On what seemed to be the hottest day of the century, I’m talking blackouts due to a heatwave hot. iHeartMedia returned with Summer Tuesdays, giving New York City a much needed oasis in what felt like the desert sun. Set inside iHeart’s slick Midtown HQ, attendees were welcomed with a pre-show cocktail hour featuring light bites and drinks courtesy of Hampton Water Rosé and Heineken—a laid-back toast to art and influence. This installment of the summer series kicked off in true harmony with Josh X at center stage.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Xantus popularly known as Josh X, took over iHeartMedia’s NYC headquarters for a soul-rich performance and candid conversation. He spoke about growing up in a strict Haitian home, getting Stevie Wonder’s blessing and his journey in the music industry. The Brooklyn native shared stories about juggling his passion for R&B while upholding his obligation to classical music. “I told my mom classical music ain’t going to get me NO girls”. It felt like I was in a studio audience for a sitcom the way the crowd erupted into laughter.
Although it was a struggle to stay focused on the path his mom carved out for him, Xantus later admitted, “My mom definitely was right, she said classical music would get me right. It got me a degree, a full scholarship to The Juilliard School and I graduated with a bachelors in music.” Audaciously, after graduating he asked his mom, “Can I get to the money now? Cause Chopin is not got going to pay the bills”. She lovingly replied “alright, you can do whatever you want now that you got that bachelors degree”.
In addition to being an expert storyteller, Xantus is a top tier performer. Accompanied by two backup vocalist, Josh X serenaded the audience with hit records like “Heaven On My Mind” featuring Cardi B and “All On Me” featuring Rick Ross, ending his set with the 2024 smash “Breathe” produced by Mosess Beats.
Summer Tuesdays embodies the love and respect for the art of music notably overlooked in today’s content consumption culture. Ray Tejeda, iHeart Media’s Senior Vice President Sales, Market Events & Brand Partnerships, summed it up best: “As an audio company, we’re proud to celebrate the artists and sounds that shape our culture. During the month of June, in honor of Black Music Month, iHeartRadio has been spotlighting the influence of Black artists—those who’ve paved the way and those who are shaping the future.”
The night buzzed with a mix of media insiders and rising talent, including Nhlanhla Nsibande, Brand Strategist and founder of Nala Mollo, whose presence added to the industry-forward energy in the room. Josh X’s vocals may have been the soundtrack from this edition Summer Tuesdays, but it’s the intention behind it that will carry through the season. Stay tapped in every Tuesday as iHeartMedia continues this tribute to sound and soul. In the mean time tap in with Josh X’s latest release “Are You Down”.