Lyrical Joe

Joseph Gamor, known professionally as Lyrical Joe (also LJ), is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter born on 5 August 1995 in Accra. He hails from Mafikumasi in the Volta Region and lost both parents at the age of 12, turning to writing as an outlet. He grew up on Lil Wayne, Eminem, Nas, Jay-Z and Bob Marley, and attended Airport Police International School and later Akosombo International School.

In 2011 he represented Ghana as the only rapper in the African edition of X-Factor. His debut project, KILL (King In Limelight), arrived in 2018, followed by the Vibes EP (2021), Photo Album (2023), I AM (2025) and the 5th August 10 The EP (2026).

He is best known for the 5th August series, a tradition of birthday releases he began in 2017 that has now reached its tenth instalment. 5th August 5 won Best Rap Performance at the 2022 Ghana Music Awards, and 5th August 7 claimed the same category at the 3Music Awards. His work attracted a class lesson built around his lyrics at Edge Hill University in the United Kingdom, and he has appeared on Tim Westwood’s platform in both 2023 and 2024.

He has recorded with Sarkodie, E.L, Edem, Efya, Medikal, Darkovibes, Kelvyn Boy, Camidoh, Fameye, Flowking Stone, Tinny, Yaa Pono, Beeztrap KOTM, Kuami Eugene and A-Q internationally.