He operates a production company named Gumbo Funk,[1] which is also a name given to his melange of musical styles Johnson was born and raised in New Orleans While in high school in New Orleans, he began providing beats to local performers in Jackson Square.
He was later encouraged to move to New York, where he began an affiliation with Universal Music Group as a producer.
[1] Then known as Joe Kool, Johnson collaborated with Devante Swing, and the production group Da Bassment with that he contributed to Jodeci's first album, Forever My Lady.
Johnson went on to work with Brian McKnight, R&B artist Joe and D'Angelo before moving into the rap genre.
Joe has also contributed as producer to various labels such as Universal Music Group (1990–2003), and Rap-A-Lot as an independent production entity.