyles admires and takes deep inspiration from Ms. Lauryn Hill, an African American artist who produces/writes/sings in the rap, hip-hop, and R&B genres. 

“She doesn’t shy away from the fact that she’s a Christian,” Broyles said, adding that he values that unapologetic character of hers and hopes to emulate a similar approach to his faith. He also loves that, “she’s creating music about things that matter… I think there’s a cool side of creating art just for yourself and then it seeing the world.”

Other smaller artists like Jonn Keith and Foggieraw also play a large part in the conceptualization of Josiah’s music style. Josiah was very excited to share his interactions with Foggieraw, both virtual and in person. Foggieraw reached out to him and expressed his appreciation for his music. It started with a verse Josiah added and posted to an unreleased Foggieraw song. Foggieraw ended up seeing the video and not only liking it but also reposting it on his own social media accounts. Following this, direct messages were sent, and a genuine connection was formed, demonstrated later by the two running into each other at a concert and conversing like old friends. This had a hugely positive impact on Broyles’s self-esteem and helped remind him to feel confident about his music. 

FAMILY VALUES 

Family plays an endearingly large part in Broyles’s pursuit of music. He explained how the majority of his family is musically inclined. His younger brother plays the violin, his mother was classically trained, and Broyles actually plays a little piano. He always looks to the support of his family.

“[Theirs are] the opinions that I, lowkey, trust the most. Before shows, when I’m preparing a set list, I’ll be on the phone with my mom.”

Though rap was not a genre his family was familiar with, they still support Josiah and offer advice, criticisms, and encouragement as they can. 

It was a privilege to sit down with Broyles and hear his story. Hearing the catalyst moments in his journey as an artist and tracking his growth, it is exciting to see where this young artist may go. Take the time to check out his music and visit his social media pages to see some of his work.