Joe Trufant Says It’s Okay To Be Vulnerable In “Boys Need Love Too”

The Brevard, NC-born artist rejects toxic stereotypes in his new release.

For fans of any music, discovering good new music is one of the best feelings. For fans of R&B, look no further than Joe Trufant, the Atlanta-based artist making waves with his relatable lyrics and ear for soul-capturing melodies. Having already collaborated with some huge, respected names in the industry (Ty Dolla $ign, K Camp, Kap G and more), Trufant is looking to take the next step and establish himself as a mainstay in the music business.

Trufant's smooth vocals and catchy beat testify to his talent as a singer and songwriter. Still, the quality that makes his music truly unique is his willingness to incorporate and address tropes and issues that may have been traditionally ignored in his music. As we enter a new era of R&B, artists like Trufant refuse to shy away from the taboo, instead using his voice to challenge some of the toxic values we hold as a society, especially regarding masculinity.

One of his latest releases, “Boys Need Love Too,” showcases Trufant’s rare ability to combine the catchy with the meaningful. This soulful track speaks to the emotional needs of men in relationships, shedding light on the vulnerability that often goes overlooked in our culture's expectations of masculinity. Trufant’s smooth vocals pair perfectly with the hazy, late-night instrumentals.

Spitting lines like “Ain’t a dang thing changed / You still playing games / gassing up my time,” Trufant instantly transports you to a sonic world of his creation, forging a connection with listeners by channelling the vulnerability we all feel when we’re in a whirlwind of romance. The track's message is clear: men have emotional needs too, and expressing them is okay.

In a society that often stigmatizes vulnerability in men, Trufant's music offers a refreshing reminder that everyone deserves love and affection. Whenever you need new R&B for your playlist needs, why not check out music that is both meaningful and simply catchy?

Tap in and stream Trufant’s “Boys Need Love Too,” available now.

Welcome to BuzzMusic, Joe Trufant! We loved “Boys Need Love Too,” the meaning of the song was pretty cool and something we haven’t seen much, and it was so catchy too! We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind this track? Can you take us through the creative process for it?

The idea behind the song came when I realized that in the past few years, I had heard a lot of songs about girls needing and deserving love, and yet I hadn’t heard any songs in that same lane for the boys. My boys Yegr, Nepaondabeat and Emzy put together the perfect beat and sample to complete the idea. I’m thrilled with how it came out.

So you mentioned that in “Boys Need Love Too,” one of the principal messages you intended for it was that it’s okay for guys to be vulnerable. What do you think about current perceptions and expectations of masculinity in society, and what made you want to address some of that in your music?

I don’t like to overshare my feelings or be very vulnerable. That’s not how I am but to each his own. I made the song so the fellas could get some representation in that arena. Boys need love too.

How did you get started on your musical journey? What does music mean to you?

I started writing raps in class in middle school, and in early high school, I started putting out music, though not very good. My boy Trey Keysor and I worked jobs in high school to buy a mic, and for Trey’s senior project, we built a studio in his mom's basement. We were self-taught, so it took time and a lot of mistakes to get our music to sound halfway decent, and in 2015 we released the Fall Through EP that changed everything for us. That was a big turning point for us because it was the first genuinely polished project we had put out. Music has been an essential outlet for me. I can’t see myself doing anything else, so I’m locked in 100% no matter where this goes.

What do you want your fans to feel when they listen to your music?

I want them to be able to escape whatever troubles are going on in their life with my songs. I view music as an escape, so if I can give that gift to someone else, I will succeed in this whole music game.

You mentioned you have an album coming out soon! What can we expect from it, and are there any songs, in particular, you’re excited for your listeners to hear?

I’ve only released singles and EPs, so this tape is new. Instead of 5, 6, and 7 songs, we’re looking at dropping 12. I’m excited for you all to hear the records. I’ve been making much different music, but if that makes sense, I wanted this to be a more “Joe” sounding project. Closer to my pocket and my sound. I’ll put the more experimental songs I’ve been making on another project. This one’s a “Joe” sounding tape. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it.

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